Take a hike

Pat, Mr. Bojangles and I took a hike in the Mark Twain National Forest, entering from the Pine Ridge Campground, seven miles east of Ashland. The sky was clear, the air crisp and the trail was hidden under a blanket of leaves. Below, with one mighty push, Pat cracked a tree-sized wishbone.

In this neck of the woods, black bears have evolved, sporting opposable thumbs and the ability to create language. Pictured here is the beginning of a bear village. Near the campfire is evidence of bears using stone tools and freshly painted petroglyphs of humans walking dogs.

"I am a lucky dog."

This giant Sycamore's trunk is about 15 feet in diameter. A small plaque at its base says it played an important, supporting role in the movie Fern Gully.