Run DMZ

 

 

 

The Vista Fire on Mount Baldy last week, just hours after it erupted. As of today, it's about 50% contained and all nearby trails remain closed. The West is having quite a hard time with wildfires this summer.   

 

To be able to sleep in and get in a long hike before life kicks into a higher gear is a true blessing. So many people were out and about last weekend, perhaps because trails were closed the three days prior due to tree treatments. Will be back here tomorrow (Thursday) with friends as the big backpacking trip approaches.

 I almost turned around early on the trail last Saturday, a bit creeped out by the lack of others despite ideal hiking conditions. I'm glad I didn't because I would have missed the field of yerba mansa in bloom about a mile from the Los Penasquitos "waterfall" on the South Trail. 

Thought it might be nice to resurrect Wordless Wednesday for the season. This is Eagle Rock, which we accessed yesterday via the Pacific Coast Trail in Warner Springs. The 6.5-mile hike had its challenges, from territorial cows and bulls to a snake in the middle of the trail. It heated up to high 70s, but that was a good thing for me and my heavy backpack.   

Stasha is a very special dog. She had the right combination of discipline, temperment, smarts and compassion to take on a very important job. This is Rolly and Louise, who raised Stasha for the first 18 months. Actually, Stasha was so smart, she got called up for "Puppy College" early.   It's an emotional day. They had plenty of tissues on hand.   And plenty of people taking tissues too. Boo hoo  hoo. Finally, the moment that Louise and Rolly officially unite Stasha with her companion. She's their third puppy and their first "success" - though we are glad Twilah (known in our house as "The Best Behaved Dog We've Ever Known") intentionally flunked.   Here she is getting ready to go to Kylie. And here's Felicia, the next puppy to join the Roup Troupe. Love is neverending, isn't it? Special thanks for the stage photos from Louise, who got them from someone else whose name I cannot recall. The rest are min...