First hike of the season

It's taken me long enough, but finally, I've made it out hiking! I was worried I had missed all the mountain laurel, but there were still plenty around for me and the dogs to enjoy:




I even found some tasty blackberry bushes. I'll have to make sure and find them again when they're about ripe.


We went to Shingletown Gap and hiked up the mountain to the left of the main trail. I was hoping to go out again this weekend but it's been raining and I don't like how slippery the rocks get when they're wet. I was pretty impressed with the dogs - for being little guys (~10lbs apiece) they kept right up with me the whole time.