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

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. ;-)



Here a couple of shots in Kiwi's new rainsuit. It is the Cascade Bodysuit from K9TopCoat. When Kiwi is wearing the rainsuit, she is really mellow and seems to 'shutdown'. This is because the suit is acting like an article of restraint. She will become accustomed to it over time. She does not bark or fight when we put it on. Kiwi is actually pretty tolerant of 'clothing'.
Here is a quick video of the little devil when she was out this past halloween. :-)

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


Vid 2

Wish I could make this hike again over a beautiful 3 day trip with ACDL for all the photo opportunities. Would be awesome.