Dog mountain has been our go-to mountain since we’ve had Whiskey. Close to town, an amazing view (though not this time), a short-ish length with an interesting trail and dog-friendly…what else do you want? We knew this hike is pretty popular so assumed the trail would have been packed enough for normal boots, although in some places it was icy enough that small crampons would have been an option.

the first 10 mins of any walk with these two is nuts

the gorgeous Millie with her Christmas collar

a conversation

kangarooing through the snow

another version of the raindeer

Whiskey is still all legs

Whiskey and her half-sister Millie ran up and down like little speed-demons. There’s a section where normally there is a pond and a small open area that was untouched. They kangarooed through the deep snow and we were laughing so hard! Millie even ran so hard her poor paws started bleeding. It’s a good thing her parents had boots to slip on at the peak. As soon as the boots came on, she was happily galloping away again. They puppies also started shivering once we stopped for pictures so we put the jackets on.

No need to throw sticks with these two

flying vizslas!

this trail is so much fun, snow/rain/sun

Whiskey has her Christmas bow on

treats? gimmie!

There was no view because of the clouds but we took a picture anyways. Lets hope these dogs sleep for at least a couple hours now!

Vizslas, kisses, humans

baby it’s cold outside!

This weekend we finally had beautiful weather and enough time to head to Squamish for “The Chief” hike. One of our old favorites it has become so popular that over the last 5 years it’s come to rival the “Grouse Grind” for the must-do hike in Vancouver (even though I don’t consider the grind a hike). I now only do the Chief when conditions are such that I can avoid crowds. In November when the trail is full of ice and snow, the peaks chilly with arctic winds, we met relatively few hikers and had a blast.

on top of the Squamish world

Ice and sun

Whereas 7 years ago when I first did this hike there were few stairs and it really did feel like a natural hike, nowadays the trail is mostly comprised of  man-made wooden or rock stairs, especially to the first peak.  There are 3 peaks in total and I normally climb the third, then second and call it done. Most people do the peaks in numerical order so you avoid any lineups going the opposite way. Also the trail down from 3rd peak is the most rugged and hardest on bad knees (we’ve got a few bad knees in our pack) so I prefer going up that way.

We start at the Shannon Falls parking

Just starting out

Seriously Mom? You want me to climb that?

I’m doing it! Whooop!

Whiskey was super stoked to get going, especially since she was shivering right out of the car. Of course as soon as we started the upward trail we were all shedding our layers and pretty soon down to one shirt.

Puppy on a mountain

On Third Peak

It’s an amazing view from here

Looking north to Whistler

In the summer I would lie down and nap here

Watch out for chipmunks and crows that like to lure the dogs to the edge

Looking south from 2nd peak

The peak on 3rd was happily wind-free, and as we crossed the quick section to 2nd peak the sun was threatening to set. Coming down from 2nd peak is a challenge with a dog (many people don’t attempt 2nd with a large dog) because there is a ladder and chain section. Whiskey was a little nervous but was carried down with no drama (except the Vizsla drama). Check out those sad sad eyes! She was gripping so hard, I sometimes wonder that she isn’t human.

Heading down from 2nd peak

It’s a good thing she’s so used to being carried

Oh that sad face

the drama! It was too icy to put her down

awwwww

Here I’m happy I don’t have a larger dog

We handed her down

For those that want to avoid crowds in the summer, a nice side trail off from Chief is the Upper Shannon Falls hike. I’m sure we’ll do that one with Whiskey soon! I’m just super stoked that she’s big enough now to do “proper” hikes.

Our hiking family

We were lucky enough to spend Thanksgiving up on Sunshine Coast with new friends this year. There were a couple knitters in the group who helped me finish my first little project: a snood/neck-warmer for Whiskey. I just ordered some knitting needles so I can learn over the winter.

Whiskey modelling my incomplete project

We had a great time outdoors and Whiskey made a new friend: Sam, the Australian Shepherd. The two spent the weekend chasing each other and guarding the cabin. There were a couple of hikes we fit in before it got too rainy. Afterwards, we set to work creating Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings.

heading over on the ferry

sunset at Kent beach

with Sam the Australian Shepherd

ripping up the beach with fun

more new friends

someone is getting real heavy!

Sunshine Coast has beautiful trails

lots of bridges here

off leash for the weekend

we saw a bunch of bears fishing salmon (dogs were in the car)

someone thinks she’s a person

The rains started the last day and poor Whiskey gets so cold that I’m going to have to get her (or knit her) a nice winter jacket soon.

Whiskey is shivering after a wet walk