All the big mountains on the way to the trailhead were socked in and I began to worry Quinn wouldn't have any views today. We made good time, however, and were hiking by 10:15. Quinn managed the water crossing without falling in.
Thanks to the evaporating snow, a light fog clung to the terrain.
The snow was super rotten.
As I suspected, Quinn's coat came off almost immediately.
Poor Sully had a Woody moment and was left in the car in lieu of Skibbidi Toilet.
Sunny stayed close to the trail. Quinn spent a lot of time practicing recall with Sunny, calling him and feeding him chicken treats.
Although the trails were garbage, we made good time.
The temps were crazy warm. Unsurprisingly, we had ice and standing water amidst the rotten snow.
The evergreen tunnel was as pretty as it was last time.
Quinn was stoked to get to the top of the tower.
The ruined building was also very exciting to Quinn.
Dude loves a fire tower. It kind of freaks me out that he has zero fear.
Luckily, we weren't socked in, but the clouds scraped our heads.
"Skibbidi bop bop ba yes yes!"
Sunny was so upset as usual.
After we went down for our snacks, Quinn asked to climb the tower one more time. Of course, I acquiesced. We were off on our way down by noon.
Old Wizard Quinn and his familiar adventured back through the pines.
We got back to the trailhead by 12:45. Sunny went for the swim that he'd been waiting two years to take. I'm glad I wasn't holding his leash this time.
Quinn threw rocks (from the side of the road). He thought the rocks bouncing on the ice was hilarious.
Spring is absolutely on the way and I am very excited to hike some more fire towers with Quinn. He seems motivated for it. It would be amazing if I could get him up to the summit of Hurricane by the time September rolls around, but I won't push my luck.
Sunny and I definitely have our sights set on more fire towers this and next month.
Afternoon hike at Swede Mountain Trail.gpx (150.24 KB)