The Old but Wonderful Standby

I had grand plans yesterday of a paddle down the St. Joe River with Nancy providing a shuttle but our wonderful dog sitter is out of town.  We always have her come over and let the dogs out when we are gone for more than 6 hours.  So, we had to improvise and turned once again to Mt. Spokane State Park.  It is so close and so beautiful.  In all we hiked about 6 miles.  Walter and I let Nancy and Arlo come along which we figured was a nice thing to do.  Arlo, who is 1 1/2 years old was really fatigued and we had to stop and rest for about 20 minutes after we got to the saddle between Bald and Kit Carson.  I am a bit concerned that he may have a hip problem so he is going to go in for a check next week.  Walter was of course right on his game.  He certainly does not seem like a 10 year old dog.

Two minutes into the hike and already the rocks start jumping into shoes.

Tons of little rills and roaring creeks coming down the mountain.

Mt. Kit Carson meadow.  Next time I am going to take a blanket and take a nap here.

Arlo looking totally cute.

Nancy enjoying some fresh air.  I was just about to have her take a picture of me for my blog since I hardly ever post one of myself but then my batteries died.  I didn't even get one of Walter!  I am bound and determined to make the most of this summer.  Last summer was sort of a loss.  I still do not understand how having a hysterectomy could have knocked me out for so long.  I realized yesterday that I was only up on Mt. Spokane once last year and that was in the fall.  No skiing because of my knee issues and surgery, no hiking in the summer.  I am still having some immune issues, inflammation and anemia but I think it is getting better.  I do not want another summer to slip by without me enjoying it.  Afterall, we only get so many of them in our lifetime.