What did you do today?

[Charlie Horse]

Today I decided to explore the neighborhood and took the 4 boys out on a walk to see what kind of hiking could be done starting from the house.  It was overcast and cool but set to be warm later so I left the packs home this time since the goats are still quite fuzzy.  First we stopped to visit my late friend Dan's resting place just off the trail.  Its the first time I've been back there since last fall, but I'll be stopping by a lot in the future.  Seems he's had company from a bunch of deer. 

   

Next we stopped by the dam and took in the view.  The level is low because they're going to improve and expand the main dam and dredge the silt this year.  I'm not sure what that means for my irrigation.



   

I'm not a big fan of goats going close to steep slopes and cliffs. 


   

Here's a panorama looking out over the San Rafael



   

Up here the terrain is a lot smoother.  I wasn't sure what it was like in this area.  Its always so different when I'm down below looking up-- Then its a plateau.  But when  I'm on top looking down, its a canyon.  I can hardly keep both points of view straight-- its like a totally different place to me.



   

There are so many deer around.  I even had them stealing hay when I lived in the middle of town.  Its always fun to see the herd move through the property as they make their way to the alfalfa fields in the evening.



   

There's a lot more snow higher up.  It feels like May right now though.  Cant complain.



   

I think I'll go camp by these gray castle formations next week.


   

I found a couple graves covered by insanely bright and interesting stones.  It could be pets.  It could be orphans.  I don't know, but someone put some work into these.


Anyhow, the hike was under 3 hours and I was already getting some hot spots on my feet.  I think I need to save up for some new hiking boots or some good shoes.  By the time we got home the goats were panting as it reached a blistering room temperature!