More real PCT and a new budding bartender in the blogger world

Good day blog gang.

Cocoa here (do you see the PCT marker in the background)?  Navy, Little Fox and I are doing more hiking near Mt. Ashland looking for sweeping vistas (not today....thanks wildfire smoke) and lots of flowers.

Navy stumbled across a little trail magic on the PCT today.

Coolers full of soda (shasta brand - ironic since we can see Mt. Shasta), some LaCroix and a logbook.

In previous years Little Fox has found boxes of apples, granola bars, beers, and coolers of soda.

The trail angel also set up some yard chairs, the gang likes this one as they can put their tired feet up and relax. 

The flowers on the PCT are doing well, today our hike was chosen by Navy Beanie.  Grouse Gap to Siskiyou Summit (and beyond).

The trail calls - Navy must go.

We made it to Siskiyou summit and what a nice view.  360 degrees and on a non-smokey day you can see everything.  Oregon, California, Lakes, Mountains etc.

On our way back Navy mentioned he signed up for a class at a local winery that was happening today.  

Apparently it's been a dream of Navy's to be an amateur bartender.  From the looks of things it seems he has two customers who are ready to enjoy a glass or two of wine.

A day out and about

Hiya Gang,
Little Fox, Cocoa and Navy Beanie here as we explore the Fruit Loop.  First stop is the petting zoo.  I can't help but be mesmerized by these chickens - management told me I  had to stay behind the fence or else.....

Looks like Navy Beanie made a friend.  

Cocoa was more interested in the flowering trees and the views of Mt. Hood in the background. 

So pretty - Cocoa wonders if these are cherry or apple trees? 

Navy spotted some alpacas way in the back - 

The petting zoo also had a bakery (or the bakery had a petting zoo) either way. Navy and Beanie found a few homemade pies

 to take home to Sandy.  Note - sorry Sandy these cookies were consumed before we left.

We saw this cool yard art and had to stop at the winery.

Navy and I shared a glass, Cocoa is off in the office getting us another bottle.

 

A quick jaunt to wine country

 One of the great things about living where I live is how close I'm to wine country.

Today, I took Navy and Cocoa to Scotch Church Road Winery.  Yep, it's on Scotch Church Road by the old Scotch Church (founded by people from Scotland).

A cool old church and a cool little winery in a cold (yes, cold for March) barn. 

Navy and Cocoa Wine Down

 Hiya Gang,

Little Fox here.  Navy and Beanie wanted to check out one of the local wineries (we should have brought some cheese with us as well)....sigh.  

As you can see these mice know how to party.  To my casual eye it seems that Navy and Cocoa are being held up by the wine glasses.  

Cheers everyone. 

Nature HIke

 My nature hike today started off near this Sequoia tree.  Apparently, a local dignitary planted the tree is in the 1860s and it's the oldest Sequoia tree in Oregon.

Sequoia the dog wasn't with us on this nature hike but I, Little Fox, can narrate for you. 

 Spring is in full force.

These smell good. 

Now that I have made it to the top of the viewpoint you can see Mt. McLoughlin in the distance.

The nature park was on an old mining claim so as I ventured down I had a chance to see all sorts of historical equipment. 

Behind me is an old earthen dam used as a way to collect water for hydraulic mining which was done on this hill until the 1940s.  I am no engineer, but essentially hydraulic mining involves spraying a lot of water forcefully at a hill, moving rocks and dirt, and seeing what minerals (gold in this case) are left over.   

Hmm what's this?  Looks like a water gun.  I better explore. 

Old rusted pipes.  Interesting. 

Looks like a mining sluice. 

Up close to the water gun.  It might be a tad heavy for me to operate.

This mining operation probably took a toll on the hillside - luckily the residents of the town banded together to preserve the history of the hill and the land.  Now, they have a growing wine county and many agribusinesses.  As you can see the deer have come back to the hills (maybe they never left) either way it was a good spot for me to relax.

Speaking of relaxing, let's hit some of these wineries.  

No, I am in the Mediterranean, sigh.

Are these Koi?

What? I have to drink my wine out of a paper cup?