Felltree Marsh Don't Be a Stick in The Mud!

"Bout as best as I could," he replied. "Don't bother me most of the time, but winter can be tough. Lotta pain in my shoulders, but it ain't constant." 

He'd always been pretty tough, but waking up stiff and feeling stabbing pain in his back every time he took a step was grating. 

Their walk continued, and thankfully the muddy ground started being replaced with solid dirt. Dead leaves slowly turned into grass, and the smell was fading. 

"Think we're almost outta here?"