Today's Morning Hike at Fishtrap Lake (Southwest Loop)

I got an early start on this hike to Fishtrap Lake and as usual, there was no one around.  I really needed my treated, tick repellent gaiters but I forgot them.  The trails were overgrown in many low lying areas.  No snakes seen and, despite going off trail a lot to avoid water and high grass, I did not get even one tick on me!  I hiked a total of 5 miles; mostly level which I chose because I am getting over some knee problems.  I walked the last mile on the road leading from the old Miller farm house to my parked car at the trail head further south. 

You will notice many burned or partially burned Ponderosa pine trees in my photos.  This is what happens when some IDIOTS shoot at exploding targets, in the wind, in extremely dry conditions like what happened a few years ago!

Solo Hike Along the Naches River on May 25, 2018

It was a beautiful sunny, warm day with a slight breeze.  No rattle snakes spotted this time!

May Hike at Kettle Falls With the Columbia River Lowered.

May solo hike to see what it was like with the river very low.  You could make out where the fall used to be that was an extremely important gathering place for the Indians to fish.

Spring Hike North of Vantage

April '18 hike on the west side of the Columbia River just north of Vantage with Jan, Ana Li and Peter.

New Year's Day Hike at Hog Lake

I got up early and drove the 30 minute drive west of our home to the parking area on BLM land at the north end of Hog Lake. Very little snow was on the ground; only about 1.5 to 2". It was icy in spots where hikers had gone before me. It was an overcast and misty morning. The waterfall at the north end was not totally frozen over nor was that end of the lake.

As I continued west from the mid part of the lake along a small rift in the basaltic rocks I saw these mouse or vole trails.

As I passed this little pond with interesting winter colors I approached a solitary ponderosa when I large silent bird glided out. I walked a little further not realizing the bird had landed again and at the next copse of trees two of the big Great Horned Owls glided out. At this point I knew I had stumbled upon a mated pair and needed to retrace my steps to leave them alone. They obviously had found the perfect place to raise and provide for their family.