Summer Sunset

Earlier this summer, a friend posted beautiful sunset pics on Facebook. She'd taken them from one of the overlooks on the Blue Ridge Parkway. As I admired her photos, it occurred to me that I have never driven up the parkway just to watch the sun set! I'm lucky to live only 15-20 minutes from the Parkway, however, because it is so close, I think I tend to take it for granted. Perhaps it's human nature to make elaborate plans to visit distant places, while overlooking the wonders in our own backyards.

I decided to rectify this situation, so one evening we all piled into the truck and headed up. Needless to say, the dogs were thrilled. Dogs are always willing to stop whatever they're doing and go on an adventure.

Katie enjoyed this outing too, despite the fact that she's hiding from the camera in the above photo. In fact, she was so seized with joy when we arrived at the overlook, she LEAPED over the tailgate as soon as I opened the hatch. I did not expect that and horrified, attempted to catch her in midair. All this accomplished however, as I "sort of" caught her back legs, was to increase the angle of her landing. It's a miracle she didn't land on the top of her head, and an even greater miracle she didn't break one or both front legs! She's 12 years old! She uses a ramp to get in and out of the truck!

Even now, in my mind's eye I can see her sailing through the air in slow motion (I swear it happened in slow motion). So scary! We had a serious talk afterward about how we don't leap out of the truck under any circumstances, and especially not before being called to do so! Fortunately she seemed none the worse for her spontaneous attempt at flying, and we went on to watch a lovely sunset.

Can you spot the ears?

We need to do this more often.