SYLVAN SONG

The road from El Paso to Cloudcroft, New Mexico, went north through the desert up the Rio Grande river valley. After many miles we turned east and drove toward the mountains. The road went through a tunnel where the landscape changed from desert to forested mountains. We were always so excited. It was a sylvan song. When it came time to leave everyone was ready except for Mao, our dark brown Burmese cat. He would disappear up the mountain and watch us call, coax, and plead for him to come. Eventually, one of us would find him and carry him to the car. He loved camping!