Hello all. Weather has been atrocious. So much of the wet stuff. Kiwi hasn't been on a hike in a month. :-( We are still here getting cabin fever. LOL Off to go create a non-rain dance.
R/ Mike
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Sunday, November 19, 2006
A short one
Again we were fortunate to have a window this weekend where we were able to find us a trail. Lots of precipitation this time of year. But it causes snow in the mountains., which brings many fun activities. Yahoo!
We head off to the highway, listening to 'old fart' songs as Jordy puts it. :-) I turn the iPod down low so the little prince and furry princess can get more of their beauty sleep.
After we arrive, I am surprised at the amount of snow on the trail. Kiwi and I have been on this hike twice before this summer and it yields magnificent panaramic views at the top. I thought we could get some snow-capped peaks in our pictures. But I was wrong.
After about two miles, I called a halt to the hike. The snow covering the trail was acceptable, not too difficult and the weather was cooperating. But, we were mostly equipped for a summer hike with the exception of clothing. Our boots were for summer (read not completely waterproof) no crampons, no ice axe, no trekking poles. So to ensure we come back another time, better equipped, I pulled the plug.
We were all game, but it is better to be safe and hike another day. We had the whole trail to ourself, and we really did have some fun. And Kiwi was having a blast with the snow. She even got lucky with a dropped Pringle chip from Jordy. LOL One concern that crossed my mind was the pads on Kiwi's paws. We had no issues with them on the hike, but I do know that snow can be hard an a dogs feet. I have seen dog booties advertised. I have also lived in Alaska and know that the dogs running the Iditarod have paw protection. I would tend to take the advice of the professional mushers for paw care when it came to Kiwi's little feetsies. Hmmmm, research.
So here is our little video of what we did enjoy. Please take the time to enjoy nature and give back to what gives so much to enjoy. Peace
Video
We head off to the highway, listening to 'old fart' songs as Jordy puts it. :-) I turn the iPod down low so the little prince and furry princess can get more of their beauty sleep.
After we arrive, I am surprised at the amount of snow on the trail. Kiwi and I have been on this hike twice before this summer and it yields magnificent panaramic views at the top. I thought we could get some snow-capped peaks in our pictures. But I was wrong.
After about two miles, I called a halt to the hike. The snow covering the trail was acceptable, not too difficult and the weather was cooperating. But, we were mostly equipped for a summer hike with the exception of clothing. Our boots were for summer (read not completely waterproof) no crampons, no ice axe, no trekking poles. So to ensure we come back another time, better equipped, I pulled the plug.
We were all game, but it is better to be safe and hike another day. We had the whole trail to ourself, and we really did have some fun. And Kiwi was having a blast with the snow. She even got lucky with a dropped Pringle chip from Jordy. LOL One concern that crossed my mind was the pads on Kiwi's paws. We had no issues with them on the hike, but I do know that snow can be hard an a dogs feet. I have seen dog booties advertised. I have also lived in Alaska and know that the dogs running the Iditarod have paw protection. I would tend to take the advice of the professional mushers for paw care when it came to Kiwi's little feetsies. Hmmmm, research.
So here is our little video of what we did enjoy. Please take the time to enjoy nature and give back to what gives so much to enjoy. PeaceVideo
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Gold Creek Trail and more
Weather again is dictating some of our outdoor activities. We saw a little blue in the skies, so we packed light and headed to a local trail. The Gold Creek Trail is a moderate five mile hike to decent views. As always, the trail is best shared with someone. A refreshing snack at the summit was enjoyed by all.
Kiwi with her RuffWear harness and backpack. I forgot to load it down with some weight, but we'll add about five pounds for our next outing. The trail climbs briefly to a traverse above the chattering Gold Creek, a shaded tributary to Tahuya Lake.
Salal and huck, the brush that provides pickers with the only real gold in these hills, decorates the trailside along with Oregon grape.
We climbed to the east overlook for views toward Seattle, Mount Ranier, Mount Baker, and Puget Sound. Until she blew her top, Mount St. Helens was visible from this viewpoint to the southeast.
For a good view of some of the country that we have been able to enjoy, we turned around and looked across Hood Canal at the Olympic Mountains. From the south to the north, the major summits include Washington, Stone, The Brothers, Jupiter, and Constance.
Our Kiwi turns one year old this coming Tuesday. :-)
Video of our hiking fun. ;-)
Kiwi with her RuffWear harness and backpack. I forgot to load it down with some weight, but we'll add about five pounds for our next outing. The trail climbs briefly to a traverse above the chattering Gold Creek, a shaded tributary to Tahuya Lake.
Salal and huck, the brush that provides pickers with the only real gold in these hills, decorates the trailside along with Oregon grape.
We climbed to the east overlook for views toward Seattle, Mount Ranier, Mount Baker, and Puget Sound. Until she blew her top, Mount St. Helens was visible from this viewpoint to the southeast.
For a good view of some of the country that we have been able to enjoy, we turned around and looked across Hood Canal at the Olympic Mountains. From the south to the north, the major summits include Washington, Stone, The Brothers, Jupiter, and Constance.
Our Kiwi turns one year old this coming Tuesday. :-)
Video of our hiking fun. ;-)Tuesday, November 07, 2006
High Hiking with my son.
The weather this weekend, actually the past ten days or so, has been rather wet and nasty. (I think our web feet are starting to come back. LOL) So Kiwi and I did not go on a hike. But I was able to pull a video out of the hat. :-)
I was a mean dad and took my son on a hike real soon after he returned from Mexico. He is not as fond as hiking as Kiwi is, but a little forced paternal bonding never hurts. ;-) LOL So we woke up real early and hit the road. The destination was about 30 miles west of Port Angeles, next to the Sol Duc River. We were going to do the High Divide Loop.
This strenuous, long trek is about the best day hike in the Olympics. In summer you'll see almost every wildflower that grows in Olympic National Park. From High Divide you can watch climbers on Mount Olympus and hear the Blue Glacier grumble and burp. Roosevelt elk bugle in the fall while black bear lounge in purple huckelberry fields.
Regret that Kiwi was not on this hike, but it was in the ONP where pets are not allowed. :-(
So away we go...
Vid 1
I was a mean dad and took my son on a hike real soon after he returned from Mexico. He is not as fond as hiking as Kiwi is, but a little forced paternal bonding never hurts. ;-) LOL So we woke up real early and hit the road. The destination was about 30 miles west of Port Angeles, next to the Sol Duc River. We were going to do the High Divide Loop.
This strenuous, long trek is about the best day hike in the Olympics. In summer you'll see almost every wildflower that grows in Olympic National Park. From High Divide you can watch climbers on Mount Olympus and hear the Blue Glacier grumble and burp. Roosevelt elk bugle in the fall while black bear lounge in purple huckelberry fields.
Regret that Kiwi was not on this hike, but it was in the ONP where pets are not allowed. :-(
So away we go...
Vid 1
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Short excursion to Vancouver B.C., Canada
We had Kiwi roll her Buster Cube for which destination to enjoy this weekend. She didn't roll snake eyes nor a lucky 7. But we did end up day-tripping to Vancouver British Columbia, Canada. The weather is fickle these days, overcast one moment, sun breaks here and there, followed by light precipitation. (Almost like asking a female ACD which toy she prefers the most,.... you end up with a little bit of everything chewed on, including something not expected. LOL)
It was going to be a long day, with more hours driving than normal. But you can't get there by wishing. So headed out in the early dawn to catch the Kingston-Edmonds ferry.
Kiwi enjoyed some cool, autumn air on the ferry. After a while on the highway, we pulled over at a rest area to stretch all of our legs. She is a trooper when traveling. Though this time, Kiwi was chauffered in her travel crate in the back of the limousine. :-) Plenty of room to run and finds all sorts of yummy sticks to gnaw on.
Kiwi was special enough to warrant a little sunshine from the Canadian immagration folk. This was about the only photo with blue sky that I recall. Even though she was not asked, Kiwi had her papers ready. (Canada requires proof of vaccinations within last 3 years.)
See, we were there! The picture of the tourist bus below leaves no doubt. LOL Our destination, after getting redirected by some friendly locals, was Stanley Park. The hyperlink to the park's website provides plenty of information and much better photos than we were able to shoot. But, the site does not have pictures of the prettiest red ACD. HAHA :-)
See there, one moment the sky is somewhat decent, the next has it overcast. At least the people in the rowing class weren't too worried about getting wet.
You'll notice that Kiwi is now modeling the rather unfashionable Gentle Leader. I have decided to switch from a prong collar to the Gentle Leader as we enter Kiwi's next stage on training. Some folk feel that prong collars lead to aggression issues later in life. We are going to reserve our opinion on that subject, ...at least until the mailman's lawsuit is settled. ROFL I keed, I keed.
A couple more of our shots while at Stanley Park. 
Though not the most picturesque post on Kiwi's site, Stanley Park has plenty to offer. You could easily spend a relaxed lazy weekend strolling here and there, exploring all that it has to offer. Then have a fine dinner in the many nice restaraunts before retiring to your room over looking English Bay. Who's up for a trip. LOL (I have included two separate links to Stanley Park. Both are full on info and show it way much better than I)
Kiwi's video of her trip to Vancouver. Though not noticed by you viewers, Kiwi was in her crate for about 7-8 hours throughout the day. I am not kidding, she did not bark or whine once. Honestly, it was no trouble with her at all. We had her food and water and chew sticks, but she was low maintenance. We are really fortunate that Kiwi is acclimated to travel. ( Now if she would only stop asking me to pull over at every Petsmart. ROFL)
It was going to be a long day, with more hours driving than normal. But you can't get there by wishing. So headed out in the early dawn to catch the Kingston-Edmonds ferry.
Kiwi enjoyed some cool, autumn air on the ferry. After a while on the highway, we pulled over at a rest area to stretch all of our legs. She is a trooper when traveling. Though this time, Kiwi was chauffered in her travel crate in the back of the limousine. :-) Plenty of room to run and finds all sorts of yummy sticks to gnaw on.
Kiwi was special enough to warrant a little sunshine from the Canadian immagration folk. This was about the only photo with blue sky that I recall. Even though she was not asked, Kiwi had her papers ready. (Canada requires proof of vaccinations within last 3 years.)
See, we were there! The picture of the tourist bus below leaves no doubt. LOL Our destination, after getting redirected by some friendly locals, was Stanley Park. The hyperlink to the park's website provides plenty of information and much better photos than we were able to shoot. But, the site does not have pictures of the prettiest red ACD. HAHA :-)
See there, one moment the sky is somewhat decent, the next has it overcast. At least the people in the rowing class weren't too worried about getting wet.
You'll notice that Kiwi is now modeling the rather unfashionable Gentle Leader. I have decided to switch from a prong collar to the Gentle Leader as we enter Kiwi's next stage on training. Some folk feel that prong collars lead to aggression issues later in life. We are going to reserve our opinion on that subject, ...at least until the mailman's lawsuit is settled. ROFL I keed, I keed.
A couple more of our shots while at Stanley Park. 
Though not the most picturesque post on Kiwi's site, Stanley Park has plenty to offer. You could easily spend a relaxed lazy weekend strolling here and there, exploring all that it has to offer. Then have a fine dinner in the many nice restaraunts before retiring to your room over looking English Bay. Who's up for a trip. LOL (I have included two separate links to Stanley Park. Both are full on info and show it way much better than I)
Kiwi's video of her trip to Vancouver. Though not noticed by you viewers, Kiwi was in her crate for about 7-8 hours throughout the day. I am not kidding, she did not bark or whine once. Honestly, it was no trouble with her at all. We had her food and water and chew sticks, but she was low maintenance. We are really fortunate that Kiwi is acclimated to travel. ( Now if she would only stop asking me to pull over at every Petsmart. ROFL)
Monday, October 23, 2006
Back in the saddle
After Kiwi's brush with the bee's last week, we decided to hike a familiar trail. Even though the morning fog (in video) was awake for our journey's start, the weather forecast was for beautiful sunshine and blue skies.
Yes, I know that I talk or perhaps brag about the weather up here in the Pacific Northwest, more than most people would. And to be completely honest, it does rain up here quite a bit. Most of us develop web feet after a year or two. LOL The reason I enjoy the weather so much, be it rain or shine, is that I had no weather to enjoy for a little over five years. That is because I was serving in our country's submarine force for many years. Total combined underwater time was a little of five years. So if I take a little extra liberty and wax fondly of the weather, it's because, the elements, even rain, are so much better than flourescent lighting and steel bulkheads. But enough of this, on with the hike!! :-)
Kiwi is now eleven months and just about the prettiest teenage ACD around. (At least in my eyes) LOL We chose the Mount Townsend trail because of the forcasted good weather and that the hike yields beautiful vistas to savor and enjoy.
We began a long climbing traverse through forest, arriving at a steep supalpine meadow and open avalanche chute (in video). The trail climbs above a waterfall tributary to Townsend Creek, then begins a copious quantity of switchbacks to the summit.
After arriving at the top, you can point yourself toward Mount Rainier and rotate counterclockwise to see the Cascade mountain range, Glacier Peak, Mount Baker, and the mountains of Vancouver Island with The Needles in front. The Brothers to the west, and Mount Constance to the south. Makes me want to go hike it again tommorrow. LOL
Kiwi and I made it to the top in good time. So after taking in the views, I decided to seize me a little siesta while six thousand feet up (Panoramic shot below). I got comfy real quick, what with no traffic, no telephone, no one wanting my time, nada. However, the tag-a-long teenager, Kiwi, did not want a cat nap. :-) I think I got about 5 minutes of peaceful shut-eye before I conceeded defeat. Kiwi was active and having fun exploring all over the ridgetop.
I guess I could see her point. There is much to take in and it was so wonderful a day. Besides, I had to make up for those lost years on the sub. ROFL
Here is Kiwi, on top of Mount Townsend, over looking the Puget Sound with Mount Baker in the distance. A beautiful vison in a magnificent view. :-)
And our accompanying video. Enjoy!!
Yes, I know that I talk or perhaps brag about the weather up here in the Pacific Northwest, more than most people would. And to be completely honest, it does rain up here quite a bit. Most of us develop web feet after a year or two. LOL The reason I enjoy the weather so much, be it rain or shine, is that I had no weather to enjoy for a little over five years. That is because I was serving in our country's submarine force for many years. Total combined underwater time was a little of five years. So if I take a little extra liberty and wax fondly of the weather, it's because, the elements, even rain, are so much better than flourescent lighting and steel bulkheads. But enough of this, on with the hike!! :-)
Kiwi is now eleven months and just about the prettiest teenage ACD around. (At least in my eyes) LOL We chose the Mount Townsend trail because of the forcasted good weather and that the hike yields beautiful vistas to savor and enjoy.
We began a long climbing traverse through forest, arriving at a steep supalpine meadow and open avalanche chute (in video). The trail climbs above a waterfall tributary to Townsend Creek, then begins a copious quantity of switchbacks to the summit.
After arriving at the top, you can point yourself toward Mount Rainier and rotate counterclockwise to see the Cascade mountain range, Glacier Peak, Mount Baker, and the mountains of Vancouver Island with The Needles in front. The Brothers to the west, and Mount Constance to the south. Makes me want to go hike it again tommorrow. LOL
Kiwi and I made it to the top in good time. So after taking in the views, I decided to seize me a little siesta while six thousand feet up (Panoramic shot below). I got comfy real quick, what with no traffic, no telephone, no one wanting my time, nada. However, the tag-a-long teenager, Kiwi, did not want a cat nap. :-) I think I got about 5 minutes of peaceful shut-eye before I conceeded defeat. Kiwi was active and having fun exploring all over the ridgetop.
I guess I could see her point. There is much to take in and it was so wonderful a day. Besides, I had to make up for those lost years on the sub. ROFLHere is Kiwi, on top of Mount Townsend, over looking the Puget Sound with Mount Baker in the distance. A beautiful vison in a magnificent view. :-)
And our accompanying video. Enjoy!!
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