Hilder-Mountain Hike

Mike had laboured enough setting up my new iMac, and it was time for all of us to shake a leg or two.

At the end of Hilderbrand there is a gate past which lies a vast, unoccupied 200 acre property. Earlier, in the cooler Spring, the pups and I had followed the dirt road on the other side of the gate up to a mountain plateau which afforded a grand view of Mt. Helena. I thought Mike should see it; and so, even though it was getting warm by mid morning, the pack of us set off for a hike.

Trudgy-Butts

The pups were quite excited, seeming to sense that we were going somewhere more than just a brief walk-about. Past the gate, though, their scampering became somewhat more dogged; and, as we neared the base of the ascent, both pups found some shade and made a decision.

Fortunately, a little ways on, after a turn in the trail, there is a cool and refreshing pond.

Fips immediately ran toward the water’s edge looking back at me and expecting a stick. As he gave his impatient little hop, I found something to throw and tossed it far into the pond. Kersplash.

It was warm enough, and the prospect cool enough, that even Rosco got into the act.

And so, the dogs refreshed we set off again for the trudge up the to the crest of the ridge.

Trio On Top

Once there, Mike and I beheld the spectacular view, while the canines sniffed around the grounds and the remains of a mountain cabin. I sat in the shade of what had been the porch, as Mike and the dogs went further on up to explore around the base of a water tank.


When they returned, we all headed back down and home, where the dogs quenched their thirst and conked out in tired contentment.

Wooly Bully

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