Trail Recon

Decided to go do some trail recon for future horseback rides into the wilderness near by.  I like to make sure that I can get my truck and trailer not only in to, but out of a trailhead.  Nothing quite as much fun as going up a one lane dirt road several miles only to discover that you're going to have to back that trailer down to the main road.  NOT.

Took the dogs and checked on one trail that I've not done and one that I have done in the past.  New one looks promising if not well marked.  Walked the dogs down the trail about a mile.  Good parking at any rate and the trail merges with the one I'm interested in.

Saw a bright splash of purple as I walked along.  Most of the spring flowers were done blooming, but this one patch was in full bloom.  The sun on the picture washes the flowers out a bit, but I liked the rocks and logs in the photo, so, what the heck.  Still getting used to the digital camera.  Full size, it's a pretty cool picture.

I have got to get a good book on wildflower identification.  Not just wildflowers though, other plants as well.  I have one for trees, the best.  It's a book I got for a class at Oregon State years ago.  'Manual of Oregon Trees and Shrubs' by Warren R. Randall.  They've updated since I got mine in 1970.  Best book out there.

After checking out the new trail we drove around and checked on one I've used in the past but haven't been up there in 3 or 4 years.  It was always a tight fit with the trailer but doable.  Not so sure I want to attempt it any more.  The manzanita has moved in on the road and was scratching the truck and when I finally got to the trailhead, it was a whole lot tighter to turn around than a couple years ago.  Doable, but a real pain for sure.

Dogs and I walked a mile or so down that trail as well.  Hey, we were there, it was a beautiful day and a walk in the wilderness is always rejuvenating.  The two terriers love to get up and walk on every log or rock. That is of course the precursor to digging under and around for what ever wildlife might be found.

Well, the dogs got to do what dogs do and I got to take a deep breath, good day all in all.