The Cabin and the Chase

In one smooth motion, Erica opened the hatch door of her car with her left hand and clipped the rope lead onto the collar of her dog Spark with the other hand. Despite the dog's squat, mutt legs, he jumped down from the SUV and stood obediently by her side. With her shoes neatly double knotted and her lightweight jacket tied around her waist, she studied the oversized framed map at the trailhead. She noted that the beginning was a moderate climb up the mountain, left at the first split would take them across the river, and they'd have an easy meandering loop back to the parking lot - about five miles total distance, which was within the range for this seasoned duo.

They set off.

Spark led the way up the trail, keeping ahead of Erica's pace just enough to take advantage of some quick pauses to sniff the rocks and logs. It was mid-November, and even though the forecast initially hinted at some rain, they had a sunny 65 temperature on their back.

After about a mile of switchback climbing, the trail split appeared, and they took the left. With still no one still in sight, Erica reached down to unclip the lead, "Hey buddy, here you go, but stay close!" Spark made eye contact and nearly gave a nod in understanding. The two continued, walking through a tall grove of Aspens, past late-blooming wildflowers, and onto a newly built wooden plank walkway.

The trail began to climb again, so they leaned into it a little more and continued on. A few clouds started cutting across the sky, intermittently stealing the sun from them, but neither was concerned. She thought they should start seeing signs of the river and bridge, but the trail continued up and began to get steeper.

Erica paused and said, "Hold up Spark, let's look at the map for a minute." She reached into her side pant pocket and pulled out her phone. She swiped to open her photos and was startled to see no snapshot of the trail map. She thought back and realized her over-confident mistake. She had felt with such certainty that the trail was simple, so she skipped taking her usual precautionary map photo.

"Okay, buddy. We're going to head back. I think we made a wrong turn back at the split." Spark stood there looking at her with a stubborn stance. "Yes. Let's go!" Erica swiveled back around and began the descent with Spark reluctantly following a few feet behind her.

Just as she was starting to feel like they were getting back to square one, a rabbit sprang across the trail with such speed it nearly crashed into Erica's leg. One second later, a fox sprinted just behind her in a wild pursuit. Without any time for Erica to react, Spark shouted an enthusiastic bark and turned into the bushes in high pursuit.

"Spark!! Spark!" Erica yelled in panic as she took the same turn into the bushes. With not nearly as much sprite as the caravan of prey, predator, and pet, she crashed through the shrubs, ducking under tree branches while repeatedly calling out Spark's name. She could hear his barks in the distance, so she carefully stepped through and over and under until she reached a small clearing. There he was in the middle of the clearing, sitting in the middle of a trail, panting with an out-foxed grin. Erica leaned down to clip the lead back onto his collar and made squinty eye contact, trying to give him her best angry scowl.

With a big sigh and their heart rates starting to slow down, she looked up and down this new trail that had no resemblance to the one they were just on before the fox fiasco. The natural direction, she surmised, would be down, so with Spark now close by her side, they both headed down together.

In all of the earlier mayhem, Erica didn't notice until now that the sky had become increasingly darker, and a rumble of thunder could be heard in the distance. Taking no chance at a stray sprint again, she stepped her foot tightly onto the lead, unwrapped her jacket from her waist, and slipped it over her head.

Minutes later, one splatter and then two hit the ground, and a clap of thunder, this time closer. They continued down the trail with more urgency now, weaving their way through a thick stand of pine trees, which temporarily sheltered them from the increasing rain. With her hood cinched tight under her chin, she looked down to see Spark's pitiful face dripping wet and they quickened their steps.

Just as slight panic was starting to settle in - soaking wet and unsure of the trail, she caught a faint whiff of smoke. They forged through the trees and crossed a narrow wooden plank bridge that saved their feet from a stream, and there, in a small clearing, was a weathered cabin with a mossy chimney and warm light coming from inside.

With no other options, Erica walked up the two wide stone steps and knocked her wet knuckles on the door. A soft voice replied from inside, "Coming!" The shuffle of padded feet arrived at the door, and a warm smile from a hunched woman greeted the two. "Oh my goodness, come in, come in," said the woman.

Erica stepped in with sincere apologies, "I'm so sorry to bother you! My dog and I got a bit turned around on the trail, and then the storm caught us."

"Dear, dear, dear. Take off that wet jacket, and let me get you a towel to dry your dog", the woman said as she walked into the other room.

The woman prattled on as she ushered them to the stone fireplace, "Well my goodness, what excitement - first a storm and now visitors! My goodness, my goodness, I'm so glad you're out of that miserable rain, but how in the dickens did you find my little place?"

While the woman put a kettle of water on the stove, Erica told her about the rabbit, the fox, Spark the dog, and then the storm. Clothes and fur slowly dried in front of the fire, and as the second helping of tea was finished, sun rays began to slant across the small living room.

With sincerity, Erica said, "It looks like the storm has passed, and I'm so grateful for all your kindness!"

"Well, of course my dear," said the woman warmly. "Now follow me, and I'll show you how to get back on the trail."

The woman took them outside, and with the aim of her worn walking stick, she pointed it toward a narrow path just behind the house. "Now take that path, and it will take you straight back to the parking lot where you started."

With a wave of hands from both women, Erica and Spark set out again. After a short distance, and with great relief, the trail became familiar again, and they made their way back to the comfort of their car.

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[photo by me. story is fictional.]

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