Purgatory Creek

We are trying to get settled into our "grown-up" jobs here in NM and still get some playtime in.  Last weekend we hit the road and drove up to Durango.  We took a little hike down the Purgatory Creek Trail just north of Durango.

After hiking about a half mile down to Purgatory Creek we decided to take the trail less traveled.  We bushwhacked our way north up the canyon and then west to hook back up with trail.  We saw a ton of wildlife and Arnie and Aspen were in heaven.

Emily and Aspen at the trailhead.

JD and Arnie near a secluded lake.

Emily and Aspen pose for a pic.

The Little Grand Canyon!!!

Today we hiked down into southern Illinois' Little Grand Canyon. This wasn't one for the hiking guide we are working on, it was just for fun. A 3 mile loop trail that takes you down a nice long ridge until you hit a switchback, which leads into the canyon. The canyon was pretty cluttered with debris from the "in-land hurricane" that blew through last year, but still quite nice.

You can see the Big Muddy river behind Emily and Aspen.

Descending into the canyon.

The debris cluttered trail.

White Oaks Trail

Today we hit up the 4.4 mile White Oaks Trail in Hawn State Park. Another perfect day for hiking! As usual, Arnie and Aspen really enjoyed the hike. We're gonna return later and hike the Whispering Pines trail also.

JD at the trailhead.

Arnie, blazing the trail.

Breaktime!

Howling with Wolves - Starring Aspen

Earlier today I was over at the Nat Geo website and I stumbled across a recording of some gray wolves howling. Now, I've never thought that Aspen resembled the wolf (fox-maybe, dingo-certainly) but I'm starting to think she might have a shot at joining a pack if she gets the opportunity. Anyway, call your dog(s) into the room and enjoy her audition tape:)