My son was gifted this giant duckie when he was a baby, and loved it so much that I saved it. It's only right that it should be passed down to his own son!

10 years ago a story about an ultra runner who was chosen by a li'l stray dog during a multi-day running event in the Gobi Desert caught my attention. She ran with him for more than 80 miles during the event, but then got lost before he could bring her home to Scotland. The rescue mission went viral. I couldn't wait for the book to come out, and bought it immediately. It didn't disappoint! It was such an incredible story of adventure, even beyond the race part of the story, and truly inspirational. 

Fast forward to 2024 and we actually crossed paths with the author, Dion, and his wife, Lucja at the Denali Ultras in Alaska! They are both accomplished runners and really good humans. Unfortunately, for one reason or another, we didn't get to meet Gobi, and I was disappointed. 

Fast forward again to a few weeks ago when I saw a post announcing that they would be coming to New Hampshire, and just imagine my excitement! And then my work schedule changed so that I could actually attend the presentation in Jackson? Ed never even questioned the fact that I would be willing to spend more than 4 hours driving up there and back. Of course I would. I couldn't wait!

Dion and Lucja put on a really nice presentation, sharing some more details behind the scenes of their experiences in ultras and life with Gobi, while the real star of the evening lounged in her chair at center stage. Afterwards we all got to meet her and pose for pictures. Gobi is such a sweetie! Dion was happy to autograph books and pleased to notice that mine was a first edition. He and Lucja were happy to chat about our first meeting in Alaska. I hope to cross paths with them again in the future!

We spent another fun day in the woods today! Table Mountain is listed on the 52 with a View and boy, does it ever have a view! Although, not at the top. But, that's okay because those ledges are incredible. It was such a gorgeous day to hike - warm, but breezy enough to keep it comfortable and to keep the bugs away. Buffy particularly enjoyed all the brook crossings and waterfalls. Except for when she slipped and dunked herself. I'm afraid I might've had a li'l laugh at her expense. I had fallen in earlier myself, and she enjoyed that rather more than she should, so turnabout's fair play!

As much as we enjoyed having the bird feeders hanging from the porch rails, the squirrels were making a mess, so they needed to come down. We decided to try hanging them from a clothesline, instead. It's working like a charm!

It was too nice a day to mope around the house! So, we went exploring and found a waterfall, instead. This is Gonic Falls in Rochester, New Hampshire.