Took Summer my new dog out to see if she would behave off road to the Bee Canyon trail just to the east of Hemet. It was a nice trip as the winter storm did some nice damage to the trails. The trail is blue diamond and not much of a challenge - the weather proved a bigger challenge. We camped about 50 feet from a rather large babbling brook and there was lots of moisture in the air. Last night the temperature dropped below zero but the fire threat was low and there was a nice fire pit provided at the yellow post campground.
It was the anniversary of my previous dog's death and we had a little memorial at the campground, shed some tears, and told stories of what a great dog Trixie was.
This morning while Noon was still sleeping I took Summer for a walk and let her off leash ... she caught wind of a squirrel's scent and was off. I chased her up a nice 100 foot tall hill and along the ridge line crashing through brush trying to find her. She out ran me and I could no longer hear her license and ID jingling. I searched for five more minutes and made the decision to go down and wake Noon to assist with the search. I hustled down the hill and Summer was running up the road toward me. I have no idea where she took off to or what brought her back ... I thanked Trixie's spirit ... and put her on a leash.
The view looking down to Hemet. The winter's rains have the mountains and hills green.
Bee Canyon Trip
Along the trail the scrub brush turns to forest.
Bee Canyon Trip
Two big trees blocking Humvees from entering the campsite.
Bee Canyon Trip
The campsite
Bee Canyon Trip
The brook ... note the ice.
Bee Canyon Trip
My dog chases sticks! So cool!
Bee Canyon Trip
The next morning we headed out and up above the snow line. Nice icy roads.
Bee Canyon Trip
Snow!
Bee Canyon Trip
Bee Canyon Trip
Posed for the trip home.
Bee Canyon Trip
The road is about 15 miles long and there's just two campsites along the way. The first was occupied but we got the second. There are some state parks about three to four miles north of the Idyllwild-Pine Cove exit on the 243. On the way home we took the more scenic route north along the 243 through the Mount San Jacinto State Park to the 10 freeway. Lots of vistas and views to enjoy.