Here we go!

100 Mile Walk Blog

Sunday, June 7, 2015

Howdy Everybody!  Karoo here!

Need to get you caught up on the progress of our adventure!

Mama had hoped we would leave by 8am today… didn’t make it!  She had packed and cleaned the car on Saturday, just some last minute bits to do today… but it sure added up!  We finally left about 10 am to drive to Coeur D’Alene, ID!  I was so worried watching Mama pack up the car, I was concerned that she would leave me behind!  But she needs her hiking partner, whew!  Poor Oreja was very upset.  Oh well.

The weather report called for low 90’s in CDA… oh dear, too hot for good hiking!  It is usually in the mid 50’s and breezy in Ocean Shores!  Yikes!  So mama had to work out a battle plan.  But we had to get there first!

I was riding shot gun, making sure she took the correct route and watching for crazy drivers.  As we drove east, the temperature was going up higher and higher… peaked at 95 degrees!  Luckily Mama packed lots of treats and water, because it was so hot, we couldn’t stop anywhere except for quick potty breaks and gas.

Actually made really good time and arrived in CDA about 5pm.  Mama recognized LeeAnn, she was waiting at the parking garage for us.  LeeAnn helped us carry our stuff up to the house.  She wanted to be sure Bob saw how much gear Mama packed because he always gives her a hard time that she packs too much for trips.  Well, we out did her!

LeeAnn and Bob are so gracious letting us stay with them!  They have a beautiful home right by the park in CDA in the tallest tower.  I have to go in the elevator to go down to the ground floor to potty.  Elevators sure make my tummy feel funny!  But I am a champion and handle it very well.

LeeAnn took me and Mama to the little off leash dog park so I could stretch my legs a little bit.  Played a little fetch, but not too much.  Very hot outside!

Mama and Bob poured over the local maps to determine where to hike for our first day.  Most of the trails around CDA are paved… we are not used to walking on asphalt (except to and from the beach!) and definitely not used to the heat.  She decided we should get up really early and start the hike in the dark.  Heck, we are used to that!  We go to the beach in the dark all winter long!

The North Idaho Centennial Trail passes right by their house.  We decided to just take that trail, basically do and out and back, that way we would not have to worry about driving or drop off and pickup.  And we could just go when we wake up!

We had a nice dinner.  LeeAnn had made some wonderful calico soup and salad.  Then they took me out for another walk, Mama showered and we hit the hay!  Mama brought my favorite bed, so I was quite comfy.  It is a lot hotter hear, even in the house, than at home, but I will sleep fine.

Tomorrow: we start walking!

Good night!

Your puppy pal, Karoo.

Monday, June 08, 2015

Well, Mama woke up at 1:45am and we were out the door by 2am!  It was dark but soooo much cooler!  The clear sky was full of stars and the moon was waning to half.  

Yep, that is the time we arrived in the plaza of the park!!  That is am...

The house is near the 16 mile point of the trail.  So we walked west to the 13 mile marker, turned around and walked aaaaallllll the way to the 23 mile marker then back.  By starting so early in the am, we avoided the majority of the heat.  We were most worried about the sun heating the asphalt and hurting my paws.  I am very tough, but my paws certainly are not used to that! 

The sign of our fist turn around point.

The Centennial Trail was fairly well lit for the western section that we walked.  By the time we passed through the park and headed east it was light out so it was not an issue.  We heard lots of turkeys and saw some quail!  What funny little birds!  Lots of robins and other song birds.

Karoo sure enjoys playing in the water, even in the dark!

Just starting to get light.

Looking across the lake with the moonlight reflecting in the water.

CDA in the early dawn light.

It starts getting quite light by 4:30, but luckily the trail was often in the shade!  Rules are that dogs must be on leash… dang, we were walking near the lake and I couldn’t go play in it!  Lots of no trespassing and no dog signs.  Sheesh.  Actually Mama cheated a bit and let me go play in the water a few times.   Boy oh boy, that felt great!  

Karoo with Mudgy and Millie statue!

Karoo in his vest... and on leash... darn.

Awesome carving!

Mama's view! 

The majority of the eastern trail is alongside a very busy road.  I did not like that!  Mama taught me to sit whenever a vehicle comes by (because I would like to chase it!) so it was hard with so many vehicles and loud trucks!  Had me pretty nervous.  

And when I couldn’t find a stick, I played fetch with a pinecone!  Worked just fine!

The miles seemed to get longer and longer as we got close to the mile marker 23.  I was ready to turn around and so was Mama, but we didn’t want to cut the hike short!  But, I tell you, once we headed back towards home, I pulled Mama most of the way!  Too bad she wasn’t on roller skates!

We really wanted to enjoy the views and rest often, but due to heat and sunshine concerns, we kept pushing it.  We finished our walk a bit before 10am.  20 miles!  Beat the heat because we left so early.  Then we both took a nap! 

I am very tired and a bit sore.  Mama’s feet are very sore.  She is hobbling around the house.  We will not be walking 20 miles tomorrow….

Tomorrow’s plan was originally to walk the Trail of the Coeur D’Alenes in sections, but it is 72 miles of paved trail.  No more of that!  This afternoon Mama and LeeAnn went to the ranger station to get ideas for actually hiking in the woods, not on asphalt.  Sounds good to this pup!

Need to make some plans for tomorrow!

Your (very tired) puppy pal, Karoo!