Random walks at Carson Pass

Saturday I cleaned a bit and rearranged the living room. It rained part of the day here and was raining in the mountains.

Sunday was supposed to be overcast but dry, and was supposed to get drier as the day progressed.

I ignored the solidly gray, rainy-looking, ominous, dark, sky and decided to go hiking anyway. I meant to include my warm coat, but forgot it. The drive up 50 and over the Mormon Emigrant Trail to 88 was very nice, if you like rain and fog. On 88 at Silver Lake the sky began to clear, although it was still easily 80 per cent cloudy. I was determined to make it to Hope Valley to see if the aspens were golden yet.

Made it to Hope Valley and the aspens were still green, although, perhaps they are thinking about turning golden any minute now. There was fresh snow on the highest peaks, at least what I could see of the peaks with their rain cloud hats.

Drove off a forest service road in Hope Valley and poked along a stream for about 1/2 an hour. Commando didn't really consider this a great hike, but he did hop back into the car.

Just over Carson Pass I decided to take the service road to Schneider Camp. It soon turned into dirt and with about a mile to the camp I decided to finish by walking. Commando and I got out and were about 10 yards from the car when some guys on ATVs came down. I noticed that one had a rifle holder stowed away (and a hunting dog). I stopped him and asked if it was hunting season. He said yes. I said I'd better go back because I didn't have any orange on and neither did Commando. He said I'd be okay if I stayed on the road and if Commando was a "good dog" and didn't go in the woods. Well, Commando is a good dog, but he's going to go into the woods, plus, I'm not so sanguine about the safety of the road so we headed back to the car.

Near Caples Lake there is a turnoff for the Margaret Lake trailhead. I took that and Commando and I headed off for our third excursion. This is really a pleasant trail and I'll have to take it when it's earlier in the day and I'm properly outfitted. It heads down, then is flat across a very nice meadow with a stream (almost a river) and then heads down again. I stopped at the second down place because it was getting late. The sun started to come out on the hike and was out for most of the hike back. Great!

There is a log crossing of the stream which is a little scary, but I made it.

New walk

Left work early to take care of some business. Picked up Commando and drove up 5 to 99 and exited at Howsley road. If you turn to the left it dead ends and you can walk along a canal levee. It was a good spot...very deserted but scenic at the same time. Commando tried to give some jackrabbits some exercise, however, he's fast for a dog but slow for a jackrabbit.

I'll definitely be back for this walk.

Pilling the Dog

Commando had an ugly bout of diarrhea Friday night so we went to the vet on Saturday. I feel sorry for the techs who had to get a fecal sample from the paper towels, regular dish towel and washcloth in the double bag.

I'm going to bet a parasite, but we'll find out for sure on Tuesday.

In the meantime, I have to dose him with Flagyl twice a day. The vet tech recommended opening his mouth and shoving the pill deep in his throat and then holding his muzzle closed and pointed up and stroking his throat until he swallows. She says the pill is very bad tasting and the dog won't eat it again if he tastes it.

Last night was a bit of a circus and he spit the pill out once. Some slobber was also spread around liberally but I think the pill got downed. This morning was easier although I'm guessing as the days progress it will be harder to trick him into coming over for some affectionate petting.