Turtle‑Hunting in the Coulee

 A Warm Day, Yellow Leaves, and a Dog in Goggles

Some days just land right where you need them, and today was one of those steady, good ones. Kim and I headed out to take photos of turtles, wandering through the coulee while the leaves showed off their full September yellow. It’s that time of year where the whole valley looks dipped in gold, and even a simple walk feels like a little seasonal reset.

I’m still in that maintaining‑training groove—runs with Dixie, walks, work shifts, all keeping me moving. The weight’s something I’ll wrangle soon enough, but for now I’m doing good, staying steady, staying active. The dog was in full sniff‑mode, nose down, tail up, checking every patch of shade we passed like she was inspecting her kingdom.

And yes—her new eye goggles made their debut. They’re supposed to tint everything into one colour and keep the wind from tearing up her eyes when she sticks her head out the window. Turns out they also stop her from barking at the vehicle ride, which is a miracle on its own. She loves wearing them in the car—head out the window, laughing up a storm like she’s queen of the highway. Walking with them? Not a chance. She paws them off immediately, like, nice try, Dad.

We didn’t find as many turtles as usual—more babies than big ones—but that’s half the fun. Searching, spotting, crouching down for photos. A locomotive rumbled across the bridge while we were taking pictures, adding that little soundtrack of steel and motion to the afternoon. Kim got lots of photos, of course. She always does.

Afterward we stopped at Circle K so Kim could grab a drink. I stuck with tap water at home—simple, easy. She likes her ice; I like keeping it basic.

All in all, a decent day. A warm walk, a dog in goggles, yellow leaves, baby turtles, and a quiet kind of happiness that settles in when you’re out with the people you care about, doing something small and good.