As any of you that know me, every day off work is a dog weekend. This one was no exception as we hiked, hiked, and hiked. The dogs love it in the woods – as I do. I thought we should take advantage of what may be the last weekend to hike before the snow falls. Sure we can go snowshoeing, but for nice long hikes, this weekend may have been the last. I suppose we could head to the Southern Black Hills; maybe Black Elk Wilderness or Harney Peak. I do not know if they get snow the same time we do or later.
Our first hike was Big Hill Loop C – a good seven mile hike. Big Hill is a great place for Cross Country Skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. The weather was pretty cool, a perfect temperature for hairy dogs. They ran the entire hike. The leaves are graying and so is the grass – not as much color as last time we were out with Sanna. I still loved being out in the woods.
One of the best benefits of a Fall hike at Big Hills is the cows are gone. They graze cattle here in the summer and there is cow shit everywhere. It is a very unpleasant experience hiking in cow shit. It wasn’t like just a few horse road apples here and there, there were cow pies all over the trail. It really sucked.
Formerly Bloated, Stinky Cow.
Our second hike this weekend was up Crow Peak. This is a popular trail here in the Northern Black Hills. It is about 3.5 miles up – all the way. We ran into a guy who rode his bicycle from town, ran up to the summit, and back down. That seems crazy to me. I’ll bet we ran into fifteen other hikers on the trail. Scout has been working hard on winning some independence when we are out and about and this was her first unleashed hike. I’d say she did quite well not getting too far ahead of Finn and I. She loved the freedom to run and sniff whatever she wanted – as long as it was right on the trail.
Beautiful Scout.
You Are The Leaf In My Hair.
Any time off would not be complete without some time at the Spearfish City Dog Park. We always meet new dogs and there is a lot of running and slobbering. This makes for tired, good, happy dogs.
This young lady is apparently a “dry” St. Bernard. Maybe, a little less slobbery, but I wouldn’t say dry.
Princess Leia
This Weimaraner loves her toys – I was going to say balls, but that sounded naughty.
Tessa
This lady has a really big bark, but all she wants to do is play with her frisbee. She must be a bit older, but not less intent on getting her frisbee.
This little chick was F-A-S-T and she ran with the big dogs with no problems.
Here’s to the next dog days off…
