Today's Adventure

Today we hiked our favorite trail but started on the red trail instead of the blue! We usually do an up and back on the blue trail but decided to do the whole 10.5mi loop today on new trails we haven't explored! Boy was it fun AND exhausting!

Oh, any way Hi! That's me and my dog Takoda to the right! He's a 3.5 year old golden retriever. We decided to name him Takoda, which is Native American for "Friend to Everyone" and boy does he live up to that! His alto ego though is Chief Crazy Horse! You can you use your imagination on that one!

We just love hiking, there is nothing better and freer then being outside with nature and exploring new areas and getting away from the hustle and bustle. Today we did just that! Check out our map!

The hike started out really well! After the first mile, I realized we were in the sun for the better part of it. That didn't change for about he next 2 miles. Poor Takoda, he is not a fan of the sun, he thinks he will melt. We walked in as much shade as we could.

Yes boy, we parked over there, but we have to hike all the way around the reservoir to get back! Takoda looking out on the bridge that goes over the reservoir. Little did we know it was going to take the next 3.5 hours to get back to the car!

See what I meant by in the sun? Luckily it was still early morning at that time and the temperatures were not too bad, but I'm not the one with golden hair every where! It must have been hot for poor Takoda!

But have no fear, Takoda always finds his random dipping spots. He will lay and relax in any bit of water he finds! This dog loves the water! Even in the middle of winter he's been known to lay in water that must be freezing! I guess it feels like a slice from heaven for this guy!

This area reminds me of an old greek proverb, "A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in." I imagine this will be a beautiful forest some day! Maybe my son will bring his kids here in 30-40 years to see it!

After traveling the red trail for miles, we hooped on the connector trail to the perk trail and then finally to the blue trail! It was a lot longer then what I expected. I was getting a little worried I didn't bring enough water. Takoda and I had to conserve a little bit until we reach the blue trail. Then I knew we would be able to refill at a spring a few miles into the blue trail if we needed to.

Just loves the water! He couldn't help himself! A nice cool down after about 6 miles of hiking. But we were on a mission to complete the loop so we didn't stay and play long!

This is more like it for Takoda! These are the trails he loves. All shade little sun and watching the critters run around and climb up trees. I really enjoy it as the birds cheer us along! By this time I could tell Takoda was getting tired! He was really slowing up, but he was a trooper and pushed through! Not without more dips in the water of course!

We finally reached the spring and had a well deserved rest! I would have taken a pictures but my phone DIED! At least I knew we were a mile from the car. But we made it! Now, Takoda can barely move! He deserves his rest!

I hope you enjoyed our adventure as much as we did! Thanks for reading!

Of course there is nothing better then an after hike smoothie, so as promised here is the smoothie recipe! Enjoy!

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