Walkies

I was hoping to get up to the high country for some hiking today but instead opted for the closer to home, 12 minute drive option of the foothills just above Boulder. I only took Strummer with me because he's a great hiking dog. He sticks to the trail and never goes very far ahead of me. Mostly he wants to chase a stick or pine cone until I get bored of tossing them to him. I felt bad leaving Cody home, he loves this hike but he can be a pain in the ass because he likes to lag behind and sniff or go off on his own walkies if he finds a little side trail. He has an excellent recall on the trails but I hate having to constantly call him and keep my eye on him. I did not feel bad about leaving Lola home. Her prey drive is through the roof and she has no regard for her body. Even at 8 years old she will go crashing down steep embankments and flying off tall rock ledges so for her safety and that off all rodent like woodland creatures I typically leave her home. Strum was a perfect boy on the trail and spent most of the hike off leash.

Flying Stick!!!


Poser


How many times have I posted this view from the top of Skunk Canyon? Oh well, here I go again. It was a beautiful hike into and back out of the canyon, short but sweet. A huge bird that I thought was a Golden Eagle swooped very near me as it was being hassled by a smaller bird. I thought I saw a bit of red or orange making me doubt it was a Golden Eagle but it seemed way too big for a red-tailed hawk and that's about the end of my bird knowledge as far as what that bird looked like.


View of the Boulder Flatirons. So cliche I know but oh well, I can't help myself.


Wildflowers were fantabulous.


Poppies, poppies (she cackles in her best Wicked Witch of the West voice)


Dang it, it's thundering again. At least I got a nice hike in first. Glad I didn't go up high. Haven't been swimming all week due to the weather since all evening workouts are now outside. Come to think of it I don't think I swam last week either. Hopefully I can hit the Rez next week or I may forget how to swim altogether.