Walking with Mr. Bear

As soon as I put on my hiking boots, Mr. Bear knows exactly what’s going to happen. He’s already standing by the door before I’ve even finished putting on my coat. For him, a walk isn’t just a trip from A to B. Along the way, there’s all sorts of things to investigate, sniff out, and, of course, examine in detail.

We never take the same walk

Although I often take the same routes, to Mr. Bear it seems like a new adventure every single time. One moment he has to give a tree a thorough sniff; the next, he suddenly stops right in the middle of the path because there’s something interesting to see further ahead. Sometimes I wonder what on earth he’s smelling. A scent I don’t even notice might be reason enough for him to spend minutes investigating.

And to be honest, I think there’s something beautiful about that. Walking with a dog naturally makes you look at your surroundings differently. Where I might have walked thoughtlessly along the side of the road in the past, I now spot a rare bird, a funny mushroom, or a hedgehog hiding among the leaves.

Getting Some Fresh Air

For me, walking is also a great way to clear my head. No shopping list, no schedule, and no thinking—for a while—about everything that still needs to be done. Just the fresh air, the surroundings, and Mr. Bear happily trotting ahead of me.

And of course, there are days when I have to force myself to go, but once I’m outside, I almost always think: I’m so glad we went after all.

A Walk with a Little Extra

I sometimes bring a small bag along on our walk. Not for Mr. Bear, but for pretty things I come across along the way. An unusual leaf, a feather, or a pretty twig might just come in handy later for a creative DIY project or in an autumn arrangement.

Mr. Bear enthusiastically helps me search, though he has his own ideas about it. His favorite find is usually something that absolutely can’t come home with us.

My walking tip

Try letting go of the clock a little while you’re out walking. Don’t set a strict destination; just see where the path takes you. And if you’re walking with a dog: follow him every now and then. Chances are you’ll discover spots you would have walked right past on your own.

And you? Where do you like to walk best, and who walks with you?

Love, Daphne