| Ref: Bob
Spirko's Road not taken |
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The gate was open at
the blue bridge; we parked at the cutblock, 2 kilometers further
up the road. |
| Hike: RT 6.0;
3.0 up. Mild
temperatures and sunny skies were forecasted for the Foothills; this
was a good opportunity to pack up the hounds and go camping. We've been
coming to the dog friendly Livingstone Range for several years; outings
here never disappoint! The dogs always start to get excited at home,
when I pack the tent and their blankets. The drive is long but the
hounds embrace it, especially the stops along the way. Near our
objective, we crossed the Livingstone River on a temporary blue bridge.
The gate was open and there was no signs dissuading traffic. We drove
to the cutblock and parked (required 4X4 with winter tires).
Shaving distance on a trip with dogs in these conditions is a blessing;
it increases the chance of them making it to the top. After walking on
the road for a short while, we started ascending the light timbered
rib. The snow was patchy at first and slowly increased in depth as we
gained
height; it was dense and abrasive so we stopped to put the doggy boots
on. The hounds didn't mind the snow, it wasn't very deep (boot-top)
also the bushwhacking was easy and sheltered. Near treeline the
snowpack
got deeper and more wind-affected, we veered towards the edge of the
trees
where the ridge was scoured. We continued towards the top, enjoying
filtered sun and mild air. The dogs kept plodding onwards, tail
wagging, unhindered by the wind.
At the top, I took some pictures then we headed down a bit, where the
wind diminished. We placed the blue foamy and packs on the ground
covering them with two blankets. The hounds were fitted with a fleece
shirt each and covered up with windbreakers. Once they settled for a
nappy, Fab and I ate our lunch and sipped some tea. Ahhh... that's
life! After a good long break, we backtracked casually, throwing a
million sticks. Back at the truck, we opted to drive down while the
ice on the road was soft. We set camp near the river and had a little
bonfire; nice way to end a great day! |
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Continuing on the
road for a short while. |
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Typical terrain
along Isola Peak's south-east rib. |
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Time to put the dog
booties on, all twelve of them!!! |
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Travelling on the
windward side to avoid deep snow. |
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Rupert chewing a
tiny stick. |
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Lincoln and Daisy
with her nose down, sniffing for shrews. |
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Mount Livingstone to
the east. |
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The summit is a
pleasant hike away. |
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Lincoln always likes
to be a couple of steps ahead. |
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Rupert needs a stick
and Daisy's sniffing. |
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At the top, treat
time! |
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View south-west of us. |
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It's windy but mild,
the dogs are all tucked-in for a quick lunch break below the summit. |
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Casually heading
back down. |
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Lincoln found a
horn, Rupert wants it... so does Daisy. |
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Not too bad weather
and a nice dog outing, primo! |
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Last look. |
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Lincoln posing with
his horn. |
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Along the ridge
crest at treeline. |
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Endless fetching. |
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Easy bushwhacking,
the dogs loved it. |
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Two buddies
impatiently waiting for their kibbles. |
| Back to home page |
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