From the first moment we set foot on the trail to Noble Knob, it was clear that this was Bobby’s place. Aside from the obvious (peeing on something means you own it, right?), he just seemed incredibly happy there, smelling the flowers in the meadows, looking for critters and snoozing in the sun. We’ve always thought of it as Bobby’s hike.

(Bobby on the Noble Knob trail, 2007)

This week, we went back to Noble Knob to spread Bobby’s ashes and say our farewells on his favorite mountain.

It was such a bittersweet trip; the weather was perfect and the hike was as beautiful as ever (…and Wellie was running around like crazy, tongue flapping every which way – apparently this is one of his favorite trails too!) but saying goodbye to Bobby felt so sad and so final.

I’m not going to write much since I’m tearing up just thinking about all of this, but it was a beautiful last hike for Bobby and I am so glad we did it. Now we’ll always have a place to go to visit our little Scabbers.

A friend sent me this quote today that made my eyes well up all over again:

Who are these characters who come and go from our lives, leaving behind hair on the sofa and more than a few footnotes in our personal history? Who sends them to us, and who takes them away? Does it matter? They are gifts. We can only embrace, enjoy and let go when we must. Even if it always seems way too soon.

(Best friends on Noble Knob, 2007)

I’m also going to try to keep this one in mind (thank you Dr. Seuss):

Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.

To all of you out there who are lucky enough to have animal companions, give your little (or not so little) friends an extra hug today. You will never regret it.

– Noble Knob | 7 miles | 500 feet elevation gain –

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