After we checked out the face trail on Saturday (it wasn't very long) we decided to check out another trail we had been wanting to do. We had our friends with us with River the German Shepherd and the dogs wanted to really stretch their legs.
The face trail was neat, but really lacked the length we wanted. So we headed to one that was about 5ish miles and knew there wouldn't be many people on it so the dogs could have some freedom.
Tucker and River had been dying to play with each other when we were hiking to the Face. It was such a steep short trail we weren't about to let them go. Teach was free but he is very trail savvy and too sophisticated for nonsense (most of the time as he tried to start stuff with Tucker and River too, he's hoping I didn't notice!).
FINALLY ... FREE!
Our leaders
HEY!
Look at those muddy feet
King of the rock.
It was such a nice trail. I still need to see exactly how far we hiked. We did about 3 different trails that all linked together. Saw a few different bikers, hikers, trail runners, and people with dogs. Our guys did great with everything we passed.
This is the type of weather you expect for March and not January. It really felt like a spring day. We took full advantage of it!!
On Monday I decided to take the day off and enjoy this beautiful weather we've been having. I called my friend Laura to see if she would want go hike out on the Long Point Trail in the New River Gorge. She had never been on that trail and I knew she would love it with the views it had to offer.
She brought Pirate and Rasky along for the fun (because what fun is it to go hiking with out our furry friends). Teach enjoyed having his buddies along to share in the adventure. (Although Teach didn't appreciate Pirate stepping all over him in the car. He would growl and grumble at Pirate like an old man ... it was hilarious!)
We got really lucky and didn't have anyone at the Point while we were there so were able to get some great pictures of the dogs.
The dogs made me a nervous wreck with how close to the edge they would get!! I don't like heights and always a bit rubber-legged out there. But it did give us a chance to get some gorgeous shots.
Waterfall way down at the bottom of the Gorge
I love pictures of Pirate and Teach together showing the two coat types in Collies
Some waterfalls across the Gorge. I zoomed up to get them.
Our State Flower is in full bloom.
And these pictures are from Laura's camera. Her dogs really pushed the limit on the getting close to that ledge.
We were fortunate enough to have spring weather on the first day of winter. So Laura and I with the dogs and horses took full advantage of it.
Teach and I went to Little Beaver on Friday and did a nice hike. It was 60 degrees and snow still on the ground. There were blasts of cold air mixed with hot air with the front moving in. Talk about a strange sensation! Was shocked there wasn't more people around, but we didn't see anyone.
Old Rock Wall along the Railroad Grade Trail
Pausing for a break on the bridge
60 Degrees and snow!
Saturday Teach and I headed back to Little Beaver (it had actually been almost a month since we had been out there) and met Laura with her crew and horses for a trail ride. We were taking advantage for the nice weather.
Laura rode Ace and I had Dakota. These guys did great crossing bridges and walking over the rough rocky terrain. The Rocky Mountain Horse has proven to be a very brave, smart breed. Teach had a blast running around with his two pals, Xander and Rasky. Since we were on the horses we had teh dogs wearing their safety vests so people hiking (if we came across any) would know they weren't some random loose dogs. Of course our dogs don't really run off either. Unless there is a squirrel ... then the chase is on!
Several Bridge to cross ... horses didn't hesitate
Riding Dakota and Teach in his blaze orange
Some really tight fits. Laura has her feet up to avoid losing a knee cap
This wasn't even the rockiest spot
Laura & Ace
Rasky
Teach is kinda hidden
Sunday's weather was very nasty though with rain so we didn't get to go out and enjoy any adventures. Just the normal chores of laundry and grocery shopping. Hope everyone had a fun weekend!
We're going to link up with the Monday Mischief Blog Hop.
On Thursday I was able to take the day off work and enjoy a nice horseback ride. We headed out the road to a farm not far that had some awesome views across the New River Gorge over into Fayette County.
To keep the peace in the neighborhood we leashed our dogs out the road past the neighbor's houses. This was quite a feat for Laura and her pack of 3. I only had Teach, who wasn't to thrilled with the idea, but did well. Below is a video of this:
Before we headed out on the ride we let the whole pack of dogs play for a little bit to get their energy out. Knowing we had to lead dogs the number we took with us was limited. Here are some pictures of them having fun (and posing) and a video of them playing.
Teach, Xander and Mercy (their new buddy)
Two Tris - a Smooth and a Rough (Pirate)
Pirate, Frisco (Belgian Malinois), and Argos (German Shepherd) killing the road cone
Xander didn't want Pirate to participate in the photos.
Now for the pictures of our ride. We head to ride straight up the side of a mountain to get to the really pretty views. One of the pictures is of me on the side of the mountain ... you can kinda tell how steep it was in it. The horses did great coming up it and didn't get very winded. The dogs were ready for a rest when we got to the top. It was worth it for the views. There is also a video of a portion of our mountain riding.
Laura riding Dakota, Rasky and Xander in background
Rasky, Drummer, Xander, Dakota and Laura
Xander taking in the views too
Kahlua
This is the picture you can kinda tell how steep it was.
Teach ready for a rest
That evening it made for a very well behaved tired Collie!
