Saturday was a perfect day for a hike with Violet to the top of Mt. Sugarloaf. Our daughters Jeanne and Margie were home visiting for the weekend. They’re always up for a hike. And, Moose, my daughter and son-in-law’s English Pointer, would be Violet’s hiking pal. Sugarloaf was chosen due to time constraints. It’s just one mile each way and could easily be managed in the allotted time.
The trail was packed with people. We weren’t the only ones out to enjoy the beautiful warm, sunny day after a gray, drizzly week. We had no sooner started off on the trail when we ran into fellow Berkshire Hills Australian Labradoodle Oscar with his owners Sydney and Bud. Can’t go too far without running into one of our Berkshire Hills buddies!
It had been weeks since Violet and I had been on an off-leash walk in the woods together. She was having a blast running ahead with Moose. Violet is a joy to walk with. She never ventures more than 20 feet ahead, then makes an about-turn to check in with me. Sometimes she runs back to walk by my side. Other times, she stands and waits for me to catch up with her. This little dog always looks so happy, her eyes twinkling and mouth open wide in a smile.
The trail is pretty flat about two-thirds of the way up with an ever-so-gradual incline. The last third is a rapid rise to the top. 
The view of the Pioneer Valley from the summit is always a breathtaking sight. We were surprised, though, at the lack of fall colors lighting up the horizon. We saw mostly greens and golden-browns. No brilliant reds and fiery oranges. Nonetheless, a sight to behold. It felt so good to be out in the cool, crisp fall air looking down over the Valley.
The two mile hike was all-too-short. Jeanne and Margie kept us moving at a rapid click. Seemed we were up and down in record time. Great physical fitness hike! I hope we have many more days like this to hike before winter sets in here in western Massachusetts.