-Wolf Haven-

Day 28- Tenino, WA

Visited Wolf Haven International with Esther today. This center for wolf recovery is sister to the California Wolf Center, where I worked for several months. The nostalgia was strong here.

(Thanks Esther, for the rare photo of me!)

-Bagby Hot Springs and Multnomah Falls-

Day 27- Various parts of Oregon and Washington

Made the tortuous drive to Bagby Hot Springs (definitely worth it). Hiked 1.5 miles through cold, wet redwoods to get to Bagby. The springs feed hot water in to a built-up structure with private soaking tubs and a large communal tub. Private tubs were hollowed out of a single, giant cedar. Awesome.

Then on to Multnomah Falls, and a mile hike up to the top of the falls.

I couldn't find the post for the 11th switchback!

Top of the falls

Then to Esther's in Vancouver WA for the night!

-Crater Lake and a Bear-

Day 26- Willamette National Forest, OR

Made it up to Crater Lake. Striking crater and very blue water.

Wizard Island in the middle there.

Then on to Willamette. Stopped in a beautiful part of the forest, and got out to do some hiking before setting up camp. We'd gone literally 10 minutes before seeing a little black bear crossing the trail. Flipped a bitch and got out of there. No pictures....

-Rain in Oregon-

Day 25- Umpqua National Forest, CA

It rained all day today, so I pulled over early and found a spot in Umpqua, just west of Upper Klamath Lake. Really, really, ridiculously cold tonight.

-River Otters!-

Day 24- Smith River National Forest, CA

Woke up early today and saw 4-5 otters playing together in the river just below camp. Totally unconcerned by Sadie and me. Sadie was super concerned.

Drove through Eureka today. On the way up the 101 we stopped at Clam Beach, where I let Sadie out to stretch her legs. Lots of running room here.

Made my way into Smith River NF, where I found a camp site just outside of Gasquet. Made dutch oven cornbread for the first time.

-Towards the Northwest-

Day 23- Seaside Beach and Benbow, CA

Hung out at a sweet local beach outside of Ft. Bragg, then on to Benbow where I stayed the night.

Black bean soup and quesadilla

-Mendocino and Clear Lake-

Day 22- Mendocino National Forest, CA

Out of San Francisco and on the road again. Mendocino was hot, but the view over the lake was lovely. The place was lousy with deer.

-More San Francisco-

Days 18 through 21- San Francisco, CA

More San Francisco! (Thanks Hans and Bridget). Lots of good food and fun stuff.

Cat guardians

California Academy of Sciences

Saying goodbye

-Backpacking in Los Padres-

Days 15 through 17- Los Padres, CA

Went backpacking this weekend with Hans, Bridget, and Asher. Made the drive down the 101, and back into Los Padres NF (this time, on the eastern side). Destination was the Los Padres dam, and the Carmel River. Backpacked our gear in ~ 4 miles, until we reached the Bluff campground. Swimming hole was nice after a pretty hot and up-and-down hike.

Everybody in the car, ready to leave.

Navigating at the trail head.

Los Padres reservoir. 

Pack and dog. I forgot her backpack, but next time Sadie will carry her own food and water.

Very happy baby.

Very happy dog.

 Tent camping is a nice change of pace from truck camping. Again, more head room.