Sunny Sunday

I wanted to look for skunk cabbage as I've seen Leeks coming up in other areas so I chose a trail that has a couple of wetland areas to look for them. The North Hay Valley Trail is one of the more hilly trails on the Reserve. After climbing up two ridges, we went down into this little valley.

I let the dogs roam around with me looking for signs of plants with no luck. However I did jump back and forth across the stream and called Hannah. She complied and after about 4 jumps, I got a shot of her leaping in midair.

According to a puppy every leaf and stick deserves her full attention. It is hard to see here but she has a mouthful of oak leaves.

She is almost as tall as Charlie now and almost as long as his Dachshund body is. However she is built so daintily compared to his huge chest and muscular build.

The line attached to her is to step on or grab if she is getting into trouble. I'm also using it as a leash. It is parachute cord and very lightweight. 

I've used this method since the 1980's. 

Charlie jumps up on a log to avoid Hannah. However Hannah will probably develop some amazing jumping skills herself. 

We were going to turn around and hike back to the car from this point, but it would almost be equidistant to do the entire loop.

So we forged onward.

I did give Charlie a carry for a while to give him a rest as at one point he seemed almost too warm. He recovered well after getting a huge drink of water from me.

Hannah got a lift too for a while. She is still a pup and growing. She didn't want to get carried at all. Goofy girl.

This may be the only structure left in the Kickapoo Valley Reserve. I almost wish someone would clean all the debris off from it. This section of trail is pretty rough with down branches and deep ruts. I've been inside of it and admired the handywork of those who laid the stone building.

Towards the end of the trail, I came up on a perfect spot for some toy photography. Hannah nosed things down a couple of times before she learned that the toys were not food and she was supposed to 'leave it'.

Wall-E and Eve wish you a good Monday.

Distance: Just under 5 miles with lots of rest stops for the dogs.