December 7, 2011



Our peak at Rose Camp on the left with fog over the
Columbia River in the background



A different perspective of the canyon
to the south of Rose Camp



Another view of the Cascades to the west

The dogs and I went for a hike Tuesday morning along the south ridge to our neighbors, two lots over to the southwest.  One of several owners who only come Up Here once or twice a year.  They have the highest point near us, with a 360 degree view, on which they have built a bench.  I shot 50 photos while we were gone.  Just couldn't stop snapping them.  Again, I will just let the pictures speak for themselves.

It is amazing how simply stepping to one side or another affords one a whole new perspective.  Very obvious when you are in the mountains; not so much in day to day life.  From the top of a ridge the view can change considerably by just turning or taking one or two steps to either side.  A lot of people could learn from that metaphor.

It is also amazing what a good night's sleep can do for one's attitude and energy level.  The fire in our wood stove is like a new born baby and demands attention during the night.  I have decided not to attend to it until at least 4:00 a.m.  My sleep is more important than keeping the house cozy 24/7.  I will just be very diligent about the fire I put in before we go to bed.  With our soapstone stove, a good fire can still put out the heat after 6 hours.

When we first moved Up Here there were many wildlife trails, but two main "freeways."  One wound across our east slope from north to south, and the other was along the south ridge.  With the introduction of our dogs, the deer have made a new path just the other side of the ridge.  When they are walking you cannot see them, but if they are in a hurry and are running (sproinging) or bounding (boinging), and you are looking (as Dinga usually is) you can see just their heads above the ridge line with each bound.  It's really hilarious and the dogs go nuts.

And speaking of "going nuts", both Dinga and Jesse get very excited when we start putting on our coats and boots.  But when I reach for my trekking pole, they go ballistic!  We're going on a hike!  We're going on a hike!

Thought for the day:  The mountains are calling and I must go.  John Muir
(Words on a clock given to us by Sandy while we were living in Illinois and planning our mountain home in Washington.)