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Tuesday, February 8, 2011

A Hiking We Did Go

Bunny here at the keyboard to share my hike from Saturday with you. 

Dad thought it would be fun to go to a place that we hadn't been before for our hike, so we headed off to Wildcat Run State Park which is in Muscatine, Iowa.  He'd read that it has wonderful Winter hiking so we decided to give it a try.  It was nice to get out for a while after we were blitzed by that blizzard last week. 

Before we even got there, we had our wildlife sighting.  Morgan and I offered to catch one for dinner, but Mom and Dad said no.  I guess it would have been a little big to carry back with us, but it would have been tasty.

One of the things the park is known for is the old schoolhouse and the Pine Creek Grist Mill, which has been restored by people in the community.  Part of the park exists on land donated by Emma and Clara Brandt, who were sisters who lived there for a time.  We thought the mill was particularly pretty.  The schoolhouse and the mill were both closed while we were there, so we didn't get to see what they look like inside.


It's also known for its high cliffs, dens and rock formations.  One of them is called The Stage Coach, while another is The Devil's Punchbowl.  We didn't get to taste any punch while we were there, though.  Some of the cliffs could make you feel pretty small. 

We had to hike through some pretty deep snow in parts of the trail.  Actually, I wasn't sure that I wouldn't have to drag Mom part of the way back, but she kept going.  It was really pretty out in the woods, although the only wildlife we saw was a Cardinal.  He was pretty, but he didn't get close enough for a good picture.


I decided to try out a technique that I've admired Rusty of The Thundering Herd do many times, too.  He has it perfected and I'm still learning.  Mom was laughing too hard to get a picture of it when I was doing it the best, but I assure you, I shall try it again.  Dad was not quite as amused as Mom was.

I was glad to get some good time to record for my Idita Walk sheet, since the hike took us two hours.  It was a refreshing break from the winter doldrums.  What did all of you do this weekend?


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38 comments:

  1. My pack is very jealous, they would love to go hiking more often! (except for my Beagle, Libby, who said "Don't wake me when you come home!")

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  2. No boots Bunny? I don't think Barbie would hike through the snow with no booties on ;)

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  3. Bunny is very brave, trekking through all that white stuff, especially without boots! But I have to confess mine have never worn boots in the snow either - they just don't like 'em, and the temperatures here in England don't get down too low (compared to some places).

    Love the 'Rusty' pic, and also the one of Morgan dwarfed by the cliffs! She has a very sweet face!

    We didn't do much at the weekend, just a Meet & Greet at a local supermarket. Sid enjoyed meeting the Pointy Noses - as always!

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  4. It's always so much fun to go to a new place!

    Er...y'all have much more restraint that I. Those turkeys would have been dinner fur sure ;)

    Waggin at ya,
    Roo

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  5. That's a beautiful place for hiking. We always admire you that you have so many beautiful parks for hiking.
    Morgan looks so great there and you are lovely and beautiful as usual.
    Oops! no booties this time!!! Wasn't it good there?

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  6. Wild turkeys! We have tons of those and deer running around our house here. Though cool to see them, you probably don't want to mess with them too much, some of them can be pretty mean.

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  7. That picture of Morgan between the rocks sent my mom into the other room. She is very claustrophobic and could never walk through that space, but I could - being little and all. Love the wild turkeys and that cool old barn.

    Your pal, Pip

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  8. Nefur mind that you has no boots on, Bunny, wot is with your dad's feets all frozened up with snow? He needs some gaters! Not alligators but gaters wot goes ofur the shoes and up to the knees and keeps snow off the pants and out of the hooman's shoos. (And keeps their britches from getting wet and looking like.... nuff said.)

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  9. It looked like Morgan was standing in a slot canyon in Utah! That's a very cool photo.

    Perhaps Rusty could send a "how-to" video for Bunny. Just one pointer - I think that she needs to bash the top of her head into the back of Mr. Taleteller's knees...

    Where are Bunny's boots? I noticed right away that she was 'barefoot'!

    What fun! I'm glad that you got out and enjoyed the snow. And that Morgan didn't have to drag you home!

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  10. Beautiful pictures! but I can't believe Mom and Dad didn't let you catch dinner:)

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  11. Another great hiking spot. Love the picture of Morgan between the rocks. Also, love to see Bunny giving the human dad a goose, goose. I just love seeing all your great hikes you go on. I am like a bear in the winter, hypernate. LOL Sniffs, The HoundDogs and Mom

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  12. That mill is great. Morgan seems to be enjoying life .

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  13. I definitely didn't do anything THAT cool! Mom did take me for a walk on Sunday because we signed up for the Subrau walk thingy! I took it easy this weekend...
    -Corbin

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  14. Looks like fun! Did your paws get cold? Some beautiful scenery. We just laid around on the couch this weekend. Oh, wait. That's what we hounds do everyday!

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  15. Those are some lovely pictures, and you both look so good on camera, Morgan and Bunny!

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  16. Dude, that's some major snow!! I bet mom and dad's legs were tired and sore after trompling through that!! Those cliffs are cool though! Looks like the Great Bunny Canyon!

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  17. You live in such a beautiful place. Can't wait to see the seasons change!

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  18. Loved the photos. Looks like a very nice place to visit.

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  19. Brr - don't your feets get cold? I got paw freeze just reading your post! Love that picture of Morgan from below - our favorite to date!

    Snorts-
    Brutus & Carmen

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  20. Great photos!
    Bunny, I love the photo where you are with your ears completely stuck! I almost confuse you with a Doberman! It was already starting to fall in love ...
    =))
    I bet you girls made a big effort not to run after dinner.
    We love read about your hikings!


    Kaiser

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  21. We love following along with all your hikes. Mom so wishes she had done more hiking in her younger years. We bet you all slept well after that two hour trek. We love seeing all the different places you get to go, and it is fun to hear all those different names, like the Devil's Punch Bowl. Ciara has done that Rusty trick a few times but the Momster doesn't like it because she is afraid Ciara is going to knock her over:(

    Have fun on your next hike.

    Woos ~ Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara

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  22. That looks like a nice place to hike and a great day, weather wise. But I want to know what the technique is that you tried!

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  23. What a great hike. We love tagging along. We can't believe you weren't allowed to catch dinner.
    Benny & Lily

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  24. Wow looks like another fantastic hiking spot. We did get to the dog park on sat for a bit. After that we stayed is. As usual. I got a bit of social phobia and the outside world seems to scary at times.

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  25. Again, another beautiful hike! We especially liked seeing the old mill. So does Morgan wear that backpack because she has an overabundance of energy (kinda like a certain dog I live with...)?

    Elyse and Riley

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  26. I always enjoy reading your posts and seeing what the gang is up to. If you have a chance, check out my blog tomorrow (Wednesday, February 9). Tales and Tails is featured.

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  27. WOW great photo of Morgan with the rocks, thanks for taking us along, your building are so different to ours, I'm surprised that they stand up to the snow so well and don't rot!!
    See Yea George xxx

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  28. I luvs all those pictures but that one of Morgan with the rocks behind her - wowza! You go on the most fun hikes. But I'm sorry that your mom and dad wouldn't let you catch a goose. Sometimes humans can be Most Unreasonable.

    Wiggles & Wags,
    mayzie

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  29. We liked the old Mill also. That would be fun to restore into a home. The exterior is lovely.

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  30. Looks like you had a fabulous time Bunny!! And beautiful pictures, I especially like the ones of the mill and of Morgan with the rocks behind her. Sorry you didn't get to satisfy your turkey fix, but I bet those turkeys are relieved!

    It's been too difficult for walks or winter hikes lately - our last storm included a bunch of freezing rain, blah! Tonight is going to be below zero again. But next week looks like close to 40 degrees! In the meantime, love reading about all of your outings :)

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  31. What a great day!

    Turkeys!
    Iowa!!
    Snow!!!
    Pawesome pikhs!!!!

    Hugz&Khysses,
    Khyra
    PeeEssWoo: Mon and I khrossed THAT river in November - and on the way bakhk, we khrossed it near woo!

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  32. Why is dad so wet? Did he have an accident?

    You're doing well Bunny. You need to do a head butt!

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  33. Hi, Bunny!
    Turkeys! Yummilicious!
    Sure it was a great place to enjoy the hiking!
    My weekend was not that exciting! Hmmm...
    Kisses and hugs
    Lorenza

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  34. Bunny, Rusty totally approves of your walking style. But you knew that!

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  35. Hey how was your trip but really can't imagine that how much it was wonderful. Nice that you enjoy you ma & pa.

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  36. Your cardinal comment made me think of your owl visitor. Have you seen him since the massive snow? I hope he's ok. I really love that last photo of Bunny.

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