Stepping out just before dawn broke this morning, snowflakes showered me as Riley and I headed east. And then I made a fateful decision.

Instead of our usual loop, which I planned to do with him today before going out for another 6 miles, I headed north. It was a route I’d run before, but this was better than expected.

Hills, scenic countryscape, snow and Riley.

But I took a few detours while heading back to civilization. It was another day I wished my camera was in my pocket. We headed though a neighborhood, up a long hill and the towering trees beckoned. When we reached a main road, I saw a trail through the snow and into the state-owned woods.

Riley and I zipped across the road and into the woods. And I figured it would just take me to the paved trail along the shores of Lake Bemidji, but then I found an intersection with another wooded path. We scooted along the trail, leaping over fallen trees, through the snow and weaving through the woods.

Again, as we reached city limits, I looked east down Mill Street and saw the rolling hills. Riley seemed to be doing well, probably in large part to the perfect running temperature for a furry animal, and I decided we’d give it a try. I couldn’t help but notice the grays and blues giving a stark contrast against the browns and greens of the land and trees. The sky even gave a hint of crimson as the clouds hovered above the treeline.

Those rolling hills are great training for me and by the time we reached home, we had logged 9 miles. After putting him inside, I went out for 3 more in my neighborhood, but I found myself longing for the country.

The 9 miles turns out to be Riley’s longest run – and a very memorable one for me.