The Best of Ellijay, Blue Ridge & Jasper Funpaper issue 7 | Page 28

or me, there
are a few
things I must
have when it
comes to hiking; a
good walking
stick, a good
mountain man hat
and a good dog. A good dog is more than just a dog; it’s a
companion, a part of the family and a friend while on the
trail. You know what its thinking and it knows what you’re
thinking. You eat together, you drink together and you
rest together. And, me, I carry on complete conversations
with my good dog. You may think I’m crazy for saying this
but the dog understands what I’m saying