I watch as my future walks towards me on a flower filled path. Lean and upright with silver hair splashed on her head.  Old not because the spirit in her eyes has faltered. Mid eighties? Less than a half mile into her hike and knees already decorated with brown patches. Quite large ones.  Got a fall done with early today? 
The bones of her left hand gripped nothing but a notebook.  To draw? Mt Rainier surely is worthy. To write? I’ve always believed a true writer keeps their words in a notebook. Or quite possibly her emergency contact info in case this hike goes different than planned.  The trail was rocky and steep and in a short while would become rockier and steeper.  
She starts to slow as I came closer. This should be interesting.  For what possibly could my future self have to say to me now. “A beautiful morning” I say to her.  She let the pleasantry fall off her and states “the top is still really far away.(?)” “Umm yes. Really far. And quite rocky”. A pause and then I add “but beautiful the entire way”. Her gaze never stopped looking ahead even as she spoke.  Not remotely deterred. And who would I be to question a dream.   As we parted ways I rooted for her.  Finding some relief in lengthy summer daylight hours

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Skyline trail, Mt Rainier National Park, Wa