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| Happy Holidays! |
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Gold Creek Snowshoe
12-8-2011
Location: Snoqualmie Pass Gold Creek Snow Park
Activity: Snowshoeing
Directions: From Seattle take I-90 east to Snoqualmie Pass. Take Exit 54 "Hyak" turn left under I-90. Then take the second right as the first will send you back to Seattle onto Lake Mardee RD approximately 1 mile on the right will be Nat for Dev RD 144 and the trail head.
This was my first time out snowshoeing and I must say I had a great time. The weather was cool and sunny and could not have asked for better.
The only short fall was with no new snow in the last two weeks & with some warm afternoons the snow was a bit crusty on top. But I did not care a bit. I was out to explore and see what it was like to go snowshoeing.
For those of you who may be considering snowshoeing for the fist time this winter a couple of things to keep in mind. First make sure you bring your TEN ESSENTIALS with you. Make sure you have a change of warm clothing with you. Water to drink and extra food. But before you head out into the back country or even leave home a couple things you should really check are road conditions (Here) and even more important check for AVALANCHE DANGER (HERE). And of-course check the weather report (Mountain Report Here). Make sure you are ready for the unexpected and that some one knows where you are and when your going to be back.
I arrived at the trail head about 11 am and this being my first time out took my time getting ready. It was nice being there on a week day as I had read in the guides that this is a popular place on weekends. So I donned my snowshoes for the first time and headed up Nat for Dev RD 144 to Nat Dev RD 9080 which leads the way to Gold Creek Pond.
It was interesting getting use to walking with the snowshoes not as hard as I thought but I did notice that I do tend not to move as quickly as I do hiking in the summer time.
Reaching the pond I headed around to the left following the well made rut from other snowshoers and cross country skiers as I wanted to make a loop out of it. About 3/4 of the way around I came to the Gold Creek trail juncture and took a left heading up to RD 144 and on up the basin.
Just before reaching the end of RD 144 of to the left I took a little detour that adds on about .3 miles to the adventure and headed to Heli's Pond. It's a small pound with a little bridge crossing the creek on the west end.
Once I reached the end of RD 144 and started on up the trail I could hear Gold Creek off to my left and having a sense of adventure going on with this outing and wanting to try out what skills I have I kept and eye out for a spot to head off the trail that was in the trees and see if I could find something that was a little more open with a little something more to see.
I found my spot and headed off to the left of the trail working my way down through the trees to Gold Creek. Once I was there I headed on up the basin. I continued on till about 1pm when I stopped for lunch and enjoyed the views and a sunny afternoon with the sound of Gold Creek running by.
It was at this point that I made the decision to head back as I wanted to be back before it was dark.
Along the way back I did come across a group of snowshoers heading up the road. I am sure by the smiles on their faces that they were having as much fun as I was.
Location: Snoqualmie Pass Gold Creek Snow Park
Activity: Snowshoeing
Directions: From Seattle take I-90 east to Snoqualmie Pass. Take Exit 54 "Hyak" turn left under I-90. Then take the second right as the first will send you back to Seattle onto Lake Mardee RD approximately 1 mile on the right will be Nat for Dev RD 144 and the trail head.
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| RD 144 |
The only short fall was with no new snow in the last two weeks & with some warm afternoons the snow was a bit crusty on top. But I did not care a bit. I was out to explore and see what it was like to go snowshoeing.
For those of you who may be considering snowshoeing for the fist time this winter a couple of things to keep in mind. First make sure you bring your TEN ESSENTIALS with you. Make sure you have a change of warm clothing with you. Water to drink and extra food. But before you head out into the back country or even leave home a couple things you should really check are road conditions (Here) and even more important check for AVALANCHE DANGER (HERE). And of-course check the weather report (Mountain Report Here). Make sure you are ready for the unexpected and that some one knows where you are and when your going to be back.
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| Gold Creek Pond |
I arrived at the trail head about 11 am and this being my first time out took my time getting ready. It was nice being there on a week day as I had read in the guides that this is a popular place on weekends. So I donned my snowshoes for the first time and headed up Nat for Dev RD 144 to Nat Dev RD 9080 which leads the way to Gold Creek Pond.
It was interesting getting use to walking with the snowshoes not as hard as I thought but I did notice that I do tend not to move as quickly as I do hiking in the summer time.
Reaching the pond I headed around to the left following the well made rut from other snowshoers and cross country skiers as I wanted to make a loop out of it. About 3/4 of the way around I came to the Gold Creek trail juncture and took a left heading up to RD 144 and on up the basin.
Just before reaching the end of RD 144 of to the left I took a little detour that adds on about .3 miles to the adventure and headed to Heli's Pond. It's a small pound with a little bridge crossing the creek on the west end.
Once I reached the end of RD 144 and started on up the trail I could hear Gold Creek off to my left and having a sense of adventure going on with this outing and wanting to try out what skills I have I kept and eye out for a spot to head off the trail that was in the trees and see if I could find something that was a little more open with a little something more to see.
I found my spot and headed off to the left of the trail working my way down through the trees to Gold Creek. Once I was there I headed on up the basin. I continued on till about 1pm when I stopped for lunch and enjoyed the views and a sunny afternoon with the sound of Gold Creek running by.
It was at this point that I made the decision to head back as I wanted to be back before it was dark.
Along the way back I did come across a group of snowshoers heading up the road. I am sure by the smiles on their faces that they were having as much fun as I was.
Title change...
I have decieded to change the title of my blog as eventhough Molly gets to go on a lot of my outings unfortuanately she is not able to go on all of them.
So I have changed the name to Washington Exposure as this just seemed more appropo to my writings here.
So I have changed the name to Washington Exposure as this just seemed more appropo to my writings here.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Boulder River
September 19th, 2011
A long time ago when I was a little kid meaning not a teenager as of yet my family went on hike to a place that I remember as being called Boulder Creek for some reason. In truth it was Boulder River which is located between Arlington and Darrington Washington.
The reason I remember this hike was that it was most likely my first time that I was truly scared and not that the boggy man was going to get me but for my own safety. What I remember of that day has made me want to go back to face that place of my fist encounter with water that truly went wrong.
Being little at the time and having two boys my mom choose an easy hike for us not a lot of up and down hill an over all easy trail to follow with a great place to camp next to the river after following the trail for about four and a half miles.
I remember arriving at the camp site and putting up the tents and then getting ready to go explore up the trail further. The fun part of this was that where the trail now ends it use to continue up the valley only on the other side of the river. Being kids we got all excited as there was a big tree that lead the way to the other side.
Mom had one brain storm before we went as she was well aware of the tree crossing. Mom brought a good climbing rope to stretch across the river. I can still see my brother dancing his way across the river on the log stretching the rope out behind him as he went.
So across we all went and on up the trail. I am not sure how much longer it was and it was starting to rain a little bit and I was getting tire and told mom that I wanted to head back to camp. Well every one else wanted to continue on up the trail so I got to go it alone back to camp.
It's often funny looking back on things and wondering just how well one actually remembers the events of such a day so long ago. But to me it is like a movie and only happened a moment ago for me. As to whether I have it right or not well just don't know.
I had no problem following the trail back there where no turn offs to get lost on and at that time I just wanted to get back to camp is all. Finally camp was in sight all I had left to do was cross the stupid tree to the other side and walk a little ways down the trail there and I would be back to camp. I can still remember looking at the tree crossing not a bit of bark on it. It looked so smooth and shinny that I knew something was wrong but what it was I had not a clue nor the experience to know better. So I hopped up onto the log and started my way across. Nope I was not holding on to the rope. I think I was maybe a third of the way across or so when everything well just about everything went wrong. For some reason the log was no longer under my but off to the side and it was going up in the air. So funny I was not scared at all even when it when it all went blurry as I was going under. Yep I could not touch bottom. I was in deep water in the middle of a rapid river.
I don't remember if i was up or down stream of the log when I came up all I knew was that I needed to get to shore. So I started pulling myself there with the rope don't remember grabbing it on the way down but I must have some how. I headed to the shore I was facing hand over hand till I felt the bank below my feet and was able to crawl out.
I was wet and felt just fine until I realized that I was on the wrong side and had to cross the stupid log still. Second attempt I took the most conservative approach that a kid can. I straddled the log and kept a death grip on the rope all the way across.
If that rope had not been there the odds are that I would not be here writing this. Thanks Mom for always keeping me safe!!!!
I guess that some places are just made for the drama and Boulder River is the spot for me. This time I got to share it with Molly. The Boulder River trail head is located near French Point just off of HWY 530 and is down at the end of NFDR 2010.
The trail Follow the remains of the old logging road for the first part of the trail the narrows as it follow its way up the valley. At the one mile mark off to your right is an a twin water fall that is quite a site. It is about at this time that you enter into one of the few old growth forest that exist in the low lands of the western Cascades.
It was shortly after these falls that Molly and I came across another day time hiker with her two dogs that seemed almost to much of a hand full for her. She told us about an log bridge that was coming up and that she had decided to turn around at that point as her companions where to much for her to get across safely. She as many of the hikers you will find let me know that we were not alone and that the was another couple of hikers up the trail as well.
I always like hearing that cause as I am hiking with just my little girl it is just nice to know that if I need some one that they are there. Cell phone just doesn't work every where. Most of the hikes I have been on it does but you have to be prepared for when it doesn't. Remember to always have the TEN ESSENTIALS with you always.
I always like to eat my lunch at the end of the trail whether it be a trail end, lake or mountain top. As I was hungry Molly and I headed on up the trail at a good clip. And with in a mile or so we passed the other hikers a really nice pair of lady's. They were taking there time as they were getting up there in the years. OK i am trying hard not to say old lady's as that has to do with the state of mind as far as I am concerned. Both were using trekking poles as do I. You never know when having a little something there to help with you balance might just be needed.
This days goal was the trail end where my old tree crossing was. Yep it is no longer there and the trail stops at this point now. So no river crossing for us this day. Here we ate our lunch me my sandwich and Molly well she is to eat her kibbles and bones but was more interested in my lunch. So as usual I ended up sharing a bit with her..
One thing I have noticed as I have started to share all of my adventures here is that I tend to take most of my pictures on the way back and not the way up the trails. Wonder why I do that.
After lunch was finished it was time to head back down the trail once again. I was wonder how far along that the lady's I had past had made it and if we would run into them again. So off Molly and I headed down the trail. Molly was having the time of her life. She love to smell all of the new scents and play in every puddle and stream she can find. the muddier the better. And if it smells all to hi heaven all the better for her.
So there we are me taking all my pictures and video of Molly heading down the trail having a wonderful time. We finally caught up the the lady's we had passed on the way up. They had company this time and I didn't like what I saw. One of the lady's was sitting on a log off to the side of the trail with her hand holding her hat to the front of her head.
First question I asked was what happened and have you been able to call for help? Well one of the lady's had slipped and hit her head on a rock splitting it open. Looking at the rock I saw a lot of blood and first though was that this is not good. But I was glad to see that she was sitting down. The guy that was with them had a cell but no signal for the most part so could not get a call out but was able to get a txt out to a friend and was waiting for a reply.
Second question, does any one have a good first aid kit? Answer just a little gauze and band-aids. Ok I thought to my self time to take over here. So Molly got tied to a stump... not happy about it.. oh well needed to keep her out of my way. I started asking question when did she fall, was her vision clear, did she feel dizzy or nauseous, etc. It turned out that she had her fall about 45 minutes before I got there and was able to answer no to all the other questions. I was like great so far.
Now for the fun part. I always carry a good first aid kit and I'm making it better yet after this experience. I asked if she was in pain and if she would like some thing for it. No. Ok great again. Time to take a good look at it and get it bandaged right. I had her remove her hand that was keeping pressure on the wound and to every ones relief it had stopped bleeding for the most part. Also it was clean, next I got out the antibiotics ointment and made a pressure bandage for her head. You know like the one the drummer in the civil war pictures is always wearing.
It was about this time the the other guy who stopped to help got a response from his friend letting us know that help was on the way. As he was still wanting to head farther up the trail and I was heading out we decided I would go meet the search and rescue and let them know where she was and he would stay with the lady's.
So off Molly and I went in search of more help. We knew help was on the way but no one was sure if they knew that this was about 3.5 miles from the trail head. As we headed on down I kept checking for a signal so that I could call out and make sure they knew which trail to head up and how far they had to go. On and on we went and I came across search and rescue about half way or so back to the trail head. I gave them all the information I had and showed them where on the map she was at. I think Molly was glad that we had found help at this point as we were almost running back well at lest I was going as fast as I could safely and Molly was more then ready for a break. So we had a little snack, trail mix for me and a bone for her and then took it nice and slow the rest of the way out.
A long time ago when I was a little kid meaning not a teenager as of yet my family went on hike to a place that I remember as being called Boulder Creek for some reason. In truth it was Boulder River which is located between Arlington and Darrington Washington.
The reason I remember this hike was that it was most likely my first time that I was truly scared and not that the boggy man was going to get me but for my own safety. What I remember of that day has made me want to go back to face that place of my fist encounter with water that truly went wrong.
Being little at the time and having two boys my mom choose an easy hike for us not a lot of up and down hill an over all easy trail to follow with a great place to camp next to the river after following the trail for about four and a half miles.
I remember arriving at the camp site and putting up the tents and then getting ready to go explore up the trail further. The fun part of this was that where the trail now ends it use to continue up the valley only on the other side of the river. Being kids we got all excited as there was a big tree that lead the way to the other side.
Mom had one brain storm before we went as she was well aware of the tree crossing. Mom brought a good climbing rope to stretch across the river. I can still see my brother dancing his way across the river on the log stretching the rope out behind him as he went.
So across we all went and on up the trail. I am not sure how much longer it was and it was starting to rain a little bit and I was getting tire and told mom that I wanted to head back to camp. Well every one else wanted to continue on up the trail so I got to go it alone back to camp.
It's often funny looking back on things and wondering just how well one actually remembers the events of such a day so long ago. But to me it is like a movie and only happened a moment ago for me. As to whether I have it right or not well just don't know.
I had no problem following the trail back there where no turn offs to get lost on and at that time I just wanted to get back to camp is all. Finally camp was in sight all I had left to do was cross the stupid tree to the other side and walk a little ways down the trail there and I would be back to camp. I can still remember looking at the tree crossing not a bit of bark on it. It looked so smooth and shinny that I knew something was wrong but what it was I had not a clue nor the experience to know better. So I hopped up onto the log and started my way across. Nope I was not holding on to the rope. I think I was maybe a third of the way across or so when everything well just about everything went wrong. For some reason the log was no longer under my but off to the side and it was going up in the air. So funny I was not scared at all even when it when it all went blurry as I was going under. Yep I could not touch bottom. I was in deep water in the middle of a rapid river.
I don't remember if i was up or down stream of the log when I came up all I knew was that I needed to get to shore. So I started pulling myself there with the rope don't remember grabbing it on the way down but I must have some how. I headed to the shore I was facing hand over hand till I felt the bank below my feet and was able to crawl out.
I was wet and felt just fine until I realized that I was on the wrong side and had to cross the stupid log still. Second attempt I took the most conservative approach that a kid can. I straddled the log and kept a death grip on the rope all the way across.
If that rope had not been there the odds are that I would not be here writing this. Thanks Mom for always keeping me safe!!!!
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| Boulder River Trail Head |
The trail Follow the remains of the old logging road for the first part of the trail the narrows as it follow its way up the valley. At the one mile mark off to your right is an a twin water fall that is quite a site. It is about at this time that you enter into one of the few old growth forest that exist in the low lands of the western Cascades.
I always like hearing that cause as I am hiking with just my little girl it is just nice to know that if I need some one that they are there. Cell phone just doesn't work every where. Most of the hikes I have been on it does but you have to be prepared for when it doesn't. Remember to always have the TEN ESSENTIALS with you always.
I always like to eat my lunch at the end of the trail whether it be a trail end, lake or mountain top. As I was hungry Molly and I headed on up the trail at a good clip. And with in a mile or so we passed the other hikers a really nice pair of lady's. They were taking there time as they were getting up there in the years. OK i am trying hard not to say old lady's as that has to do with the state of mind as far as I am concerned. Both were using trekking poles as do I. You never know when having a little something there to help with you balance might just be needed.
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| Boulder River at Trails end. |
One thing I have noticed as I have started to share all of my adventures here is that I tend to take most of my pictures on the way back and not the way up the trails. Wonder why I do that.
After lunch was finished it was time to head back down the trail once again. I was wonder how far along that the lady's I had past had made it and if we would run into them again. So off Molly and I headed down the trail. Molly was having the time of her life. She love to smell all of the new scents and play in every puddle and stream she can find. the muddier the better. And if it smells all to hi heaven all the better for her.
So there we are me taking all my pictures and video of Molly heading down the trail having a wonderful time. We finally caught up the the lady's we had passed on the way up. They had company this time and I didn't like what I saw. One of the lady's was sitting on a log off to the side of the trail with her hand holding her hat to the front of her head.
First question I asked was what happened and have you been able to call for help? Well one of the lady's had slipped and hit her head on a rock splitting it open. Looking at the rock I saw a lot of blood and first though was that this is not good. But I was glad to see that she was sitting down. The guy that was with them had a cell but no signal for the most part so could not get a call out but was able to get a txt out to a friend and was waiting for a reply.
Second question, does any one have a good first aid kit? Answer just a little gauze and band-aids. Ok I thought to my self time to take over here. So Molly got tied to a stump... not happy about it.. oh well needed to keep her out of my way. I started asking question when did she fall, was her vision clear, did she feel dizzy or nauseous, etc. It turned out that she had her fall about 45 minutes before I got there and was able to answer no to all the other questions. I was like great so far.
Now for the fun part. I always carry a good first aid kit and I'm making it better yet after this experience. I asked if she was in pain and if she would like some thing for it. No. Ok great again. Time to take a good look at it and get it bandaged right. I had her remove her hand that was keeping pressure on the wound and to every ones relief it had stopped bleeding for the most part. Also it was clean, next I got out the antibiotics ointment and made a pressure bandage for her head. You know like the one the drummer in the civil war pictures is always wearing.
It was about this time the the other guy who stopped to help got a response from his friend letting us know that help was on the way. As he was still wanting to head farther up the trail and I was heading out we decided I would go meet the search and rescue and let them know where she was and he would stay with the lady's.
So off Molly and I went in search of more help. We knew help was on the way but no one was sure if they knew that this was about 3.5 miles from the trail head. As we headed on down I kept checking for a signal so that I could call out and make sure they knew which trail to head up and how far they had to go. On and on we went and I came across search and rescue about half way or so back to the trail head. I gave them all the information I had and showed them where on the map she was at. I think Molly was glad that we had found help at this point as we were almost running back well at lest I was going as fast as I could safely and Molly was more then ready for a break. So we had a little snack, trail mix for me and a bone for her and then took it nice and slow the rest of the way out.
Boulder River
EveryTrail - Find the best Hiking in Washington
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Franklin Falls in the SNOW!!
First thing I always do is check the pass report and make sure that I could get to where I was going. Well things change especially when it is really snowing. The picture to the left here was taken after I had been sitting in the same spot for the last 45 minutes or so waiting or the pass to open up once again. Sitting in a 2 + mile long back up is not my idea or Molly's idea of fun. Especially when the back up starts at the exit that I was wanting to take. The only problem was getting there as it was a parking lot all the way to Denny Creek.
Denny Creek is only about an hour drive from Seattle and with the hike to Franklin Falls being just over 2 miles round trip with little elevation gain makes this one of the more popular destinations during the summer months.
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| Very excited to be on the trail! |
Well a couple of things we learned on this hike that winter and summer are totally different and just as much fun. First for Molly she got to were not only her pack, which makes her all excited when she see's me taking it out as she knows that it is time to go and play for the day but she got to wear her booties in the snow for the first time. Not that she really likes it when I put them on but I think her paws were a lot warmer for having them on.
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| Last bit of trail down to the falls |
Surprisingly enough we did not have the trail to our self's. It has been one of the interesting things that I have discovered that no matter how much of a back country trail you might be on her in Washington the odds are with you that some one else will be on the same trail. This time we came across a couple on there way back to the trail head.
With hiking in the snow the real challenge is not keeping warm so much but being able to find the trail, follow the trail and find your way back once you have found your destination especially when it is snowing as it can all just disappear on ya.
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| Franklin Falls |
It snowed the entire time we were on the trail which made it one of those almost dream like travels through a winter wonderland.
The trail for the most part was in great shape with little streams here and there that ran down the middle and mud was only in a couple of places and not rely a problem at all. The only part of the trail that was a bit tricky was going about the last bend and down to the falls. It was narrow and rocky with a short steep drop to water below. Not that far of a drop but far enough to seriously hurt ones self. After about 35 minute we arrived at Franklin Falls.
So once we were there Molly just had to get into the stream for a drink dragging me behind. Was a bit of a challenge keeping her dry for the most part as I really didn't want her soaked for the hike back to the car.
The entire hike took us just a little over an hour and by the time we made it back to the car Molly was more then ready to be out and done with the snow for the day.
Below you will find a link to all of our pictures that I have on Pacasa and a map with pictures as well
Franklin Falls
EveryTrail - Find the best Hiking in Washington
I’m on 
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Windy to Mirror
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| Molly Happy ready to go! |
Saturday September 3rd after returning to the car from Mt Catherine Molly and I spent a couple hours resting enjoying the sun while I made up my mind as to the condition of my ankle. It was tender but not all that bad in my book. I didn't feel that I needed any meds to take care of any pain and there was no swelling to be noted at that time.
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| PCT tail Head Windy Pass |
Off came the day pack and on went the old Kelty Frame pack for me and Molly doned her own pack and we were off to the trail head at Windy Pass for the PCT which we would follow the 3.5 miles to Mirror lake and spend the night. I was hoping that come morning that my ankle would be just fine and that we would be able to climb Silver Peak as that was my goal for the weekend.
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| Mt Catherine OUCH! |
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| Mirror Lake camp site. |
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| View of Mirror Lake from my camp site. |
Once the tent was set up Molly came up and found a spot to lie down and rest and I got around to making dinner for the both of us. I set out kibbles for Molly which she ignored and for wanting to get into the tent as she had had enough of all the buzzing friends that she had made. So I dried her off as best as possible and placed her blanket down in the tent and in she went to her relief. She just crashed and only lifted up her head to look at me when I had my dinner of Beef Stroganoff.
Soon the evening breeze died down to nothing and Mirror lived up to it's name. I sat there enjoying the last of the sun listening to the buzz of the insects and bits of conversation that traveled across the lake from other campers. I enjoyed a fire that evening and Molly enjoyed staying in the tent and snoozing till I came and joined her for the night. I was tiered, sore but quite content with all that the day had brought. One that I will not forget.
Got up shortly after sun rise Sunday morning. Molly was all rested and ready to have another day of hiking. She had slept though most of the night with one exception I am not sure what it was that she had heard but she made sure that what ever it was that we where there and not to be messed with. I am sure that her barking got the attention of everyone around the lake as there is a great echo there. Never did find out what it was but made me sure glad to have my little girl with me.
I made myself some coffee and went and sat on a rock at the lake side and spent the early hours watching the fish feed on the marid of mosquito's and flies that where every where to be seen. I even got to watch blue dragon fly's do a mating dance along the shore.
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| Silver Peak |
As we descended the ridge I got a great view of Silver Peak and knew that I would be back as soon as I could. The view from the top just had to be way to good to pass up.
Molly and I meet quite a few hikers on the trail both two legs and four. I was so proud of Molly she was well behaved with all. We only had one blow down on the PCT that Molly was able to jump up and the down to get over. The rest of the trail was in great shape and mostly down hill to the pass which we arived at about 2pm which gave us just enough time to make it down to Seattle and to a friends house for a Labor Day BBQ. Didn't have to do any cooking that evening just a long shower to get clean and a soft bed to sleep in of which Molly had to join me in.
Windy Pass To Mirror Lake
EveryTrail - Find the best Hiking in Washington
Mt. Catherine and the Ouch part 2
So there we stat on top of Mt Catherine enjoying our lunch and me enjoying the view while eating our lunch until it was time to head down.
Down we plunged the first bit as it is almost straight down me holding onto the cables and Molly making a mad dash of it to where the trail leveled off to a more reasonable grade. The top half of the trail was in a good state with only a couple of blow downs that were easy to traverse. But it was not long before we where once again faced with the Mess.
The one difference I noticed right off was that some one had left ribbons marking the way through. Over under and around we went always spotting the next ribbon to head for. Some of the trees were just to big for my little girl so I would lift her up on top and have her wait as I climbed over then help her down on the other side.
We came to on spot were I had to drop though the branches of a tree. The hole that I dropped through was not much larger then me and it was about 3 feet down before you reached the ground. I went first and looked back up at Molly looking at me not wanting to budge. So I coxed her to the edge and took her front paws and helped her come on though. Ok yes I had to pull her a bit as she didn't want to do it but I caught her and brought her down safely.
The next barrier was logs and a big root ball so we had to traverse through were the roots had been ripped out of the ground. All that was left was a big hole that went all the way down to the rock of the mountain. Molly hopped down no problem. I was not as lucky. It was just a little bit down like 2 feet that I had to jump with what appeared to be solid rock to land on. But the rock my right foot landed on decided that it didn't like all my weight on it and rolled to the right forcing all my weight onto the side of my right ankle.
So there I sat in the middle of this depression left from this huge tree that had been blown over in the middle of the mess. First thought get Molly back on the leash so she doesn't wonder off. Done! Next ok well did I break it or what. Ok how much food and water do I have. Yep I have the whistle to call for help. Nope didn't even look at the cell to see if it could be of use. That all went through my head in about a second flat.
Well I was not in all that much pain after sitting for a minute and checking things out so I frigged that I didn't break anything but it was tender. Time to stand up and see if I could put any weight on it. To my surprise I was able to with out much difficulty at all. Molly and I started off once again always keeping an eye out for the next ribbon.
At the next ribbon there were two of them tied to the branch of one of these great big trees and I recognized that this is the first one that I had spotted on my way up and looking south there was the trail once again. We had no problems getting back to Windy Pass and the car. Despite the turning of my ankle I really enjoyed this hike. Yes it was extremely difficult but I got to put all my skills to work and had a wonderful time doing it.
Down we plunged the first bit as it is almost straight down me holding onto the cables and Molly making a mad dash of it to where the trail leveled off to a more reasonable grade. The top half of the trail was in a good state with only a couple of blow downs that were easy to traverse. But it was not long before we where once again faced with the Mess.
The one difference I noticed right off was that some one had left ribbons marking the way through. Over under and around we went always spotting the next ribbon to head for. Some of the trees were just to big for my little girl so I would lift her up on top and have her wait as I climbed over then help her down on the other side.
We came to on spot were I had to drop though the branches of a tree. The hole that I dropped through was not much larger then me and it was about 3 feet down before you reached the ground. I went first and looked back up at Molly looking at me not wanting to budge. So I coxed her to the edge and took her front paws and helped her come on though. Ok yes I had to pull her a bit as she didn't want to do it but I caught her and brought her down safely.
The next barrier was logs and a big root ball so we had to traverse through were the roots had been ripped out of the ground. All that was left was a big hole that went all the way down to the rock of the mountain. Molly hopped down no problem. I was not as lucky. It was just a little bit down like 2 feet that I had to jump with what appeared to be solid rock to land on. But the rock my right foot landed on decided that it didn't like all my weight on it and rolled to the right forcing all my weight onto the side of my right ankle.
So there I sat in the middle of this depression left from this huge tree that had been blown over in the middle of the mess. First thought get Molly back on the leash so she doesn't wonder off. Done! Next ok well did I break it or what. Ok how much food and water do I have. Yep I have the whistle to call for help. Nope didn't even look at the cell to see if it could be of use. That all went through my head in about a second flat.
Well I was not in all that much pain after sitting for a minute and checking things out so I frigged that I didn't break anything but it was tender. Time to stand up and see if I could put any weight on it. To my surprise I was able to with out much difficulty at all. Molly and I started off once again always keeping an eye out for the next ribbon.
At the next ribbon there were two of them tied to the branch of one of these great big trees and I recognized that this is the first one that I had spotted on my way up and looking south there was the trail once again. We had no problems getting back to Windy Pass and the car. Despite the turning of my ankle I really enjoyed this hike. Yes it was extremely difficult but I got to put all my skills to work and had a wonderful time doing it.
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| This is how it looked two days later. |
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Mt Catherine and the OUCH!!!
Now thinking back to this wonderfully difficult and injury resulting hike it is one that I had some of the most fun with this last summer.
Back at the end of August I had been doing a lot of thinking of the different hikes that I had been on and had decided that it was time to find a mountain to go and climb instead of the hiking up to a lake or falls as I had been doing up to that point. The other part of it was that I had wanted to do an overnight-er. Well I started thinking of the places I had been and looking at the maps of the area and finally the good old guide books. I finally decided on Mt Catherine and Silver Peak as two mountains that I really wanted to climb. The good part of it was that both where close to each other and Mirror lake and thinking that it would be a fun place to camp. I put my plan together.
Day one drive to Windy Pass and climb Mt Catherine and then take the PCT to Mirror lake to spend the night. Day two climb Silver Peak and then Hike back out to Windy pass. Now that might sound a little ambitious at first till you learn that the Mt Catherine trail is only a little over a mile and a half and then only a three and a half to Mirror lake. As for Silver Peak well the trail for it is about a mile back towards Windy Pass down the PCT and it was said to be only a little over a mile up to the summit. So in summation a little over 5 miles the first day and only about 4 the second day. Not all that bad. I choose the weekend of September 2nd to make the trip.
By Friday the 1st I was all set to go and decided to drive up to Windy Pass and spend the night there in my car and get an early start on Mt Catherine. I arrived at the pass with about 2 hours of day light left so Molly and I decided that if we could just find a good spot a little ways up the PCT we would not have to sleep in the car or on the gravel road. So we headed south on the PCT through a not to long ago clear cut. In less then a quarter mile we where heading into the trees and just to the right I spotted a great little spot where we made camp.
I awoke Saturday morning to the sound of some ones dog making a round through my camp sight. It surprised me that Molly was so well crashed out asleep that she missed it. I let Molly go do a little exploring off through the Blue Berry and Huckle Berry bushes. She had a grand time at it. I made scrambled eggs and bacon with coffee for my breakfast. Molly was attentive as always preferring my food to her's. So when I finished what I could eat and she had not touched hers I added the last of my eggs to her kibbles and she lapped it all up in no time at all.
My goal was to make the summit of Mt Catherine by noon so that I could enjoy my lunch while writing and enjoying the vista's that I had read about in my guide books. I also use the Washington Trail Association's web site as the members are always writing reviews on the trails so that you can get a feel for what is ahead of you. One of the last review told that there were so serious blow downs and that the trail was hard to fallow through that part. Now I have ran into blow downs before and have never had much problems with them. How ever this was to be something of a new experience for the two of us.
We headed from our camp sight back to the car and I got my day pack together and headed down the road to the trail head for Catherine. The first part of the trail follows what is left of a logging road for about a half mile or so then heads into the woods and starts the switch backs up to the ridge that you follow to the summit. Along the way you get to peek out through the trees here and there with views across the valley to Tinkham Peak. Well about half way to the summit in those switch backs we ran into the blow downs.
Now I was anticipating maybe 3 or 4 trees by what I had read but what I saw in front of us gave me pause for the first time. I never did get a picture of it all and that was because we were way to busy finding our way through to take pictures. Through might not be quite right either as it was up and over, down and under, along with trying to find a way around not 1, 2 or 3 trees but at lest 40 or more. At one point Molly had the right idea of it. She had had enough of me wanting to go up and headed down hill out of the mess I had lead her into.
Once we were across the section of blow downs and I had Molly headed back up hill it was time to pull out the compass and map along with the GPS so I could get a bearing on where the trail should be as there was no trail left. At first we skirted the north side of the blow downs heading up the ridge but soon ran into the cliff edges which I did not want to be close to at all for myself or Molly. So we started heading back into the mess as I started calling it until at last I found the trail once again.
As we got close to the top there are some great views to the north. In the distance you can see Snoqualmie Pass and the ski area's there.
The last little bit of the climb is almost staight up. There are cables there for you to hold onto as you make the last accent to the summit and what a view awaits you there. I was so proud of Molly as she climbed that last bit as I was not sure if she could handle such a steep climb. But she did. So water and treats she got.
Well will have the trip down added here shortly... and tell you how my OUCH happened on the way down....
Chris
EveryTrail - Find the best Hiking in Washington
Back at the end of August I had been doing a lot of thinking of the different hikes that I had been on and had decided that it was time to find a mountain to go and climb instead of the hiking up to a lake or falls as I had been doing up to that point. The other part of it was that I had wanted to do an overnight-er. Well I started thinking of the places I had been and looking at the maps of the area and finally the good old guide books. I finally decided on Mt Catherine and Silver Peak as two mountains that I really wanted to climb. The good part of it was that both where close to each other and Mirror lake and thinking that it would be a fun place to camp. I put my plan together.
Day one drive to Windy Pass and climb Mt Catherine and then take the PCT to Mirror lake to spend the night. Day two climb Silver Peak and then Hike back out to Windy pass. Now that might sound a little ambitious at first till you learn that the Mt Catherine trail is only a little over a mile and a half and then only a three and a half to Mirror lake. As for Silver Peak well the trail for it is about a mile back towards Windy Pass down the PCT and it was said to be only a little over a mile up to the summit. So in summation a little over 5 miles the first day and only about 4 the second day. Not all that bad. I choose the weekend of September 2nd to make the trip.
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| Windy Pass Camp Sight |
By Friday the 1st I was all set to go and decided to drive up to Windy Pass and spend the night there in my car and get an early start on Mt Catherine. I arrived at the pass with about 2 hours of day light left so Molly and I decided that if we could just find a good spot a little ways up the PCT we would not have to sleep in the car or on the gravel road. So we headed south on the PCT through a not to long ago clear cut. In less then a quarter mile we where heading into the trees and just to the right I spotted a great little spot where we made camp.
I awoke Saturday morning to the sound of some ones dog making a round through my camp sight. It surprised me that Molly was so well crashed out asleep that she missed it. I let Molly go do a little exploring off through the Blue Berry and Huckle Berry bushes. She had a grand time at it. I made scrambled eggs and bacon with coffee for my breakfast. Molly was attentive as always preferring my food to her's. So when I finished what I could eat and she had not touched hers I added the last of my eggs to her kibbles and she lapped it all up in no time at all.
My goal was to make the summit of Mt Catherine by noon so that I could enjoy my lunch while writing and enjoying the vista's that I had read about in my guide books. I also use the Washington Trail Association's web site as the members are always writing reviews on the trails so that you can get a feel for what is ahead of you. One of the last review told that there were so serious blow downs and that the trail was hard to fallow through that part. Now I have ran into blow downs before and have never had much problems with them. How ever this was to be something of a new experience for the two of us.
Now I was anticipating maybe 3 or 4 trees by what I had read but what I saw in front of us gave me pause for the first time. I never did get a picture of it all and that was because we were way to busy finding our way through to take pictures. Through might not be quite right either as it was up and over, down and under, along with trying to find a way around not 1, 2 or 3 trees but at lest 40 or more. At one point Molly had the right idea of it. She had had enough of me wanting to go up and headed down hill out of the mess I had lead her into.
Once we were across the section of blow downs and I had Molly headed back up hill it was time to pull out the compass and map along with the GPS so I could get a bearing on where the trail should be as there was no trail left. At first we skirted the north side of the blow downs heading up the ridge but soon ran into the cliff edges which I did not want to be close to at all for myself or Molly. So we started heading back into the mess as I started calling it until at last I found the trail once again.
As we got close to the top there are some great views to the north. In the distance you can see Snoqualmie Pass and the ski area's there.
The last little bit of the climb is almost staight up. There are cables there for you to hold onto as you make the last accent to the summit and what a view awaits you there. I was so proud of Molly as she climbed that last bit as I was not sure if she could handle such a steep climb. But she did. So water and treats she got.
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| View of Mt Rainier as you reach the Summit. |
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| Looking SE at Lake Keechelus |
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| Looking North |
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| Looking back toward Seattle McClellan's Butte center |
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| Silver Peak from Summit Mt Catherine |
Chris
Mt Catherine
EveryTrail - Find the best Hiking in Washington
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Meadow Pass to Mirror Lake
One of my favorite places to go camping is up Meadow creek and Meadow Pass up need Snoqualmie Pass. So after our hike to Mirror lake by the Mirror Lake trail I decided to go over the maps and guide books and to try something a little more challenging for the two of us.
I looked over green trails map #207 and noticed that from Meadow Pass you can take a little know trail called Stirrup Lake trail down from the pass to where it crossed the Pacific Crest Trail and then follow the PCT all the way to Mirror Lake. Per the map it looked like it would be a little over 8 or 9 miles round trip. Now Molly had done the 4 miles on the Mirror Lake tail with no problems so, I thought she would be up to this one as well.
So on August 21st we headed out of Seattle and up I-90 to Meadow Pass and the Stirrup Lake Trail Head. The day was perfect sunny clear sky's with not a cloud to be seen.
The drive took just a little over an hour for us to arrive. It is always fun for me to watch Molly on these types of trips. She is all curled up on the drive up there but as soon as we start getting close like off of the freeway she is up and the nose goes to work at once. I can see her getting more excited the closer we get. She knows that her time for play is getting really close and I know she can't wait to get out of the car and have at it.
Off to the right here you can see my little red car and Molly doing her thing. The Trail heads into the woods right in front of the car. So once my little girl had taken care of her business we were off and down the trail...
One of the first places you pass is this little pond off to the right of the trail. The first thing you notice at this time is that there is always a ton of mosquito's at this point and if you forgot the bug spray you won't the next time you go. It is one of the things I have learned to always have with me these days. I have been using Off "Deep Woods" this year and have been really happy with it. It works wonders at keeping the little pests away.
From here the trail winds down though some second growth forest for about a half mile till you arrive at the west end of Stirrup Lake. We continued down the trail along the south side of the lake until we reached a camp sight at the west end. Here we found an abundance of blue berry's just begging to be tried. they were sweet and juicy and available by the hand fulls. Great way to get breakfast on the trail. The only problem I had was that the bugs were in full force hear and were so determined that I should be there breakfast that we only stayed for a moment before heading on.
Now according to the map it is only about a half mile on down the trail till you run across the PCT were I would be heading north and up to Mirror Lake. The fun of it all was that as the Stirrup Lake trail may provide for your solitude and give you a chance to be alone unlike the more popular trails it has one problem in that it is not very well kept up. So following the trail from the pass down and along the lake to that camp site is no problem. But once you are past there the trail changes as you head out into a more recently logged section. Here you may find all the blue berry's you desire but they do have a tendency to grow over the trail obscuring it. So if you really have to pay attention to where you are heading. The good part about it is that if you get off the trail your not far from the PCT which runs north and south. So all you do is take a western bearing and you will end up on the PCT shortly.
Once we were on the PCT and I was once again sure of where we were we turned north. Off through a little section of old growth woods which was nice as the day was starting to get hot already and the shade that the trees provided after bush whacking it through all the blue berry's. At about a mile we crossed stirrup creek and stared the first up hill section. It wasn't long till we came out onto national forest development road 118 that leads up to the pass where we started. Once we crossed we were into a much more recently clear cut area were the sun beats down on you as you head up along eastern side of Meadow mountain.
Once you cross the eastern ridge of Meadow Mountain you get to cool of in another section of old growth firs with Fox glove all around truely wonderful.
At about 3.3 miles from the trail head we came to our first real climbing going from 3557ft elevation to just over 4000 in less then one mile. Now if you have not been out and getting exercise you will be feeling it by the time you get to the top of this ridge. But don't worry because what goes up must go down.
Down we went and in about 7 tenths of a mile we where back down to 3500 elevation once again but also we had arrived at Yakima Pass and what is called Twilight Lake.
Here we took a short break as I love to take pictures and this was one not to be missed. Of-course as there is plenty of boggy ground with mud holes that Molly just had to go and cool off in.
Now that we were rested and Molly was all muddy and stinky we were ready to tackle that last climb up to Mirror Lake that was only a little 800+ feet above us. It was as we were making our way up that Molly started to get tiered she was still leading the way but not as exuberantly as before.
The good part of this section of the trail is that there is plenty of water which Molly was more then eager to lap up. The bad part is that the trail is rocky and out in the open great for the views but hot when the sun is out.
It was in this section that i was starting to worry that we might have to turn back for Molly's sake but it was about this time the we came across a couple that was also heading up to the lake that had a chocolate lab. Molly perked right up and wanted to play right away taking my worry's with her.
So we made that last of our accent to Mirror Lake were we found a good spot on the south end to have our lunch before heading back.
To the left is the view we had of Tinkham Peak across Mirror Lake.
After lunch and a short break it was time to head back. So back down the trail we headed. The one thing I learned about my little girl Molly is that once she is tiered it is my time to lead.
So lead the way home I did... I only made one detour in our route and that was when we got back to the RD 118 instead of taking a chance on loosing the trail heading up to Stirrup lake we followed the road back that last mile and a half.
All in all Molly was a great little trooper and we had a great time. But I know she was glad when we got home and took a couple days of rest to get back to her normal self. Well so did I!!!
EveryTrail - Find the best Hiking in Washington
I looked over green trails map #207 and noticed that from Meadow Pass you can take a little know trail called Stirrup Lake trail down from the pass to where it crossed the Pacific Crest Trail and then follow the PCT all the way to Mirror Lake. Per the map it looked like it would be a little over 8 or 9 miles round trip. Now Molly had done the 4 miles on the Mirror Lake tail with no problems so, I thought she would be up to this one as well.
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| Meadow Pass Trail head |
The drive took just a little over an hour for us to arrive. It is always fun for me to watch Molly on these types of trips. She is all curled up on the drive up there but as soon as we start getting close like off of the freeway she is up and the nose goes to work at once. I can see her getting more excited the closer we get. She knows that her time for play is getting really close and I know she can't wait to get out of the car and have at it.
Off to the right here you can see my little red car and Molly doing her thing. The Trail heads into the woods right in front of the car. So once my little girl had taken care of her business we were off and down the trail...
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| The Meadow Pass Pond |
One of the first places you pass is this little pond off to the right of the trail. The first thing you notice at this time is that there is always a ton of mosquito's at this point and if you forgot the bug spray you won't the next time you go. It is one of the things I have learned to always have with me these days. I have been using Off "Deep Woods" this year and have been really happy with it. It works wonders at keeping the little pests away.
 |
| Stirrup Lake |
From here the trail winds down though some second growth forest for about a half mile till you arrive at the west end of Stirrup Lake. We continued down the trail along the south side of the lake until we reached a camp sight at the west end. Here we found an abundance of blue berry's just begging to be tried. they were sweet and juicy and available by the hand fulls. Great way to get breakfast on the trail. The only problem I had was that the bugs were in full force hear and were so determined that I should be there breakfast that we only stayed for a moment before heading on.
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| On the PCT looking back at the Stirrup Lake Trail |
Once we were on the PCT and I was once again sure of where we were we turned north. Off through a little section of old growth woods which was nice as the day was starting to get hot already and the shade that the trees provided after bush whacking it through all the blue berry's. At about a mile we crossed stirrup creek and stared the first up hill section. It wasn't long till we came out onto national forest development road 118 that leads up to the pass where we started. Once we crossed we were into a much more recently clear cut area were the sun beats down on you as you head up along eastern side of Meadow mountain.
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| Old growth forest off the eastern ridgeof Meadow Mountain |
Once you cross the eastern ridge of Meadow Mountain you get to cool of in another section of old growth firs with Fox glove all around truely wonderful.
At about 3.3 miles from the trail head we came to our first real climbing going from 3557ft elevation to just over 4000 in less then one mile. Now if you have not been out and getting exercise you will be feeling it by the time you get to the top of this ridge. But don't worry because what goes up must go down.
Down we went and in about 7 tenths of a mile we where back down to 3500 elevation once again but also we had arrived at Yakima Pass and what is called Twilight Lake.
Here we took a short break as I love to take pictures and this was one not to be missed. Of-course as there is plenty of boggy ground with mud holes that Molly just had to go and cool off in.
Now that we were rested and Molly was all muddy and stinky we were ready to tackle that last climb up to Mirror Lake that was only a little 800+ feet above us. It was as we were making our way up that Molly started to get tiered she was still leading the way but not as exuberantly as before.
It was in this section that i was starting to worry that we might have to turn back for Molly's sake but it was about this time the we came across a couple that was also heading up to the lake that had a chocolate lab. Molly perked right up and wanted to play right away taking my worry's with her.
So we made that last of our accent to Mirror Lake were we found a good spot on the south end to have our lunch before heading back.
To the left is the view we had of Tinkham Peak across Mirror Lake.
After lunch and a short break it was time to head back. So back down the trail we headed. The one thing I learned about my little girl Molly is that once she is tiered it is my time to lead.
So lead the way home I did... I only made one detour in our route and that was when we got back to the RD 118 instead of taking a chance on loosing the trail heading up to Stirrup lake we followed the road back that last mile and a half.
All in all Molly was a great little trooper and we had a great time. But I know she was glad when we got home and took a couple days of rest to get back to her normal self. Well so did I!!!
Meadow Pass To Mirror Lake
EveryTrail - Find the best Hiking in Washington
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
OUCH!!!!
This one happened on the way down off of Mt Catherine.
Story to be told soon!
Oh and yes it is much better and we did get down safely!
Molly's first Hike
August 18th 2011 Molly was going to go on her first hike of the summer. My friend RJ had joined us and so early that morning we back up the car and headed out for Snoqualmie Pass and to find the trail head for Mirror Lake. I chose Mirror as it was close by and not all that long of a hike just over a mile in from the trail head, also it was not a popular hike being in the Stampede Pass area which has been heavily logged. The plan was to just take it easy and enjoy a good lunch and maybe a swim at the lake.
First we had to find the trail head which was not as easy as it sounded. The description on how to get there in the guide books said that you could drive all the way to the trail head and park there. But what it failed to mention that the last quarter mile or so of forest road 5480 is best traveled by a 4x4 with high clearance. So we stopped down the road and proceeded to start our hike a bit short of the trail head.
Now my friend RJ is really not the out doors type for the most part and was not really all that excited about making this trip. For example he wanted to know if it was ok if he wore his flip flops. Well I had a good little laugh at that and let him know that not the best of ideas. So he settled on a sturdier pair of shoes as I could not talk him in to wearing the extra pair of boots that I had. I think in the long run he was glad for the shoes though cause he did stub his toes many a time before the day was done.
Once we reached the bend in the road where the trail head is located we were able to get off of the road and off into the woods that lead to Cottonwood and Mirror Lakes. Yep that's right this trail gets you two lakes to choose from. Molly was in the lead and not sure where to turn or what to sniff next, she was in doggy heaven. The one thing about her though that I am not quite sure how to deal with other then keeping a tight hold on her leash is that any time we came across a slow stream that is really muddy she wants to hop in and indulge her self. I mean she will lay down in it and lap up its stagnant water with way to much joy for her and way to much stink for me. Oh the joy of it.
It was near one of these great little muddy spots that molly got to meet another dog on the trail for the first time. She went straight into play mode. Getting low on her front paws and ready to dance in circles. Really is a joy to see. She was great no fights no growling just playful frolicking.
After the frolicking came to an end we continued along the trail till we reached Cottonwood Lake about 3/4 of a mile from where we had parked. We took a quick break enjoying the view and the headed on up the trail through a couple of switch backs and over the ridge to Mirror lake. The Mirror Lake trail runs into the Pacific Crest Trail just as you arrive at the lakes north end. We continued about half way down the east shore and found a spot to enjoy our lunch and to let Molly do a little swimming. Next we decided to do a little more exploring and followed the PCT passed to the lake to where the trail comes out on the bluff over looking Yakima Pass and Twilight Lake.
Great view from that spot and the creek that is leaving Mirror cascades down the rocky hill side in some beautiful little falls with great little pools at the bottom to soak one's tiered feet in. After spending a little time there we headed back to the car and the drive home.
It was a great little hike and all three of us enjoyed our self's. This is one place that I will go back and visit once again.
Here below are some pictures that were taken and the route that we traveled.
Enjoy
Great view from that spot and the creek that is leaving Mirror cascades down the rocky hill side in some beautiful little falls with great little pools at the bottom to soak one's tiered feet in. After spending a little time there we headed back to the car and the drive home.
It was a great little hike and all three of us enjoyed our self's. This is one place that I will go back and visit once again.
Here below are some pictures that were taken and the route that we traveled.
Enjoy
Mirror Lake
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Molly
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| Molly |
The two of us have been though a lot. Moving form house to apartment and then again to the condo where we both live today. But though it all she was a trooper and always seems to adjust to the new place as if it was just the way it was to be.
The one thing that she loves above all else is to get out and smell the roses or for her what ever else is around. I really don't walk her and she really doesn't walk me either. It is more of a give and take. We have learned to share our time out side no matter the weather. But put a good smell any where and she is queen and will stop, back track and not budge until she is either content or marks it as hers.
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| That's my Molly laughing at me again..... |
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| Molly & Merlin @ the dog park! |
Now Molly is what is known as an "A" type personality. That means that she is the leader of the pack most of the time with one exception being me. She tries to oppose that every once in a while but not as much as she use to. So our first times out to such places as the off leash area's I have always had to keep a good eye on her. She has had the knack of getting into a bit of trouble from time to time. She is not a bad or vicious dog just wants to be the pack leader, so when you get a dog walker with a pack of dogs at the park. Needless to say it is an opportunity for all kinds of mischief. So our times at the dog parks has come to an end to both our disappointment.
So for a long time we just settled for walks around the neighborhood or down at the local park. Then this summer I started mountain biking up the John Wayne Pioneer Train and decided that it was time to dust off my hiking boots and put them back to work once again. My first couple of Hikes, one to Twin Falls and the other to Wallace Falls Molly stayed home as I was not sure just how well she would do on the trails with other dogs and people.
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| Have Pack lets go Hiking!!!! |
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