Sarah and Friends, in the new epic, “Adventures Close to Home”

The star of our show!

Here she is, our old girl, the little star, back on her leash for the last lap of the return hike home — not because she would “run away” but because there was a coyote carcass between our house and our friends’ house, and we don’t need dogs getting into that. You don’t need to see it, either, so I’m not including those pictures. Sarah and I passed close by the dead coyote on our way to meet our friends, and she was good about it, but I didn't want to take chances on the way home. Anyway, I’m sure you’ll enjoy, much more, photos of our adventure with friends and of the territory we explored and sights we saw along the way.

In the high desert of our little ghost town, staying out of crowds is not a problem. It’s even possible to leave the house and see friends, walking a little apart from each other out in the fresh mountain air. Whenever she sees me put on the Camelbak and get out the hiking poles, Sarah is ready, knowing that adventure with friends is on the morning agenda. 

Therese, Buddy, Molly, Sarah

Sometimes we start off on the road and switch to the big wash, and sometimes we head cross-country right away. This morning we stayed along the road longer than usual, and here below is my Little Miss Independence, eager to lead the way! Can you spot her there in the distance?

Maybe Sarah got so far ahead so fast because she is not interested in the spring wildflowers I couldn't help stopping to photograph.

But Therese and I were as eager as the dogs to do some off-road exploration. Ha-ha, dogs, that’s in part because there are more beautiful plants if we climb uphill!

Following trails blazed by cows, watching our footing on loose rocks, the two human members of the expedition paused to appreciate rocks and remnants from mining days, as well as plants.

And here is Sarah again, now posing (briefly -- I had to snap fast!) on what remains of an old mine building. — And then Mollie, not to be outdone!

Well, it’s all good here — the company, conversation, exercise, fresh air, flowers and rocks, and doggie socializing — but there are those moments, too, when Therese and I have to stop and lift our eyes and gaze off into the distance, and then the beautiful views alone make the adventure worthwhile. We would much rather be here than in a crowded bar scene, anyway.