Wind River

We were looking for something sort of stay-at-home but below the snow line. I suggested hiking the Wind River trail, which starts by crossing the famous River-of-No-Return Salmon, then proceeds up into the Gospel Hump Wilderness.

Craig is never hard to persuade, so after driving exactly two hours from our houses (Craig is my next-door neighbor) we were on our feet. 39°. Partially sunny. The bridge had just a skim of ice on the deck, making the crossing seem unusually nervy.

Craig was impressed by the sound of the water. And the Oregon-coast like flora.

But then we transitioned into more of an inter-mountain biome.

LPFs with LYFs.

The trail was in great shape, and sunshine was sneaking in despite the prediction.

Puppies on the trail.

Ruby posing.

Craig approaching the footbridge over Wind River.

More flowies.

Patrick Butte

When we got to the posted property of the McMeekin ranch, we had a little lunch and tea. Then the family who owns the ranch came by, some on horseback, some on foot. Ruby and Dakota didn't do too much barking, but they wouldn't quite settle down.

Refreshed from some food, Craig and I decided to continue up the trail east to the ridge top. Good choice- the views were even more outstanding.

It's hard to explain how expansive these views really are. So click to see the bigger version.

When we hit the ridgetop, it was a full-on viewfest.

Sticking with that Oregon coast theme, here are some beached whales.

We hung out for about half an hour, luxuriating in the sunshine, warmth, and incredible views up and down the canyon. And across.

And then it was down, down down.

And more flowies! LPFs.

Dakota marvels at the balsam.

Before we got all the way to the bottom, the sky tried to snow on us. Ah, spring!

The girls were tired.

Craig Strang photo

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