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?

We Survived Snowapalooza

Bunny here at the keyboard writing about our crazy weather the past few days.

Most of our friends in the States know that we had one wicked blizzard blow through our area Monday night, all day Tuesday and yesterday morning.  We ended up with twenty inches of snow.  Mom has been off school for three days and Dad's work even sent everyone home early on Tuesday.  That's very unusual. 

By Wednesday morning, some of us had a pretty serious case of Cabin Fever.  We decided to go out for a walk to stretch our legs and get some fresh air.  Plus, we'd almost forgotten what the sun looked like up in the sky. 

I am glad that I had my coat and boots.  Those snowdrifts were deep.  I wish I'd been able to go without a leash, because I wanted to run the whole walk around town and through the park.  Morgan kept climbing up the snowbanks.  Dad told her not to, but Mom said to let her and maybe it would wear her out a little.  It didn't. 

Still, it felt so good to get out and stretch our legs.  It gave us a chance to get caught up on our Idita-Walk challenge, too.  I hear that it's going to be extremely cold today and tomorrow, so we'll probably be itching to hike this weekend.  I  hope we see our owl come back so we know he's okay.  He likes to sit under the awning when it's extra cold, but we didn't see him during the blizzard.

How do the rest of you pass the time when the weather is too brutal to go outside?   Thank goodness Gertie the Groundhog told Willard Scott that we'll have an early Spring!  I'm ready for Winter to be over!

Winter Magic

Bunny here at the keyboard to tell you about our weekend adventure.

Morgan has had a bad case of cabin fever since we didn't get to hike the last couple of weekends.  I think Mom might have had a touch of it, too.  She said she was feeling much better after her bronchitis and so we decided we were going to go for a hike.  This time we went back to Matthiessen State Park.  If you look at the link, it will show you what it looked like there back in September.

We had heard that it is beautiful in the Winter, and it's true.  The waterfalls and cliffs look like something you'd see in an enchanted forest.  A lot of people come there to cross country ski and hike this time of year, and we saw quite a few people out.  We were pleasantly surprised to see so many people, and even another dog there.

Since the waterfalls are what the park is known for in the winter, we took the lower trail through the Upper Dells.  It leads past several very pretty waterfalls.  I'm afraid that the Giant's Bathtub was quite frosty this time of year.  I hope he's not planning on taking a bath anytime soon.

It wasn't surprising that we didn't see any wildlife this time.  I know there are a lot of deer there -- it was originally known as Deer Park, but they were scarce.  We did see a lot of footprints, though.  Even though they are good at hiding from people, there are a lot of animals still in the park.

I know some people think it's too cold to go out hiking this time of year.  We were disappointed that Aunt Julie and Ruby decided not to come with us at the last minute.  After we got started walking, we were all plenty warm.  Going out hiking this time of year allows you to see spectacular sights that you never dreamed could exist, though. 

It's also nice because it gives you time with your humans that you don't always get with the distractions of home.  You go out with your family and it's just you and the sights to enjoy.  That's a pretty good reason to go out right there if you ask me.

Of course, all that fresh air does wear you out.  It makes for a nice nap on the way home, too.  Those after a hike naps are the best kind.  While I was sleeping, I was already dreaming of the next hike.  I hear Mom and Dad have one planned for us for next weekend that we haven't done before.  I can't wait!

Staying On Our Toes

Bunny here at the keyboard to share our Sunday hike. 

I was worried we weren't going to get to go hiking this weekend.  Saturday was bitter cold and Mom and Dad cancelled the family hike we were supposed to do with our cousins, which was disappointing, but when we saw Lilac's pee freeze before it hit the ground in the turn out pen, we were willing to forgive Mom and Dad.

Sunday the weather was a lot nicer, so Mom and Dad got bundled up and packed up our gear and we headed off.  This time we hiked to Illinois Canyon in Starved Rock State Park.  The canyon is known for its beautiful waterfalls and we were hoping to catch some more pretty pictures.

There were actually a lot of small waterfalls all along the trail.  They made for some really interesting ice formations in some places.  We saw one spot where the leaves looked like they'd been turned to crystal.

Most of the trail was pretty easy walking, but we did have to brave walking across the frozen creek several times.  I'm proud to say that my first attempts at ice skating were quite successful and I didn't fall once.  Morgan made it across every time, as well.

We saw several other people and dogs while we were out on the trail, too.  Sadly, not all of them had as much respect for the surroundings that we did.  We were glad we got some of these cool waterfall pictures on our way out because on the way back a man was letting his kids break the icicles off.  I guess they didn't think anybody else would want to appreciate them.

When we finally arrived at the Illinois Canyon, we were a little disappointed.  The waterfall wasn't nearly as impressive as the one in the St. Louis Canyon last weekend.  It was still pretty, though, and the sound of the water burbling under the ice was fun to listen to.

On the way back, Morgan and I practiced our rock climbing.  I think I might have gotten just a teeny bit higher than she did, but I'm not sure.  It sure was a great view from way up there.

If you followed our hikes last summer, you might remember that almost every one that we went to had a wedding happening.  Well, would you believe that there was a bridal fair at the lodge this weekend?  I guess they're all planning to have their weddings at our hiking spots again this year.  I can't say that I blame them.  We've hiked in some of the most beautiful spots in our area and I can see why people would want to start their new lives together in those places. 

Our hike was definitely a great break from the Winter doldrums.  What do all of you like to do to relax and enjoy Winter?  Also, Morgan has started her own blog.  I think she plans on mostly writing about our hikes.

I'd also like to say how very sad we are that The Luke is no longer with us.  He was a special boy with a golden heart.  We send our very heartfelt condolences to his mom and The Bleu.  Hug your hounds and cats -- you never know how short or long your time together might be! 

Let It Stop Snowing

Bunny here at the keyboard writing about our Winter weather here.

The weathermen said that we were going to be getting some snow this weekend.  That's like saying Siberians have a little floof.  It started snowing early Sunday morning and kept snowing and snowing and snowing.  I cracked out my winter hiking boots from Voyagers K9 Apparel and the snow came up to the tops of my boots!  I was surprised, because these boots are pretty tall.

All the snow made for some good napping inside, and I enjoyed sharing a little grilled cheese sandwich with Mom and Dad.  It wasn't a good day for doing anything outside.  We didn't even go to the birthday party for Dad's youngest sister because Dad said he nearly wiped out going two blocks to the local grocery store for butter for our grilled cheese. 

I'd say right now that we have a lot more snow than we need.  If anybody would like some, just stop by with a shovel and you can take as much as you want.  There's enough to make a whole army of snowmen out there!  I'll be inside sneaking drinks of Mom's hot chocolate after she sits the mug down on the coffee table.

A Snowy Visitor

You might have noticed that we had a visitor here the other day if you saw our Wordless Wednesday picture.  I happened to be home sick on Monday after we had yet another snowstorm here that dumped a load of heavy, wet snow on us.  As I sat on the couch resting, I glanced out the window and saw an owl outside not six feet away from me. 

I can only guess that the awning over our window provided much better shelter from the storm than the bare tree branches outside.  I've always known that we had owls around us.  The first summer we were in our house we'd hear them outside quite a bit as they hunted.  Several years ago, I saw our neighbor kids out in front of my house and found that an owl was somehow injured and lying on the ground under one of my trees.  After a call to a local expert, I put on some heavy leather gloves, lifted the owl onto my hand and carried him to the large shrubs in front of our house.  We left him some water and then left him alone, since we were told that too much handling was bad for him and would cause him to be abandoned.  He didn't make it.  I suspect he was somehow injured falling out of the tree.  Perhaps providing shelter for this one for the day makes up for that last failed attempt.

In any event, this small visitor was a welcome sight on an otherwise dreary day.  As you can see, the mighty huntress here was on full alert!  I guess her hunting instincts only kick in when she's outside or possibly she respects the sanctity of another mighty hunter.