The Pack Hike - 4/29/00

Stevie's First Pack Hike

I overheard them talking about it; this thing called a pack hike. I really wasn't sure what ensued, but dad took me to meet Lorrie, to be fitted for my very own Wenaha, Explorer II. Lorrie explains to dad, the differences between the packs, and he seems to think the Wenaha is best suited for my hiking pleasure. I like it when dad buys new stuff for me, and we were off for home. In the next few days, dad secures my new pack and finds comic relief as I bump into objects in the living room. I humor him.

Dad tells me that, in order to earn working points, we will have to put some 'things' in the panniers that I will carry for our hike. And, that I will get to meet some new friends. I have a bunch of stuffy toys to share - that's what I want to take, but he informs me that he has other things in mind - water, fruit, doggie treats, and baggies if I poop on the trail. We practice with short walks in the neighborhood, while dad still chuckles as I continue to underestimate my wider girth.

Finally, the weekend arrives of my first pack hike. Dad's been home with the stomach flu, and isn't sure if he feels up to going. I can work him, though, batting my eyes, tilting my head, and looking up with sad eyes always does the trick. Mom said she would take me, but dad is stubborn and hard-headed. Still, he says, I must leave my toys at home and I have to carry the necessities, while he takes this big black object he calls a camera, and an even bigger black case strapped to his chest. I note, though, that all the other humans have much smaller boxes they call cameras.

We arrive at Castlewood Canyon, about 5 miles south of Franktown, CO. Lorrie and Skyrocket pull up just minutes later. I can't wait to meet Pumpkin, who is also going on her first hike. Spirit and Pumpkin arrive, chauffeured by mom and dad, Anne and Bill, in a long white van. We await the Tundrawinds doggies, Scrimshaw and Nikki, with Donna and Patrick. They soon arrive and we make our way to the trailhead that is about a mile from the visitor center.

Again, dad underestimates me, and says he's not sure I can carry 4 quarts of water. Pumpkin's mommy thinks this is absurd and must know me better than my own dad. All of us secure our packs, pose for pictures at the trailhead, and we're off on our excursion!

Lorrie's Skyrocket (no, it's not a muzzle)

Above, we all get ready, and packs are fitted. If you think the humans are excited, we are just as anxious to get going. All this picture taking is going to make me nuts!

Patrick takes a break with Nikki and Scrimshaw. Patrick is quite the hiker himself, and enjoys the mentoring of his mother and father. Dad takes a terrible picture of us at the trailhead - humans from left to right: Lorrie, Anne, Bill, Donna, Theresa, and Patrick. My hikin' buddies: Skyrocket, Pumpkin, Spirit (behind post), Nikki, me (behind Donna), and Scrimshaw. With the obligatory pictures taken, we hit the trail!

Lorrie and Skyrocket, and Theresa with me

Above are pictures of Lorrie and Skyrocket, and me and mom, approaching the near half-way point on the trail. Pictured right, is Pumpkin, who has mastered the art of sleeping while standing.

All our humans on the left: Anne, Lorrie, Bill, Patrick, Donna, and Theresa. Spirit finds shade at Bill's feet. That's your's truly on the right, feeling tired, and taking a well deserved break before embarking on the final leg that would mark the half-way point. Dad stayed behind to find solace on the picnic table, and awaited our return to begin the journey home.

This is our last stop, as we dip back into the canyon, and crossed the narrow footbridge. On the left is that silly Pumpkin! Dad tells me this is the same girl who was the Grand Futurity Champion at last year's National, but I really don't believe it! On the right is Scrimshaw, taking refuge in the cool stream.

For my first outing, the humans calculated we hiked just over 6 miles. This was fun! Back at the parking lot, Dad thanked Pumpkin's mommy for nearly killing him. Spirit was awesome - he's my new boyfriend! He never faultered along the trail and put one foot ahead of the other and just kept on going. Spirit adores his daddy. Nikki and Scrimshaw are quite the hikers, along with Donna and Patrick. Skyrocket loved the horses we saw along the trails, and wanted to go play with those big 'doggies'. Me, I had the time of my life and can't wait for our next outing. I know I carried in excess of 25% of my weight - the water and bottles alone are about 10 lbs., and I'm sporting a trim 38 lb. body. Dad said he'd take an identically loaded pack to the vet's office, weigh it, and weigh me next week.

Well, dad made it home, but the lingering stomach flu and exhaustion made him puke. That's ok, dad, we do it all time, except we do it on the carpet! Besides, that's what you get for laughing at me while I was getting used to wearing my pack! Lastly, I dedicate this hike as a memorial to Sasha. Happy trails to all, -Stevie.