One weekend, I went for a hike in the Parâng Mountains, starting from Petroșani. It was a quiet winter day...cold but not too snowy, just a thin layer of icy snow covering the trail. I was joined by my golden retriever, Geena, and my boyfriend at the time.
The trail started out easy. Geena was loving it, as always: running ahead, sniffing everything, occasionally stopping to wait for us. We walked through quiet forest paths and open clearings, taking in the fresh mountain air.
As we climbed higher, the snow turned to ice in some parts, making it more difficult to keep going without crampons. We tried for a bit, but it became clear we’d have to turn back sooner than planned if we wanted to avoid any slipping hazards.
We found a nice open area with a view and decided to stop there. I pulled out my camera and did a quick little photoshoot with Geena. She looked perfect in the winter light, with snow in her fur and that alert, curious expression she always has in nature.
Even though we didn’t reach a summit or go very far, it was still a memorable day...peaceful, simple, and full of little moments that made it special. Just being out there, with good company and Geena by my side, was enough.