First Hike of March

 Hiya Blog World.

Finally a blog post (a'hem) and a hike.  One of the best photos came from the start of the hike before the roommates even left the car.  The purple flowers were the main wildflowers out today but they were abundant. 

An old telephone pole, perhaps I will be learning about this in Archeology 301 this quarter? 

Some damage of last years fire, a lot more on the other side of the trail but someone (ie the sekrebeary) decided pictures of the dog were more important than me documenting the fire. 

Such a nice day, Spring is so close. 

Finally, something to post about!

Navy and Cocoa here, and today Little Fox took us back out to the gorge and we went to Tracy Hill.  LF took us  there a while back when the flowers were blooming and the grass was greener. Navy found Mt. Hood but barely see it.

Sequoia wanted to be in this picture with Navy.

Navy found the old Corral.  Little fox says it's one of his favorite spots.

Little fox and Cocoa are hanging out in the backpack…Navy is the more adventurous stuffy today.

Eventually after lunch Cocoa decided to come out and switch spots with Navy.  After the hike, none of the animals could be found as it was snack time and they each got their own cookie to munch on.

Wildflowers Galore

 Hiya Gang,
Little Fox here with my pals Navy and Cocoa Beanie.  After our day of adventuring around the gorge we decided to finish our mini-get-away with another hike. It's prime wildflower season so this longer hike should be a shoe-in for many-a-flowers.

Navy looks good with Mt. Hood and Horsethief Butte in the background.  

Navy found some Balsamroot and a few early Lupine. Navy also found Mt. Hood in the background. 

This hike is on an old ranch and besides being a state park its also a right of way for high voltage power lines.  At times you can hear the buzzing of the lines but it doesn't distract us from the views or flowers. 

Navy and Cocoa switched spots and Cocoa did just as good of job as Navy finding flowers. 

It's hard to take a bad picture up here. 

Being that it was prime wildflower season in the Gorge it was busy but there were a few pockets of solitude while hiking.

Even Sequoia got in on the pictures. 

So the next question is easy:  Where to next gang? 

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.

 

Let's go!

Amidst towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls, a curious trio sets out on an adventure like no other – Little Fox and his two trusty companions, the adventurous mice, Navy and Cocoa.

Their destination? A not-so hidden trail renowned for its breathtaking vistas and vibrant wildflowers. Onward Navy commands.

First up, some early spring flowers part of the carrot family none-the-less. Plus a waterfall to boot.

The California Poppies are coming out in full force.

So much sunshine and the flowers are starting there show.

Time to hand off the blog to Cocoa to see what they found.

Hiya Navy, here I found Balsamroot.  It's going nuts over here.

Another type of yellow flower - smaller than Balsamroot but just as amazing.

It's always good to get off the main trail and see some of the woods. You never know what you might find.  

This is so cool! A nice little grotto, just the right size for a mouse. 

Our little hiking buddy wanted to get a picture in the blog before it's time to sign off.

Where is Little Fox, everyone? He's nowhere to be found. Maybe he's lost in the woods....

Exploring the wildflowers

Hiya Gang,

Little Fox, Navy and Cocoa here getting ready for a nice Spring hike.  We are in the gorge and hoping to find some wildflowers.  Let's go!!

 

Our location is an old ranch.  Back in the day this was a cattle operation and this corral is one of the last remaining structures. 

A seasonal creek runs through this ranch.  

 
Lot's of old oak trees here.

Sequoia and Cocoa have become good friends.

The mountain (Mt. Hood) is out today. Cocoa is definitely curious about exploring the mountain soon.  

Navy found a few wildflowers.  Yeah Navy!

My guests definity need sustenance.  What do you feed mice?  Easy, cheese.  One cheese stick for each. 

Time to get one more picture in before we head back down.  Where are we off to next? 

An adventure with Baxter

 Hiya Gang,
Baxter here.  I'm carefully hanging out on this barb wire fence while my roommates get the dog ready for our hike.  It's a beautiful fall day so we're taking advantage of the sunny weather. 

The area I'm exploring today is an old ranch, turned hiking trails.  The wildflowers are pretty good here in the spring. I have to admit I blend into the scenery pretty well. 

Sequoia clearly found the trail.   He knows lunch is coming soon. Must be a canine instinct.

Wide open spaces, so much to explore. 

Whew, made it back to the start of the trail, near the old fence and cabin foundation. 

Being that I'm an ice cream afficianado I insisted we get something for the drive home.

My roommates begrudgingly agreed and treated me to a Ruby Jewel Ice Cream Sandwich.