Saturday Fall Hikes

"Let's hit the trail!"

Last Saturday Chris and I took Friday, Linus, and Astro on our second annual fall colors hike.  We went back to the Bear Jaw - Abeneau loop trail.  It was a beautiful fall day, nice and warm.

"How many times do you think we'll have to do this today?"

Our first break was next to this lovely rock that we managed to get all three boys to pose on at the same time.  Persistence pays off.

The aspens were in various stages of loosing their leaves.  Some were still green, some were bright yellow, and some had fallen off.

"La, la, la, you can't catch me!"

The boys had a great time running and playing in the snow.  We had a storm a week or so before the hike.  Most of it had melted, luckily there were some spots big enough for romping.

Proud Mom

We took a nice break at the top of the trail.

"I know there are things for me to chase out there."

Astro was always sniffing around on the trail, pulling me ahead, and always looking out into the forest for all the critters that he knows are there.

Whoa!

The trail going down Abineau Canyon is pretty steep.  The upper half was taken out by an avalanche and the trail was never officially redone so it's rough and gravely in some place.  Combine that with some packed snow and some big dogs in front of us and we were in for a tricky descent.

Aspen at the end of the trail.

Another great hike with great friends!

"Am I really off leash in the forest?"

Zephyr was so excited and happy when Astro and I got home and I felt guilty for him having to stay home, so I had to take him out for his own hike.  We went to "Off Leash Canyon" and I actually let him off leash for a little bit.  It almost seemed like he was so surprised to be off leash that he wasn't sure what to do.  He had fun checking things out and doing some short gallops though.

Handsome guy in the afternoon sun.

Poor Zephyr had to pose for pictures too.  Notice the ribs you can see?  A month ago I couldn't see them very well.  He still has a way to go, but it's so nice to be able to go out for a little hike with Zephyr again.