Dug the cross country skis out to get a better look at the hoarfrost, or whatever it is, that covered every needle and twig today. Had such a good time at Retzer yesterday that I decided to do it again. I covered the same territory and trails as yesterday but had even more fun on skis.
As much fun as it was silently gliding through new snow, the best reward came when I was able to help someone who was lost. It was about 20 minutes till sundown and I was close to the woods after completing the outer hiking loop when I met him. A small boy of maybe 8 or 9 was heading south, alone, away from the woods. I looked around, knew he wasn't walking toward anyone because I just came from that direction. I didn't know if he couldn't talk because he was bundled up so tightly, or because he knew he wasn't supposed to talk to strangers. At any rate, he kept walking and wouldn't answer my questions, though I did hear him whimpering just a little. However, he was smart enough to change direction when I told him to not keep walking in that direction.
OK, the kid's lost. Don't panic. Stay with him until he's found but don't frighten him any more than he already is. Start walking toward the Center. Stop. Listen. "Did you hear that?" Someone is yelling from the woods below us. Whistle. Is that them? Will they know it's us? Stay with the kid. Let them come to us. Yes, it's them. Hallelujah!
Being a parent myself who's lost track of children in stores, I was glad I immediately recognized the situation. Retzer close to dark in winter is no store. The good feeling I got from helping in a time of panic stayed with me the rest of the day. Please be careful.
