Strolling

When it turned out the Jets game wasn’t being shown on TV, Chive and Lila consented to take a walk in the arroyo with Chauncey and Eleanor. Chauncey declared it to be his favorite walk in the world.

The river became visible.

The walk starts off on a dusty downhill slope which leads to a paved concrete road next to Jet Propulsion Laboratory. At the bottom of the slope, Chive heard the sound of the river and was stoked. He carried his football with him. A few minutes later, the river became visible to the right.

Periodically, there was a bridge to cross.

Periodically, there was a bridge to cross. On one bridge, a man was tackling a tall tree leaning against the outside railing. He succeeded in knocking it down into the water below but a branch flew off and hit Lila on the foot. The man looked and continued walking in the opposite direction. Lila said her foot hurt, but it did not appear to be injured. She was outraged that the man did not apologize. Chive suggested the man may not speak English.

Eventually, Chauncey announced there was a spot up ahead where they could sit by the river. A woman was leading her horse, Believer, across the river when they arrived. Lila and Eleanor admired the horse, and the woman showed them where to pet him on his forehead. She said he was her favorite horse out of the fifteen she had owned during her lifetime.

A small frog leapt up.

The foursome explored the area. Chive took off his shoes and waded in the water. Lila followed suit. Chauncey inspected the wildflowers, and Eleanor took pictures. She was delighted when she sat down on a rock and a small frog leapt up. Everyone came over to have a look.

On the way back, the light became softer. Other walkers were returning from the waterfall farther up the trail. Chauncey suggested they start earlier on another day and head for the falls. All agreed it was a great idea.

All agreed it was a great idea.