EARLY SEASON

Today I took the Lexy and Katie hiking.  Lex wanted to go to a lake and chose Chimney because we haven't been up there since she was 6 and she wanted to go back to umm...... swim.  

It's been hot and the snow has been melting off like crazy but being early season I was skeptical.  The hike to the lake is 5 miles in and at an elevation of just under 8000ft I believe.  Our lunch destination was planned to be in brownie basin was 3.5 miles in.  We made it 2.5 before we ran into a dilemma.....snow and high water across the trail.  We walked up and down but couldn't find a safe place to cross so we headed back to a snowless, sunny spot in the trail and tried to spot some wildlife while enjoying our lunch.

We didn't find any bears, deer, or elk but we did enjoy our food with a beautiful view.

After lunch while skipping, giggling, singing, and dancing down the trail the girls were really super excited when we found this super stinky big warty toad.  He was tortured a bit, dropped, saved from the dogs mouth and then finally set free after getting the perfect picture.  I think he was glad when we left.

Barley joined us of course.  He almost killed himself a few times so we were lucky that he returned home with us.  When we came across this river he wasn't leashed and plunged right into the raging water.  I said some choice words and coaxed him out before he was swept away.  On the way back down I had him leashed and walked him up to the "less" swift part for him to get a drink.  He laid down and let his body go limp.  Had he not been leashed he would have been gone for sure.  I guess I have to remember he's a puppy and doesn't always make the best choices.  From now on when big water is involved he will be leashed. 

Hopefully it won't be long and we will be up high in the wilderness soaking up the sunshine and glorious views!