Wet fun along the Dungeness

Not like a cloudy, gray, semi-rainy day to prevent Kiwi from having some fun. Since October has come around the corner, we have started to receive our rations of liquid sunshine. Yes, this summer was, well, the weather was just great and Kiwi sure did have a fun time exploring her surroundings on the Olympic Peninsula. But in order to keep things beautiful and green, rain does need to make its appearance, bringing its thirst-quenching relief to all the flora and fauna.

So when Kiwi and I were napping the other day, during a sleeping bag test, we dreamt of running water, cascading over time-worn boulders in the pristine solitude of the Pacific Northwest. So with an idea of where to go, I pondered on what to do different this trip. I went to the garage and brought back a couple of scooby-snacks for Kiwi and I to enjoy while ruminating on what we could do. During our brain-storming session, I took a little time to continue Kiwi's lesson on "touch". While having her touch various objects on command, seeing her paw reaching out repeatedly and wanting to be near water, it hit me. Try to record Kiwi while underwater. No, not putting her underwater, but the camera. :-) So armed with an idea or two, we loaded up the Kenworth and headed to the Dungeness River area.

Kiwi was especially spry this trip. The whole time on the trail and in the water, she was Ms. Tail-up and Senorita Explorer checking out every little thing. I really truly believe she is happy being out on the trail. Anywho, this hike to Camp Handy along side the Dungeness is one of my personal favorites. It starts out at an elevation that allows an easy climb to subalpine country yet stays low enough to avoid the chance of extreme weather in the high country. And it is located in the dry rain shadow of the Olympics, though it wasn't that dry today. LOL

Though not seen in the accompanying photos, but glimpsed in the video, this hike is a pleasant outing among wide open, mature trees in the Buckhorn Wilderness. A very easy, broad path that winds its way next to the Dungeness River. I think the pleasing sound of the river was always within hearing distance.
There are many opportunities to discover what is behind the tall trees and even the ones that have fallen. The fallen trees have been removed from the trail, if they were an obstruction, by volunteers. One great local volunteer organization that promotes stewardship of our Pacific Northwest is the Washington Trails Association (WTA)
But our hike today was geared for water. And Mother Nature did her share. Notice the low level of the clouds during the incoming drive to the trailhead, in the second photo posted? :-) There are many game trails that lead to the river's banks as it continuously makes it way down to the Puget Sound.
So we made use of the many avenues of access to explore the river. Kiwi did her usual exploring of her surroundings and waters edge. Though today she did not go deeper than her belly. At least not on purpose. :-) The Dungeness might have been too cold for her. I know I couldn't take more than about 15 seconds of immersion myself. Man, that was some cold water.
It was plain, simple fun we had on the trail today. This hike did not have any panoramic vistas to climb up and gaze upon, nor did it have any particular destination or historical objective to explore. It was a wonderfully easy, pleasant trip along some beautiful forest next to a sensuously winding river. Plenty of locations to stop and enjoy or even spread out a picnic. The Dungeness would certainly make that bottle of chardonnay refreshingly cool in about 30 miuntes. ;-)

Here is today's accompanying video with comments about the water scenes below.





The underwater shots were made using a ziploc bag. Actually the big freezer type with a DOUBLE zipper. As you could tell, the bad is not exactly transparent. The bag when fog up slightly only after I put my wet hand inside. After awhile, Idecided to use the case that contains my emergency survival gear. It's one of the watertight Pelican cases. But as you could see there was a blurry line that obstructed the view. :-(

So after those trial and errors, here are my lessons learned. Keep wet hands out of the ziploc bag. Ziploc bag is acceptable for underwater use and internet viewing. Adjust the inside location of the camera inside the Pelican case so ther are no obstructions in front of the lens. A little web research yielded watertight camera cases for $150 and up. So a little more sleuthing revealed this site. I'm gonna try this option in the future. Just need to think through the details first.

Of course we all got wet, some more than others. :-) Kiwi was plenty dirty but happy when we headed home. So what did we do with her? Of course we did, what else would you do? Now you sing along to a golden oldie. ROFL