Backpacking

Last weekend we decided to try our hand in backpacking.  First we thought the dogs would love it, and Evan got a backpack for his 23rd birthday and hasn't actually used it yet.  So we bought all the supplies, sleeping bags, stove, food and off we went with my friend from work.  The trail was super pretty, but I'm not used to carrying any weight whatsoever on my back and believe it or not I have no upper body strength at all.  So by mile 2 I was really starting to feel this pack.  The dogs were still loving life, and as we turned a corner to a straight up rock scramble I just wanted to die.  Needless to say, I didn't and we did make it to the first place we were going to sleep for the night.

During the night the dogs weren't exactly comforting when it came to weird sounds.  So with them barking every 5 minutes I guess you could say we got some sleep.  By the next morning, I was sore.  Like really sore, I have back problems as it is so I was trying not to be a giant baby but Evan could tell I was starting to hate life haha.  We made a very unflavorful breakfast from a bag.  Actually those things are really cool.  You boil water and pour it this bag and all of a sudden you have a solid breakfast.  Evan didn't mind it, I ate 3 bites and gave it to the dogs, which they greatly appreciated.  Before we knew it we were packed up and ready to start on the last leg of the hike which led to a lake.  So off we went up this mountain with the dogs of course racing in front of us.  We had to cross numerous streams throughout the hike that had logs over them.  Torre the majority of the time would just charge through them full speed without a second look.  Alta, on the other hand, would follow you on the logs.  It was actually quite funny.  We didn't know she was that smart!

Here Alta is following us across the logs, it was so funny!

We finally reached the meadow below the lake, and decided to have some lunch.  Evan and I were constantly  going back and forth if we were going to camp and hike out the next morning early to go boating with the family and once we got to the top I decided that I would much rather sleep in my bed and be on time for boating rather then dead tired after hiking down that afternoon.  So we decided to take a break then head back down to the car.  Keep in mind that would mean hiking 9 miles that day.

Evan cooking up some delicious Easy Mac

Alta just taking an afternoon nap

Making sure Torre's little pads were ok for the hike down

The scenery was super pretty, everything was green and bright and this meadow we were in was sunny and warm.  On the way down we had no idea how much scenery we had missed while focusing on keeping up with the group and making good time.  The hike down was extremely relaxing.  You could tell that the dogs were extremely done.  Well at least the baby of the family.  I feel like the worst owner making Alta hike 9 miles, she technically is only 7 months old and is still a baby.  You could tell she had nothing left towards the end poor little thing.  Evan did have to carry her for little spots and she would get her energy back.  We even shared out little Shot Blocks with her thinking that maybe it would help, but I can guarantee it probably just made her sick.  Here are some pictures of the poor thing extremely exhausted.

This was after we hiked down all the rocks

We set our bags down for a break and she went straight in.

Poor little thing!!!!

Overall our hike really was fun, despite us killing our poor puppy.  Before everyone things we are dog killers, I would like to let you guys know that she was exactly back to her trouble making self the very next day.  So don't think she was dead for like a week.  Torre was fine, she is a machine and loves to hike, run or anything outside.  We hope to do more backpacking in the future so if anyone wants to come let us know!  The next time though we are only planning on doing an overnight hike.