"To his dog every man is king; hence the popularity of dogs." — Aldous HuxleyHard to believe it but it’s about time for Christmas vacation and my recreationally deprived self is outside raking leaves. I’m also earnestly seeking recreational opportunities and steadily longing for enhanced weather conditions. In order to relieve what is commonly referred to as the winter doldrums I gain a temporary respite by getting my dog and heading into the woods.