January 2019 Pupdate

Brownstone CNK Century Treadwell (Cedar)
January 14, Cedar and his family ventured into the Oregon cascades.

Anna with Cedar. Middle and North Sister and The Husband mountains in the background.

I remember being in this very spot January 14, 1971. I was a Winter Outward Bound instructor. We skied from there to the top of the McKenzie Pass, so I could celebrate my birthday at the observatory. The snow was over 15' deep. The PNW snowpack is alarmingly low this winter.

Brownstone CNK Century Kate MT (Tika)
What happens when a Chinook discovers a just-delivered case-box of dog treats before the owner does.

 Tika with Kima on January 16.

BrownStone Cascade Mt Loowit (Tule Loowit)
Tule on top of Mt. Ashland. Trask and I sure miss seeing his sister since she moved to Ashland.

Brownstone CNK Century Wind (Ullr)
Ullr as a comforter for a sick family member.

Skiing at Willamette Pass Ski Resort. I am not quite sure if he rode the lift or ran up the slope. McKenzie, Willy, Cedar, Koyuk and Tule have all ridden up the lift. Since Tule moved away, Ullr is now the official Ski Patrol Chinook.

When Ullr stayed with me over the holidays, he became enamored with the TV. His family did not own one so I recycled a spare we had for Dave. As you can see from this picture, he remains fixated while the rest of the family, unused to TV, has their attention elsewhere. 

Team Nookies
I would be remiss to not swivel my chair and include the household pack in my office. They are patiently awaiting a grooming session. Because of a non-winter this year, even Jake the cat is blowing his coat months early.

Koyuk and Cedar on the dog couch.

 Cedar, Koyuk on the couch. Trask and Jake on the dog bed.

 Trask and Jake.

Bluebird Day

I have only skied one day in the past three years. My plan had been to spend the day on the bunny slope to feel comfortable on my skis again and test my injured hips. Next month Dave will be honored with a "Last Call". I wanted to see if I would have the ability to ski beside the empty sled. Yesterday I skied with two extraordinary women: Nancy and Mindy. Nancy drove me to the mountain. She has been a ski school instructor and friend of over 40 years. She was my prime personal supporter during Dave's last months and has been since his death. Mindy is the director of the Pro-Ski Patrol. I first met 14 year old Mindy when her aunt asked if she could join the Jr. Ski Patrol Dave and I had started. Mindy thrived in the program; went on to college; graduated with honors and; came back to Eugene where, until she married, lived in our cabooses while pursuing a dream of a medical career and ski patrolling. She now also works in the ER where she eased the way for Dave during his many visits. I was surrounded by love. I got hugs from several people I haven't seen in a long time, including the owner of the ski area. I had caring (conspiring) escorts ahead and behind me on ever run.

The lift to the top of the mountain is just outside the Patrol Room door and presented itself as much easier to jump on than the long walk to the lower mountain lifts. So up we went bypassing the bunny hill. The groomers were busily preparing the steepest runs for the weekend. Skiing with patrol director Mindy, we "had" to open all the freshly groomed black diamond runs, on a sunny day, with no one around. It was my Destiny. 

Without heavy, wet snow and moguls, the runs were exhilarating. My IT muscles need strengthening and cause of several inflamed bursa. Skiing was a breeze until near the end of the day when my tired quads had to lift a ski. By the end of the day I was catching edges and kissing the snow.

Nancy

 Mindy

Mindy had arranged for a gourmet, BBQ lunch to be cooked and enjoyed at the top of the mountain. A special treat in an unmatched setting.

Yesterday was a tough day because that ski area probably wouldn't exist but for Dave's efforts. When I was in the patrol room, there were still 3 old pictures of Dave and I on the wall. I knew it would be both physically and emotionally difficult being there again but with the support of these two amazing friends, I succeeded and really felt positive.

I have always thought of myself as a very strong, independent woman but loosing Dave has been humbling. I have never been one to cultivate friends. Dave was my friend. One of the reasons our marriage worked for days short of 41 years was that we each had our own activities that we were passionate about then came home and shared each other's joy. We were so different in so many ways but celebrated and supported that difference. (The ski patrol was one thing we shared jointly, though he seldom skied instead managed it and I was but a patroller and wife). Now I am finding myself second guessing and looking for him to be there to embrace the rehashing of life's experiences.

I really did not expect to ski again, especially at Willamette Pass. I am stoked. For the first time I really feel like I can move forward independently and lean on friends.

Over the Hill and Through the Woods

Since Dave's death, exercise has been limited to necessary actions. The dogs and I are getting more and more out of shape as time goes by. A break in the weather meant time for a run to the back pond.
The run starts with going up and over a small hill then a gee turn up a very steep trail I cut last year. I need to put my ATV into 4WD and the lowest gear to make it up to the top of the ridge.
The dogs, even 12 year old Cedar, ran full speed all the way...

 and were given a rest at the top.

From there, we traverse the ridge top and head down the south, sunny side, road to the pond.

My primary concern with taking the dogs on this run is encountering a deer kill defended by a cougar or bear. The property is an island refuge for large and small game. The fence line is surrounded by clear cut property and houses on all sides. Not that long ago, seeing a cougar, bobcat, coyote or bear was a very rare, wondrous sight. Now these animals have become nuisance pests, with daily raids on garbage cans and bird feeders. 

Perhaps the dogs are admiring the ground cover.

Not! They have found a deer carcass. I am immediately on high alert, scanning the brush and tree tops.

I rush the dogs away from the carcass.

Trask with his prize leer leg.

When we got to the pond, Trask would not relinquish hold of the stinky leg. Only Cedar and Koyuk took the opportunity to drink, swim and cool off. We had gone over 2 miles on very steep trails by this point.

Twelve year old Cedar, fit and regal as ever.

Wanting to cool off Trask, I took a 1/2 mile detour, below the pond and through the oak savannah, which is currently full of creeks, pools and marshland.

 We circled back to the pond where Trask relinquished the leg in favor of a drink and swim.

I grabbed the leg and threw it into the largest patch of blackberries I could find much to Koyuk's dismay.

Three dogs in search of another carcass treat. (There is a reason they wear visibility vests.)

Cedar was first to find this deer. She tore off, full speed back up the sunny side pond road.

Followed by Koyuk with a leg...

and Trask with his leg.

 A rest at the top of the ridge allowed for a feast...

while I hiked around admiring the north side woods.

Cedar still had her deer leg as she came down the steep ridge trail. Opportunistic Trask headed back up to check if she would like to share her bounty.

Nope!

At this point, we are almost back to the house. We had made it past the predictors now the last thing I wanted was a stinky deer leg going into the house, through the dog door, and being devoured on my bed. I took the leg; found a huge blackberry patch; and tossed it into the middle. I HATE the fact that invasive blackberries now cover the forest floor. In many places they blanket acres and pile over 6' high. The only advantages I see with them is that they do feed the birds and small game and are a great place to toss unwanted carcass parts.

The dogs were hot and covered with mud by the time we returned to the house. Coaxing them into cleansing swim was a no brainer. I have found it is much easier to dry off a soaking wet dog than give a muddy one a bath.

After their final cleaning in the mudroom, the rest of the afternoon was spent taking off pictures while the dogs crashed in the office.

Starting as a mere toddler, I have spent my life wandering in the woods and never been afraid. (Except for men with guns and grizzly bears.) Seeing animals has been a privilege. All have always preferred to head the other way and disappear. The over-population of large predictors on the property is troubling. I do not expect them to attack but I do expect them to defend. In the past, except in the summer heat, I have taken the dogs on this 5+ mile run 3-4 times a week. Their breed is meant to run. They love to be with me as I explore. I am afraid I will now need to use the ATV on our excursions so I can keep closer tabs on the dog's whereabouts and for a quick get away should we encounter predators unwilling to relinquish their kills.