this morning i took a walk to see my old friend mystic. he and i both turned 30 this year (our birthdays are 3 days apart), and this is the first year that he has been considered too old to ride. after saying hello, i walked myself from the barn down to the trails that we used to travel together. he was my best friend and the vehicle of my youth. he carried me to friend's houses, to the lake and ocean to swim, and even to old fairhaven to have hot cocoa or cream sodas, depending on the season. it occurred to me on my way home today that he may be the cardinal cause of my affinity for dirt and gravel roads. thanks old buddy. i will always love you.
