Hobbes' Sea-to-Ski Road Trip - March 26, 2021

 New puppy and renewed life for this old blog.  It still sports the Allegheny Photography identifier. I probably should change it to be consistent with the rest of my social media pages, but it is fine as is for now.

Hobbes turns 12 weeks on March 27 and will have been with us for a month. Over this past month we have been following the advice of a puppy training expert who advocates introducing dogs to a broad range of stimuli between 8 and 16 weeks. One aspect they mention is how summer puppies do not get exposed to winter activities and winter puppies do not get exposed to summer activities. Living in the Pacific Northwest this is not a problem as one can easily travel from shore to mountains in a few hours enjoying an early summer to late winter experience.

We started near our home at Rosario Beach

Hobbes has small issue with moving water. He finds it interesting but unsettling. His first investigation resulted in him making a hasty retreat.

His second investigation didn't go much better;

deciding it best to walk away.

But, he went back for a third try.

"Enough! Stupid moving water!"

He opted to watch from a safer distance and strike a few poses.

"This be my good side!"

Loading up we moved on and headed towards the mountains.  An hour or so up the road we stopped along the Nooksack River where a bit of spring color was starting to emerge. Getting him out of the car he seemed amused to find the same sort of rocks, and while there was moving water this water didn't chase him.  Plus, it tasted much better!

Next stop, Mt. Baker Ski Area.  

He seemed quite surprised with finding his feet on snow. Not his first experience with snow, I understand he experienced it back with his breeder and I stopped in route home when he was 8 weeks, but he seemed quite taken by the experience this time.  He was initially unsettled by all the noise and excitement but quickly settled down and took it all in. Meeting folks on skis and snowboards, a few kids, and a couple dogs it proved to be a happy fun experience.

But he was ready for some food and a nap in the camper.

Then back out for a bit more play.

I think he is going to make a fine snow dog!

On the way home we stopped off for a snack where he charmed the ladies at a coffee shop and we took a brief walk along a wooded trail. Just before home we made a brief stop at Pass Lake where folks were fishing.

He did not seem overly impressed and was glad to soon be back in the truck on his way home in time for dinner.

"The Human said something about this being the 'Golden Hour.' Doesn't he realize that ALL the hours are golden when I'm around?"

All in all it was a fine trip. I expect it was the first of what will be many. 

 

Sawtooth Wilderness - Part B

 Redfish Lake to Alpine Lake...and Back

Headed into the Redfish Creek Valley

This part of the adventure was a short one. Just one overnight. I shed a good bit of gear to travel lighter. Entering via Redfish Lake I travelled along Redfish Creek then up the valley wall into the Alpine Lake watershed.

Iconic view along Redfish Creek.

This valley is spectacular. A deeply carved glacial relief surrounded on both sides by high peaks and steep walls displaying hanging valleys. 

View toward Decker Peak

The climb up to Alpine Lake was arduous but filled with beauty. Late season wildflowers covered the hillsides and the views were wonderful.

On the way to Alpine Lake

Arriving at Alpine Lake I found several nice campsites. After setting up camp I scouted the lake looking for a promising sunset view. The sunset was not intense, rather the day softly faded into night providing a muted display. 

Sunset on Alpine Lake

A bit of rain arrived overnight but as the region is typically quite parched this time of year it was quickly absorbed and the ground remained dry. Grey morning light faded into another bright blue day for the hike out. 

This fellow showed no interest in moving and allowed me to walk right up and snap this shot.

Exiting across Redfish Lake

The lodge at the end of the lake runs a boat shuttle. The shuttle saves a 5 mile hike along the lake and provides an excellent view back toward the valley.

I covered about 27 miles over 5 days, not an overly strenuous expedition but given the altitude and associated elevation gains provided a good workout. I had pared down my camera gear to just 2 lenses, camera body, and tripod plus a small point-and-shoot. Going forward I definitely plan to acquire a lighter tripod. Since returning I have shed about 10 pounds of gear in preparation of my next trip. I have acquired a light 1-man tent, simplified water filtration system, and mini canister stove. I am in the search for a lighter pack capable of carrying my camera gear and reduced amount of gear, which should eliminate another 3 to 4 pounds. My goal is a pack weighing no more than 40 pounds, preferably closer to 35, able to sustain me for 2 to 3 days in the backcountry.