The Climb

Even though we got in from the Black Eyed Peas concert at 2am, that didn't stop us from getting up early the next morning to enjoy some sunshine, warmer weather, friends and a little hike.  We loaded up Coda, our friends Nick and Lindsey and their 2 puggles and we were off (we met Brady and Abbey at the trailhead).

Coda sharing his car with his buddies, Riley and Roxy

This time we went to the little town of Index (about one hour from our house) to do a short 3 mile roundtrip hike to the Heybrook Lookout Tower.  As easy as 3 miles sounds, it was actually quite difficult.  I guess I should have guessed that to get a good view you have to climb (DUH!)...and that we did!!

The crew making the final trek to the tower...dogs leading the way :)

Once at the top we parked it for a lunchbreak and a little visit to the top of the lookout.  Coda was far from thrilled to be going up that high, so Jason had to carry him up all the stairs.  And once at the top, Coda literally latched on for dear life!

At the top of Heybrook Lookout with a view of the beautiful mountains!

Mt. Index

Other surrounding snowy mountains

At the bottom of the lookout

After a nice break at the top where we got to enjoy lots of warm sunshine and a good lunch, we began our much easier trek down!  Of course we always like to have a little fun and enjoy the sights when we can...

Happy Hikers!!

This moss looked like it was meant to be a beard!!

By the time we got back to the car we were all pretty tired, especially Coda.  Can't you just tell by his absolutely adorable expression?!  He summed up how we were all feeling at this point :)