The low winter sun was heading towards the horizon. It had been a gloriously frigid blue winter day. The snow looked like a field of fallen stars and the forest trail was wide enough to accommodate us. The horses whinnied and steam poured from their nostrils. They were anxious. So were we. In we climbed and snuggled into the bed of hay on the floor of the sleigh. The sides creaked in the cold as we all found our places. The strap tightened up the rear of the sleigh and moments later we were off! The sleigh bells were ringing and we couldn't help but burst into song. Through the deep forest under a canopy of snow laden branches we traveled, slow and then at times with a burst of speed. Over a bridge we could catch a glimpse of Lower St. Regis Lake and the peach and purple hues of the setting sun. I was warm and overwhelmed with gratitude. How lucky was I to be in that moment brimming over with satisfaction and joy. All is well. All is good.

Travelers, it is late.

Life's sun is going to set.

During these brief days that you

have strength, be quick and

spare no effort of your wings.

Mevlana Rumi, Sufi Poet

I find comfort today in Nancy Woods' words