My Two Hiking Buddies

Eighteen Years

Hiking with Kobae

A lot of stuff happens out here and Teresa, Thomas (grandson) and I know we're pretty much on our own. Despite 18 years of living here mother nature and life in general still provide surprises for us. Still there's not much stress most of the time. Hiking with Kobae though is almost always a stressful experience. Trying to keep him alive until he returns to San Diego for the winter is an effort. Kobae chose to hike into a dead end canyon which I like because it's easier to keep track of him and narrows his options of getting into trouble, but not this dead end so Jax and I head into the canyon with him.

At the end of the canyon is sometimes a waterfall and the rest of the time all but quicksand. I tried three times to turn him around but he's strong and I couldn't. Finally just before he headed into the mud I took a head glove and slapped him in the face and each time he would bring his head out I's slap him again to keep him from dying. In time he retreated and started heading back to the canyon entrance.

I moved back down the canyon and hung out waiting for Kobae to come back my way. Theb I heard him above me. When I looked out from the overhang Kobae was on top heading down the overhand where if he would have fallen he'd have a serious injury or worse. I had to get up on the rock and get him to turn around and go back where he came up. It's an effort to keep him alive.

Bird Switch

The cowbirds moved out a week or so ago and the red winged black birds have taken their place. Living in the reeds of the pond next door at the main house and they have no problem with the new tree.

Benches

Craig built several benches and left them around the property at disc golf tees and fire pits.

Gopher Snake

We've run across this guy before but now we know where he lives.

Prominant Place

Lithuania

Every year three friends from Lithuania who leave their Jeeps in Moab for 50 weeks of the year then fly over for two weeks in Moab including a day on the front porch of Base Camp as we lie to each other to make the funniest story.

Hiking with Kobae

The Tree

For many years there was a tree towards the west side of the lodge looking down into the river and a lookout spot for birds of all kinds to see the predators coming. It died years ago but continuted to stand despite the elements. During the nine minute storm of weeks ago the tree toppled taking a grill with it. The predators have nearly gotten a few of the songbirds recently. I told Craig and Serghei the situation and they said they'd build a new tree for me. Yes they did. It took a few days but the song birds and ravens are experimenting with it.

Hurrah Pass

Five hours later Jax, Kobae, and I reach the top of Hurrah Pass. Kobae lays down in the road about 20 feet from the top and I have to push and drag him out of the way. We have a group waiting for us on top of Hurrah.

Hiking up Hurrah

Kobae is moving and temps are close to 80. Jax gets more red further up Hurrah we go.

Boys Hike Out Hurrah Pass

It's busy and we have to go around a relocated cattle gueard.