An afternoon on the big lake and trout

The dogs and I were off today to spend an afternoon on the big quarry by Gordon's house in progress.

The crew had put in the boulders all along the future patio.

Which made a very nice spot to perch and watch the trout.

Charm approved of it since she likes any sunny spot.

So we fed the fish and watched them play in the shallows.

Lots of rainbows in the water.

They are just pretty to watch when it is clear.

Domino spent his time exploring.

I even got a picture of my favorite brown trout, Lump. He has an odd shaped jaw so I always recognize him.

They are getting so big. Look at Charm on the left and the trout on the right...

Domino wanted to know what it was that was so interesting in the water.

And Paul enjoyed a view of the fish from his bedroom balcony.

Domino went off to join Paul and his friends on an explore of the cliffs.

While I communed with my friend, Lump.

And visited the rock garden to see what was coming up.

Just the first few flowers emerging.

Charm went off with Gordon to help him clear the trail. It took some doing, but I finally convinced the dogs to go for a walk. They got in their swimming and we were off home to tackle some chores.

Hurrying to sit stay

Happy Saturday. Ours started at the crack of dawn to get ready to drive to our new dog school. It was lucky I checked the mileage before I left, because it took us 45 minutes. But the drive was along narrow winding country roads with little traffic and we only got lost once, but I won't comment on that particular county's road naming system....

It was a great place. Five other dogs joined Domino for orientation and Domino made some friends. His absolute favorite was Miles, a little schnoodle. I recognized Miles from his petfinder photo a month ago, so it was a pleasant surprise to see him with his new owner.

So we "oriented" and got acquainted and watched a demo by one of the search and rescue dogs they train there and then took a tour of the agility courses, which Charm will be making good use of next weekend. Its Domino's first outdoor class and he's going to work on a few areas he needs for his CGC. How fun!

Then it was home to pick up Charm and head to Petco. Charm went in to catch up on her own socializing and to try on harnesses for agility.

And then finally, after Domino's barely audible whine under his breath had settled into a constant hum and Charm had gotten tired of watching cows in the fields, they got the long promised walk.

Crows accompanied us all along our walk.

The dogs a bit subdued by a long day for them.

The water at the edge of the lake agitated by a navy of emerging water striders feeding on something in the shallows.

Charm in her new harness heard some noise up above on the trail.

Which brought Domino running to check out what the commotion was.

And then they were off ahead to make sure all was clear.

Domino made sure there was no danger at the top.

Coming out on top the wind was gusting so steadily I was hard pressed to find anything that sat still.

As nice as it was we did not linger long because of the wind.

I looked around and Charm was gone and then I spotted her down a crevasse checking out the possibilities that it might be a good place to make a home.

She spent awhile carrying out sticks and digging here and there and even checking what sort of view she had.

So I sat and took pictures of the emerging caterpillars.

Charm always seems to have her own agenda.

She eventually got bored with her endeavors in den making and continued on with us to check out how well her harness held up to swimming.

I am not that's quite what it was meant for.

All of us were off home with big yawns and lots of fresh air and sunshine.

Welcome surprises, surprises in general

Dogs and I were off today to run errands and get in a quick walk even though the wind was a bit chilly.

What a pleasant surprise when we pulled in and my daughter pulled in behind us to join us on a walk!

She must bring good luck because the owl was sitting by the trail, surveying his kingdom.

Just at that moment Domino was a flash in the woods in pursuit, of all things, a fox! The fox made a clever escape and Domino was so flustered. I have never seen a fox in the woods before. I think he was maybe hunting groundhogs in Domino's favorite spot and Domino surprised him. I was more worried about Domino than the fox, so it was back on a leash.

But he was released to join Charm for a swim while Marja and I stopped to look at rocks and she pointed out the moss blooming.

So I thought this photo which combines her love for geology and my love for growing things would be a good comment on our explore.

These things were so teeny, tiny, it is amazing a grass even exists on that scale.

The bushes are beginning to bloom right on schedule to welcome May.

Trees have the oddest blooms.

But I think they are some of my favorite flowers.

The first dandelions were opening...weeds for some, in the forest they are welcome additions.

Marja spotted a feather off the trail.

And I ventured out on a ledge for some closeups.

We sat in the sun enjoying the view and the brief moments when the sun came out.

It was definitely nice to get to spend some time together.

Just dogs and clouds.

Watching Domino swim down below and charge back up the trail.

Even a turkey vulture put in an appearance.

Charm got a chance to dry off after swimming.

So it was the best sort of day.

And Domino got to show off his passion for rocks.

On our way back the owl still sat, not concerned at all with our presence.

And in the rock garden, the first blooms were appearing.

A nice walk shared by all with lots of surprises along the way.