Absolutely nothing to do with kayaking, fishing, or the MLPA.

So this weekend I went on an overnight backpack with my younger son, Joey, and his friend Mitch.  We hiked up the Garcia River to a hotspring on the river.  What a great place.... sitting in the hotsprings looking out over river, and occasionally getting out and swimming in the giant swimming hole surrounded by old growth redwoods.....yes.

But the real story is how I went backpacking with our chunky Chihuahua, Yoshi.........literally.  Here's my wife before the trip: "Dave, don't take the dog.  She's much too old."  Me:  "Ah, don't worry about it.  It's only a 7 mile hike.  Jeez, she's a dog.  She can handle it."   Famous last words.

Well, she might have been able to handle it, but the hike up isn't really a hike; it's a wade.  You walk up the river for seven miles.  Some of the stream crossings are so deep, you need to hold your pack over your head to get across.  The result of the really jagged river cobbles and the fact of having her feet wet for 5 hours basically shredded the poor dog's feet.  By the time we got there, she could no longer walk.

We enjoyed our time at the swimming hole and hot spring, but when we left I had to pack my poor little beast out in my backpack.  Man, after 7 rugged miles of that it was good to see the car.

I really recommend this trip if you're in the area.  Put "Point Arena Hot Springs" in your browser and check out the instructions on how to get there.  And, if you bring pooch, invest in some of those hiking boots for dogs.

 

I had several beers and chips tonight, and 2 cookies. Nothing to do with kayaking but thought  would share.  
That looks like a totally cool time, especially with your son! I would love  a hike like that, especiall in this sweltering heat lately.
GREAT scenery too. Thanks for sharing.
I gotta say the hairdoos take me back to my high school days. The 70' rocked!  

Beautiful scenery up there! Thanks for the pics and I'll bet Yoshi was thankful for the ride back.  jim

Sounds like a great trip, Dave, and WTG on your dedication to saving your dog!   

awesome trip!

I think this would be the perfect overnighter for Chryss and I.

Thanks for sharing

Jim

Beautiful place, sounds like a really memorable trip,

So, Dave, as a part 2 perhaps you could fill us in on your wife's comments when she saw Yoshi's feet.

So, Dave, as a part 2 perhaps you could fill us in on your wife's comments when she saw Yoshi's feet.

Well, part two is that I'm now in the doghouse instead of Yoshi.  WAF went to all time lows....doh.

Sherpa Dave, What a beautiful area and I am sure Yoshi enjoyed every bit of it. Especially the hike out-First Class no less!

great report Dave! Gotta love adventures like these!!!

Yoshi was game! It's just that home life softens the paws, y'know?

Cool report, gorgeous area up there.