The Tracker

My ski partners have never been very good at setting the skin track. I tend to climb quicker and not stop for food or drink.

The Sir Douglas Quintet: The Tracker

 

Though I like to stop and smell the roses as much as the next person I also like to reach a destination. I like the solitude at the top of something or other. I like to look back down from where I've (we've) come. I like to give my thanks in peace. I like to anticipate what will happen next.

 

Then I wait. I wait for my ski partner to catch up, take a rest, have a look around, and also anticipate what will happen next, though I'm not sure she ever does. And because my ski partner never seems to know when our day will start or stop, I feel entitled to lead the way back down.

 

My ski partners have never been very good at setting the skin track. That's alright. That just means I get the pleasure of watching something more graceful and perfect than me take her own sweet time.