The Hiking Adventure continues...

Hike 2 of 10!

Today I hiked Sullivan's Knob Trail in the southern part of the Bighorn Canyon!

My dog Missy!

I took my dog, Missy.  She was a wonderful hiking companion! 

As I walked the trail, all I could smell was sage brush.  It was so quiet out there this morning.  Every once in a while we stopped and just listened...

As we reached the rim of the Bighorn Canyon, I yelled, "HELLO!"  My voice echoed back 4 or 5 times!

This photo taken from Ranger's Delight Trail.

Missy took the lead back and was an excellent trail finder!

I bought the America the Beautiful, National Park pass a few weeks ago.  That gives me access to one of my favorite places.... the Bighorn Canyon!

I've decided...

That I'm going hike all the trails in the Bighorn Canyon! 

Now... I'm not a hiker.  I'm not an outside sports enthuiast.  I'm not in the best physical condition, either!  But, what the heck???

I do love being outside!  The Bighorn Canyon is absolutely breathe-taking with all of it's colors.  And... really... in my heart... I am an adventurer!

So!  There are 10 hiking trails in the Bighorn Canyon, according to this little publication by the Western National Parks Assoc and I aim to HIKE ALL 10!

I began last week!

Ranger Delight Trail  was the first!
 

Beginnings of Spring

Boy did the snow last a long time this winter! We got maybe 7-8 inches this winter... and it just lasted... and lasted...

Now, we've got a lot of mud! I'm talking about the thick... clay... kind that sticks to your shoes... and weighs you down about 10 pounds... well... not that much... but you get the picture!

Calves are being born... I see them as I head to the grocery store. And a neighbor down the road has these precious little black sheep. So cute!!!!

The weather has been nice... today will be in the upper 40's.

I've started walking again. Goal... 10,000 steps!

New Calves...

As I made my way to our local grocery store... I get to pass by lots of beautiful countryside.

There in one of the fields were lots of cows... and their little ones! Now that's a sure sign of spring!!!!

I've been here for 3 1/2 years...

I've been here now for 3 1/2 years in this beautiful mountain basin.

I shouldn't be surprised by the wildlife that surrounds me.... but I am! (Actually... I hope to keep that element of wonder and surprise in my life daily!)

Coming home from a business luncheon in Cody yesterday... there in a field outside of town... was a whole herd of grazing antelope!

Local Wildlife

Over the past couple weeks, I've seen 4 Bald Eagles! They are very noticable large birds... they really grab your attention!

What a treat!

The other morning before the sun came up, I let one of my cats out... and heard... who... who... whowho... There must be an owl living in the large cottonwood trees in my neighborhood.

In the fall as I was walking around the neighborhood, I got to see a huge Great Horn Owl atop a tree trunk.

Went Skiing again!

The boys had Monday off (2/12) so off we went to Red Lodge Mountain!

It was a blustery snowy day as we reached the mountain and cold!!! The snow was pretty wet and heavy. I found myself wondering... do I really want to be out in this?

Off we went to rent our skis and get our lift tickets...

A couple runs down the easy slope (Miami Beach) and I decided that I definitely needed to buy some goggles!

Life was much better with goggles and a neck gaitor!

The sun did eventually come out after lunch... and it was even warm (LOL!) for a little while!

Aaron (age 9) is doing awesome!!! This was his 2nd time skiing (mine too... as an adult.. that is...)

Matthew went skiing again today with school. Sounds like he skied all over the lower mountain! Shoot... Aaron and I have got to catch up with him in skiing ability. This is Matthew's 3rd year on the mountain.

Next time, Aaron and I are going to have another lesson... and move on to the lower mountain.

Matthew tonight, "Mom, when can we go skiing again?"

Another chilly day here.

Happy Friday!!! It's date night Friday! Yeah!!!

Yesterday I won a gift certificate as a door prize at the Women's Business Roundtable luncheon. I was so pleased to see that it was to my favorite mexican restaurant, El Tapitao!

They have a shrimp fajita dish that is soooo good!

So... guess where we're going tonight?

What's on your agenda?