My favorite lake loop in all the west is the one around Swan Lake. Sometimes it is hard for me to put a figure on what I like. I knew this place was special when I ran into it.

I was out ahead of snuggles and flowing the momentum trail when I stopped dead in my tracks. A pine martin stood upon my path, and I came to a stop. We stared at each other.

After a moment, it just walked down the trail. I waited impatiently for Snuggles to catch up. When she did, I told her to ride around the corner and look for a creature. I was sure it would be just walking down the trail.

She did just what I said, and I waited. After a few moments, I rode ahead to catch up.

“Well?”

“What I saw nothing.”

I took out my phone and scrolled to the photos I took. I handed it to her.

“Oh wow, your namesake”