Tammy and I hoofed it up and down Butter today in record time. Not that this is a good thing – in fact, I often prefer going at a slower pace in order to take photos and take in my surroundings as well.

Today, going the round trip in 5 hours was probably a good thing – it sure helped us keep warm. As soon as we got into the open near the top it was pretty chilly – and we had some sleet and then some snow – wet snow, but still – snow.

At any rate, the going was fast and easy. Luna (the dog) had a fabulous time and Tammy has now seen the rest of Butter – which I suspect she never intends to see again.

So it was our last hike of this season – she’s off to Wisconsin (home) on Friday. I’m going to miss her, not just because she’s a great hiking buddy and, along with Nicky, the best truck Sherpa, but mainly because she’s a special person.

A good person. A smart person. A person I like being around.

And now we are well and truly into the start of winter. It’s time for me to probe more deeply into the germ of an idea for a book – and time for me to get even more thoroughly engrossed in politics (as regards the environment – but then, everything is about the environment these days).

Time to get active and time to ponder – time to go into action of a different type.

But first – a baking day with Sheila tomorrow. In the pouring rain. Rainy days are good days for baking bread.