Nick Eaton Ridge, Columbia River Gorge, OR; Aug 2010

The weather forecast was crummy for Aug 29, 2010. Government Camp on Mt Hood was forecast for mostly cloudy, high of 50 deg F, and wind gusts up to 29 mph. We needed a good conditioner for Labor Day weekend, so, opted for shorter drive time and traveled to one of our 'go to' hikes -- Nick Eaton Ridge in the Columbia River Gorge. View are not like up in the alpine, but, would not see anything today. Took the Ridge Cutoff trail to Gorton Creek trail and back to the car; 2800' elevation and 5.5 hrs hike time -- with heavy packs. Hope is to get out for 4, 5 days with the MthDogs over Labor Day.

First Break, Junction of Herman Creek and Nick Eaton

Roddy needs a break, too.

No Worries Here.

eWilson testing out Bono's next possible specs. haha

Nothing like to good days hike to mellow out the MtnDogs.

Mazama Trail, Mt Hood, OR -- Aug 15, 2010

Sunday we hiked the Mazama Trail on the north side of Mt. Hood. Could have hiked further to Cairn Basin or McNeil Shelter, but, this was good enough for today. Mazama Trail is 3.7 miles one way from the trailhead to the junction with the Timberline trail. Elevation gain is 2120'. The Timberline Trail is a circumnavigation of Mt. Hood that stays at or near timberline for most of the route, about 37 miles.

Shot from the parking lot at the trailhead. NW side of Mt Hood.


MtnDogs are ready to go...

Finally, heading up the trail.

Shot from the first meadow.


Not a bad view, good spot to stop for a bit.

Lunchtime!

Training for 2011 Tour de France

Well, since one can not use performance enhancing drugs at the Tour de France any more; ala, Floyd Landis, etc, etc; I've decided to take a new tack in my training plans -- Beagle power!!! Just need to decide one Beagle power or two. Here is the inaugural ride of our brand new 'Bike Tow Leash' -- as recommended by TeamBeagle over at teambeagle.blogspot.com. You might notice some enthusiasm on the part of Echo to get on and start training -- rather persistent barking.

Big Saturday Night

A Big Saturday Night
31-July-2010

The MtnDogs headed into the city on Saturday night. Partied at Normaldale dog park and then got to wait in the car while the humans ate dinner at a fancy restaurant. But, we did get to visit with grandma after dinner, so that was cool.

and, here is our awesome video

West Zigzag Mountain Hike

West Zigzag Mountain
24-July-2010

A nice hike through the woods on a hot day. Zigzag mountain is on the west side of Mt Hood near the town of Zigzag, Oregon. Typically the hike would be about 11 miles with a couple miles hiking along a the ridge crest. Got a late start, so we made if to the ridge crest, ate lunch and headed back down. About a 5 hour hike, 7-8 miles with 3000' of elevation gain. Did manage to get in the bulk of the major uphill walking.

On the trail.

Yep, Echo's ready.














Roddy, too.
















Hurry up Echo... The view is great.
















Taking a breather, sure is tough being a MtnDog.












Pink rhody's at the end of July. Normally, June is the prime month. Tells you how cold and wet our spring was here in the Pacific NW.
















Unless you're the lead dog... No that is NOT me in the front.































At the end of the day, a happy Lynne, my wife.