Thunder Mountain

Bright and somewhat early we headed down the road a few miles to the trail head for Thunder Mountain…3.5 mile uphill through open meadow and lava rocks to the top of Thunder Mountain.  Cooper did his part by carrying a gallon of water once again.  He headed out with his usual vigor dragging us up the hillside and wondering why we stop so often.  

If not the lead dog the view doesn't change

View of Capel Lake from the trail

Catching our breath

The elevation and our hiking have gotten somewhat better.  We still need to stop and catch our breath when the trail steepens, but we have improved.  Now if the scenery would not be quite as gorgeous our times may improve…we stop A LOT to take photos.  Hopefully we'll have some incredible shots that can be put on the walls...that is if we can settle on which ones.  It's about as hard to pick out wall photos as it is to pick out the blog photos.

Final push to the top

The Sentinels

Heirs beware

Thunder Mountain was not near as difficult a climb as Oregon’s Mt Thielsen although there were some spots that Cindi was less than thrilled.   Once we made the top the views were spectacular…360 degrees of mountains and as luck would have it a ski slope just below.  Kirkwood.  We actually passed the boundary area for the slopes…we did wonder if we’d have to pay if we got hurt in the summer.  Thankfully we didn’t have to worry about leaving any bills for the heirs to worry about.  

Lava rock climbing dog

The Top

As we headed back down the lava slopes we met up with a threesome of women…average age 70 we’d guess.  They were out for their weekly Hiking Club hike and joined us for the descent back down.   We chatted about the area, the dog and what else we needed to see before leaving.  They suggested Winnemucca, Woods and Round Top Lakes…all in the same area and could be done as a loop hike.  The trip back down was set at a pretty quick pace…Cindi and Cooper were not letting any grass (if grass would grow here) under their feet.  

Taking the load off

Although at one water break Cooper decided that he’d take the opportunity to ‘take the load off’ and laid down in some shade.  Cindi took over his pack carrying duties once we resumed the hike back to the cars.  It would appear that Cooper has the ability to look pitiful at the most opportune time.   He starts to look gimpy until the chipmunks and ground squirrels make an appearance.  Coop also goes absolutely loopy when he smells sage...must be the 'catnip for dogs'.

Bill on the lava

Once in the car we debated what to do about lunch…we decided ice cream would be an excellent choice.  Kirkwood Ski Area had the last remnants of Huckleberry in the General Store.  Perfect ending to our day.

Views from the top