Weave is normally shy and quite proper but get her near a rushing waterfall on a hot summer day and an intriguing metamorphosis occurs. Her eyes brighten and her breathing becomes heavy, her cheeks flush with excitement. She shrieks and moans, flails her arms about, and jumps up and down. She then (if I do not stop her) rips off her cloths and plunges into the water. It's really quite a sight.

I first witnessed this amazing transformation many years ago at a waterfall I know only as "Weave's Secret Skinny Dipping Spot". In truth I was delighted by her behavior and was quick to follow suite, this was after all the perfect spot: nice deep pool under the fall, very private, little visited, easy to get to but hard to find. Trusted dog Ripple was guarding the only approach and would give amply warning of an intruder. My shorts were strategically placed for quick access. I am no exhibitionist.

As the years past I realized our visits to our "Spot" were, for Weave, a cathartic rite. Annually she would plunge into the waters, stand naked before the world, and be cleansed. The rite was her personal New Year. Her burdens unloaded, she was ready to face the world afresh. Everything was fine, while it lasted.