The trail was a bit muddy in many places. Compact snow and ice on the last 1/3 mile of trail was very slippery. I didn't see anyone with microspikes but they could be useful. The steeper right fork in the trail just before the first hangglider takeoff is less icy than the trail to the left. We also found that the gravel road from the first takeoff to the second was easier to walk on .
I also wanted announce that our wonderful dog Maddy passed away on 2/25. She was just over 15 years old and was suffering from a neurologic problem that progressed to the point that she couldn't walk. It was very sad to let her go. She has been a wonderful friend and hiking companion. We estimate that she went on over 700 hikes with us! I think that she had the best life a dog could have. Short photo album of her life below.
Comments
So sorry for your loss. I always loved seeing all the photos of Maddy joining you on your hikes. She had a wonderful owner and a wonderful life. Steve R.
Posted by:
stever on Mar 07, 2024 05:39 PM
Thank you!
Posted by:
Maddy on Mar 07, 2024 05:59 PM
Oh that's so sad! RIP Maddy, I loved seeing pictures of her in your reports.
Posted by:
fourteen410 on Mar 07, 2024 08:31 PM
Awww, so sorry. I have always hoped I would run into Maddy on the trail someday. I enjoyed reading about her adventures.
Posted by:
shunt75522 on Mar 07, 2024 09:36 PM
Sorry for the loss of your spirited companion and family member. I looked forward to seeing Maddy's adventures over the years and still recall fondly the many trips and trails with my own dog.
Posted by:
Ups n Downs on Mar 08, 2024 06:29 AM
Thank you so much for sharing what I know is heartbreaking news. This month a year ago we had to say goodbye to our chocolate lab of 16 years, who had been on so many trails and trips with us. Our plan is to get a black lab next, when we are ready, so your post was so very meaningful.
Posted by:
BlueGoat on Mar 08, 2024 10:34 AM
So sorry for your loss! I'm glad you got to enjoy so many trails with her over the years.
Posted by:
Washington Trails Association Trip Reports on Mar 08, 2024 03:57 PM
I'm so sorry for you. I'm so glad you have so many trail memories with her. What an amazing life she had
Posted by:
Loren Drummond on Mar 08, 2024 04:07 PM
Aww. I noticed she was missing from your reports and was afraid to ask. What a great dog and a lucky dog. So many adventures and so much love. Sorry for your loss.
Posted by:
hikingwithlittledogs on Mar 08, 2024 11:11 PM
Thank you for everyones lovely messages. I do appreciate the WTA family!
Posted by:
Maddy on Mar 09, 2024 07:01 AM
Sorry to hear that your wonderful friend passed away. Im glad you have so many years of wonderful memories to remind you of all your great times! Sending hugs.
Posted by:
Arwen29029 on Mar 11, 2024 07:28 AM
Very sorry to hear about Maddy. She was lucky to have a wonderful owner that took her on so many adventures - a dog's dream.
Posted by:
Alpine Wanderer on Mar 12, 2024 03:35 PM
We somehow missed this report and learned of it by a comment on your report introducing us to Sky who is blessed to now be sharing your and Sherilyn's many adventures on the trails and the love and support you will give her there and at home. Your slide show of Maddy was a beautiful tribute to her and shows what a loving home and family she was fortunate to have had in her life. We raised 3 black labs when our kids were growing up and they are such loving animals and so cute when puppies! We are looking forward to watching Sky grow as we see pictures of her in your reports!
Posted by:
Bob and Barb on Apr 16, 2024 11:56 AM
Thank you for the kind words.
Posted by:
Maddy on Apr 16, 2024 01:28 PM