Herding Cats (and Dogs) a #JoyJourney
By Lynne Croker
Planning! I guess this is my ‘love language’, an act of service to my nearest and dearest friends.
Not having my family here close by in Canada, I value these friendships above all else. They are my go-to, my rocks, my sounding boards, my shoulders to cry on, my bffs!
When my close friend Ashlye, requested a hiking day to celebrate her 40th birthday, my hand was first to be raised… “let me plan this for you”.
Over the 15 years our friendship group has changed.
Love has been found (and lost), dogs rescued and babies born. Our dynamics have changed and those younger days of spontaneity are no more. However, despite these super smart and educated individuals, somehow their modus operandi remains as carefree and disorganized as their once, many decades ago, teenage selves.
Let me begin with communications! Our WhatsApp group “Hike for 40th” was formed weeks in advance, all but one confirmed immediately their attendance… well, subject to a few small inconveniences, such as whether a day off work will be granted ;-)
Next step, our hiking route. Highline, Cloudline, Powderface Trails were all thrown into the mix. I decided to undertake some research. I subscribe to All Trails which is fantastic hiking app, mapping out routes, elevations, difficulty and provides almost daily reviews by other hikers on the condition of the trails (including wildlife encounters).
Yikes, I thought when reading the trail reviews…they might as well have suggested Everest! How do I diplomatically, and without crushing their young at heart attitudes, suggest something a little more moderate? Notwithstanding, one of group had already suggested that we could easily take turns to carry baby Silas (14 months – almost walking) in a back carrier. My knees hurt just thinking about this!
A subtle pivot was required and thankfully, All Trails saved the day by announcing trail closures (due to repairs) and ice conditions on those higher elevations. Therefore, I suggested a more ‘accessible’ route to Grassi Lakes which thankfully was not opposed.
Next step, how do we get there? 5 adults, 2 large dogs, 1 baby + stroller and associated baby supplies to mobilize a small army. I’m happy to drive, my car is dog friendly so I suggested myself and the birthday girl, my dog and her giant white (shedding/drooling) Pyrenees mix. That’s okay, my car is dog friendly! (eek…to a point…!!)
Let the Hunger Games begin as to who will pair up (or not) with Baby Silas and Mom! With WhatsApp pinging constantly with kind offers of “I’ll drive”, “I’m happy to drive” however, it made sense for the baby wagon to scoop up the stragglers since they do not have the fixings for a car seat and the other essential equipment.
On the day of, I was not surprised at all to receive a call at 8am from Murray (the only male in the group) to ask who he was travelling with and what time. “Murray” I exclaimed, “I told you this information last night since you had not responded to any of our texts”. ”Oh ,sorry” he said “I was watching the hockey and not paying attention”. Note to self: Always follow up with to confirm arrangements with Murray (especially during play off season)!
Off we set, the weather was awesome, I had packed homemade egg rolls and drinks for our day out, enough to feed us all. For the dogs, plenty of water and extra kibble!
A smooth journey out to Canmore and we perfectly timed our rendezvous at the trail head (great planning I thought to myself). But maybe I had thought aloud to soon, we had still not factored in the ascent, and whilst not an extreme hike, I had also not factored in Baby Silas and his utter shock of being placed into the baby carrier.
Unfortunately, there had been no rehearsal or practice with the carrier. Poor little Silas began to cry, then scream and then howl. The dogs looked on in dismay! It was an impossible job, tangled up in the baby carrier in which his aunties (and Mom) had not a clue where to clip in and what not to clip. We abandoned ship, pulled him out and soothed him back into the safety of his familiar stroller.
It took a team to push that stroller up the mountain! Well, if truth be told, a team of one… Murray saved the day. Murray who once spent time in his 20s earning his keep as a rikshaw driver, was now the rickshaw pusher and powered those wheels up the hill. If I added that he didn’t even break into a sweat, I would be lying. But somehow his muscle memory of all those decades ago kicked back into gear, and without him, we would never have left the car park. Next time, maybe we should harness the dogs as their endless energy would be an asset.
We made it to the Lakes, breathtaking blue and turquoise and it was here that I wanted to surprise the group with my portable tripod. “Let’s take an action selfie – who can star jump?” This was met with laughter and the pop of a cork, and another cork as a couple of bottles of fizzy were pulled from backpacks.
Completely distracted and focusing on their fizz, I continued to set up the tripod, test the Bluetooth and try to coerce my bff’s to jumping with joy. The results speak louder than words, and the failed synchronized leaps were the source of much teasing! It was then that I realised that all of my friends were having a wonderful time (in their own way) and celebrating.
Celebrating life and birthdays and friendships
and it was time for me to let go of any ‘plans’ that I might have (a little selfishly) made.
As a brisk and cold mountain wind started to break our sunshine, it was time to leave and head back to basecamp. A quick check on baby Silas to ensure he was cocooned in a warm fleece blanket and off we went, the stroller rolling nicely down the path whilst we enjoyed the scenery, the fizz and the company. The dogs leading the charge knowing that their supper would be waiting for them.
Oh, and talking of food… the egg rolls. I am pleased to report that they were a great hit with Baby Silas and the dogs!!
The most important outcome was an unforgettable day for Ashley, who shed a few tears of joy and happiness when we toasted her special birthday.
And despite ‘packing my patience’ to herd these cats and dogs up to Grassi Lakes, in my mind, the effort was 100% worth it! I wouldn’t have changed a thing!
Meet the Author - Lynne Croker
Lynne is our fabulous Community Engagement Specialist here at Life Changes & Divorce Magazine Canada. With credentials as a Project Management Professional (PMP), she brings years of experience in project coordination and event planning. Lynne is passionate about creating spaces for meaningful dialogue and support during life transitions. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys connecting with people, volunteering, and is an advocate for community wellbeing
Note: The author, compiler and publisher do not assume and hereby disclaim any liability to any party due to these words coming from the author’s own opinion based on their experiences. This account is based on the author’s own personal experience. We assume no responsibility for errors or omissions in these articles.
