Hank Tries Herding Sheep

When you have a border collie you know that generations of his ancestors have been bred to herd sheep so I had always wanted to see if Hank had any interest or potential in sheep herding.  An opportunity presented itself with one of my dog activity groups to sign up to take a 2 hour herding clinic followed by a herding evaluation for Hank at Fido's Farm.

Fido's Farm near Olympia, WA

As we turned into Fido's farm, I was enchanted with the mix of rustic buildings, flowers and sheep.   I was already smitten with this place.

Where is Fido's Farm?

The clinic started with a demonstration of what a well-trained border collie can do.

A border collie herding sheep

No surprise to anyone who has watched herding trials on TV or watched some YouTube videos, but still much more impressive to watch a well-trained sheep herding dog in person.

Hank watching and waiting for his turn with the sheep

After the demonstration and some initial instructions, each dog and handler got a turn with their dog on leash with the sheep under the direction of the trainer. As far as I know, Hank has never seen a sheep before. While we waited for our turn, Hank was very interested in watching the other dogs and the sheep.

My border collie, Hank and I trying to herd sheep

When it was our turn, Hank was interested in the sheep, but at first spent most of his time sniffing the ground.  It may surprise many people to know that many breeds of dogs can do herding - not just the well known ones like Border Collies, Australian Shepherds and Australian cattle dogs.  We saw several standard poodles, a Briard and several other breeds and mixed breed dogs.

Hank and me trying to herd sheep through cones

Next we worked in teams with another handler and dog team.  Our assignment was to communicate and position ourselves to apply the right amount of pressure to move the sheep between cones.  Since the dogs are on leash, it is really more the humans herding the sheep, but it helps the handler to understand how to move sheep and also begins to teach the dog how the sheep respond and what the handler wants from them.  We partnered with a mini-aussie and not trying to brag, but our team got kudos from the trainer for moving the sheep through the cone "gates" and I think we were the only team who was able to make them gather and stop at a specific spot by a cone.  Good job, Hank!

Hank in kind of a Border Collie Crouch

The goal is a controlled, slow movement of the sheep - not a stampede.  Hank did have to be held back to keep him from putting too much pressure on the sheep, but he occasionally showed a glimmer of his heritage, like this moment when he almost went into a classic border collie crouch.  When we got to Hank's evaluation, I was supposed to drop the end of the lead and let the instructor direct his movements.  Unfortunately he was reluctant to leave me and interact with the sheep under the direction of the trainer.  He's kind of a Momma's boy and a little wary of people he doesn't know. We did get some extra time for me to work him by myself with some sheep with his leash dropped and he showed some promise.  I must admit I would really like to learn more and could easily get hooked on herding and I've ordered another book!

Hank was exhausted after his herding adventure.  He slept all the way home and then slept the rest of the afternoon and evening after we got home.

Tired border collie after sheep herding clinic

Cowiche Canyon Wildflowers

Although I love hiking through the lush evergreen forests of Western Washington and the scenic views from the trails to the peaks of the Cascade Mountains,  I also enjoy the totally different rugged beauty of arid central Washington.  We recently took a day trip to see the Cowiche Canyon in the Yakima area.  It was a perfect sunny day with temperatures in the 60s and the wildflowers were in bloom.  Fortunately my border collies, Tim and Hank are always happy to be my companions on a road trip and hike.



The Snow Mountain Ranch Cowiche Canyon Trail Head

Where is Cowiche Canyon?

Directions: From Highway 82 just north of Yakima, take the exit to SR 12 .  Exit SR12 at 40th Avenue and proceed 1.5 miles south to Summitview Avenue. Turn right and drive 8.8. miles, then veer left on Cowiche Mill Road. Proceed 2.5 miles and the Snow Mountain Ranch trail head parking lot will be on your left a short distance past the Cowiche Creek Nursery.

The Cowiche Canyon Conservancy

The Cowiche Canyon Conservancy is a land trust founded in 1985 and its stated mission is to"Protect our shrub-steppe, and connect people to this vanishing landscape."  It now owns and manages 5,000 acres in the canyon including 30 miles of trails.  The conservancy funds trail development, restoration of native landscapes and plants, monitors trails, wildlife and vegetation and provides environmental education. We only hiked a small portion of the trail system using the Cowiche Canyon Snow Mountain Ranch Trail Map.  Dogs are allowed off leash, but should be "walking with their owner" to make sure you can clean-up after your pet and to keep them from chasing or harassing wildlife.




As you can see from the following photos, the native wildflowers put on a magnificent spring display.  If you are interested in wildflowers in the Pacific Northwest and being able to identify the many species that can be found in the diverse habitats, I recommend the book, Wildflowers of the Pacific Northwest as the best guide.



Just past the trail head parking lot, we encountered the first wildflowers.  The golden yellow blooms of the arrowleaf balsamroot were scattered along the trail.



Arrowleaf Balsamroot (Balsamorhiza sagittata)

Soon we  passed through a grove of Garry Oak trees, the only oak tree species that is native to Washington State.



Garry Oak (Quercus garryana)

Next we crossed a bridge across Cowiche Creek.



Cowiche Creek, Yakima County, WA

After crossing the creek, I spotted a large golden currant shrub covered in fragrant blossoms.



Golden Currant (Ribes aureum)

The trail curved and we entered a large grassy meadow,



Cowiche Canyon Meadow

 On the far side of the meadow, I spotted some basalt columns which are a very common rock formation east of the Cascade Mountain Range.


Basalt Rock Column - Yakima County, WA

A common shrub of  the central Washington steppe habitat is the antelope bitterbrush.  Their pale yellow flowers were in full bloom in Cowiche Canyon
.


Antelope Bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata)

Another beautiful wildflower in full bloom was the Giant Head Clover.



Giant Head Clover (Trifolium macrocephalum)

There were numerous mats of low-growing phlox in several colors - white, blue and pink.



Spreading Phlox (Phlox diffusa)

I'm not sure of the particular species, but brilliant blue lupine were scattered around the area.


Lupine

The hike was a steady climb and when we got to the top of a ridge, we paused to enjoy the view of the valley below.


Border Collies Tim and Hank with a view of the valley

 Each time we arrived at the top of one ridge, we could see there was yet another one ahead, all covered with blooming wildflowers.


Wildflowers of Cowiche Canyon

We encountered several species of wild onion.  Unfortunately I was unable to identify which ones.  Does anyone know which species this one is?



Wild onion (Allium - species?)

Along the trail was another species of currant, wax currant, also in full bloom.



Wax Currant (Ribes cereum)

There were small patches of these beautiful sagebrush violets.



Sagebrush violet (Viola trinervata)

We finally arrived at the top of Cowiche Mountain at the boundary of the Cowiche Conservancy land and took a break to enjoy a peek-a-boo view of the summit of Mt. Rainier in the distance.



The top of  Cowiche Mountain with a view of the top of Mt Rainier in the distance

On our descent down the trail, there were additional treasures to be seen including these shooting stars.



Poet's Shooting Star? (Dodecatheon poeticum)

When I wasn't looking down at all of the wildflowers, there were also great views of the orchards of the Yakima valley.



Orchards of the Yakima Valley

There were some trail signs at forks in the trail to help orient us as to our location.


Cowiche Canyon Trail Sign

 Since much of this part of the Cowiche Canyon Conservancy land was formerly a cattle ranch, there were some relics of the past like this old bathtub that had been used as a water trough.  Hank was being snoopy and couldn't pass up looking to see what was inside.



Relics from the cattle ranch

As we neared the end of our hike back at Cowiche Creek, Tim, Hank and a friend couldn't resist taking a dip.



Border collies, Tim and Hank returning from a splash in Cowiche Creek

This was such a beautiful place on such a perfect spring day.  I wished that we had another day to explore more of the Cowiche Canyon.  Next spring I'd like to come back and either bring our 5th wheel to camp or possibly spend a night in one of the pet-friendly hotels in the Yakima area.

A Guemes Island Adventure

Hiking to the summit of Guemes Mountain is another great dog-friendly four season hike in the Pacific Northwest.  As an added benefit, this adventure includes a short ferry ride from Anacortes to Guemes Island.  It seems like even a short ferry ride gives an island and its residents that relaxed, friendly, island vibe.

Where is Guemes Island?

Guemes Island is about 80 miles north of Seattle, WA

How Do You Get to Guemes Island?

Guemes Island Ferry Dock - Anacortes, WA

The Guemes Island Ferry

The only are only two ways to get to Guemes Island - by air or sea. If you don't have a plane, helicopter or your own boat to cross the channel, Skagit County operates a ferry between Anacortes and the island. The ferry can hold 10-20 vehicles, but a less expensive and fun option (in my opinion) is to board the ferry with your dog as walk-on passengers.  There is a handy free parking lot near the ferry dock where you can leave your car. 

Anacortes to Guemes Island Ferry Parking Lot, Anacortes, WA

Taking Your Dog on the Skagit County Ferry System

The Guemes Island Ferry is part of the Skagit County Ferry System, which is dog-friendly if you don't mind making the short crossing outside.  There is a small passenger area inside, but dogs must stay outside.

The Guemes Island Ferry Pilot House

 We checked the Guemes Island Ferry Schedule to plan our trip and arrived about 20 minutes before the ferry departure time, with plenty of time to park, walk to the terminal, purchase our ticket and board the ferry.  Human foot passengers must pay to use the ferry, but dogs ride free!

Boarding the Guemes Island Ferry
Photo by Kathy Lossaco - used with permission

After a quick ten minute trip across the channel, the ferry arrives at the dock on Guemes Island.

Approaching the Guemes Island Ferry Dock - Guemes Island, WA

As we disembark the ferry our first glimpse of the island is the historic Guemes Island General Store.  We decided to walk directly to the trail head and postpone checking out the store until we return to the ferry dock for the return trip to Anacortes. The General Store loans bicycles for those who would prefer to ride a bike to the trail head. 



The Guemes Island General Store

We started our hike to the Guemes Mountain Trail by turning right from the ferry dock and walking approximately 2 miles along South Shore Road to the trail head. 

A Map of Guemes Island

A sign with a map of Guemes Island at the ferry dock

Although this was on a weekend day, the traffic was sparse, perhaps only 3 or 4 cars passed by us on the road. For the majority of the distance the road follows the shoreline of the island with lots of opportunities to enjoy views of the water and spot seabirds and other wildlife. 

South Shore Road, Guemes Island, WA

 Guemes Island is one of the San Juan Islands and like the other islands in the archipelago, it has a colorful history. This Isle of Guemes by Helen Troy Elmore was published in 2011 and recounts the colorful history of Guemes Island. Interestingly it was also at one time called "Dog Island" and not in a good way. The Samish tribe at one time raised dogs on the island for their fur. Fortunately today Guemes Island is dog-friendly in a good way.



Guemes Mountain Trailhead

 The Guemes Mountain Trail head is unmarked from the road.  Look for a bike rack and a wide spot on the shoulder of the road where there may be a car or two parked.



Guemes Mountain Trail Map

A short distance from the trail head is the first of many informational sign boards with a map of the trail. From the trail head to the summit of Guemes Mtn is a little over a mile with an elevation gain of approximately 500 feet. Roundtrip it is 2.3 miles with a 550 foot elevation gain





Border collies hitting the trail

The beginning of the trail up Guemes Mountain is through a forest of tall trees with ferns and other typical Pacific Northwest forest under story. The beginning of the trail is nicely graveled, but isn't wide enough for Tim, Hank and I to walk side by side, so I made use of a little dog power to help pull me up the incline.



An opening in the forest along the Guemes Mountain Trail

Hiking with my dogs still leading the way, after a mile through the forest, the trees thin out as we get closer to the summit of Guemes Mountain. In early spring there were some muddy spots on the trail that were a little slippery.



Bald Eagle in a Tree - Guemes Island, WA

Guemes Island is a great place to see bald eagles. This is one perched in a tree was the first of many we saw on our hike.



The Story of the Guemes Mountain Trail

One of the interpretive signs along the Guemes Mountain Trail tells the story of how several groups worked together to provide this wonderful place for everyone to enjoy. The mountain was preserved for public use by the efforts of the Skagit Land Trust, San Juan Land Trust and the residents of Guemes Island. The construction of the trail was done by volunteers coordinated by the Washington Trails Association.



The Summit of Guemes Mountain

Tim and Hank posed (reluctantly) for a photo from the summit.  On the day of our hike it was cloudy, but even with the low cloud ceiling there were amazing views in every direction.



A 360 degree view from the top of Guemes Mountain

The View from Guemes Mountain on a Clear Day

To see more of the island, instead of retracing our route along South Shore Road to return to the ferry dock we made it a loop hike by walking along Edens Road. Although there aren't sidewalks or much shoulder along the edge of the road, I think a total of about four cars went by in either direction and as I recall every driver either slowed down and waved or stopped to talk with us. Ahhh, the pleasures of the relaxed pace of island life and friendly people!

Pastoral Scenes of Guemes Island

Farm and Barn on Guemes Island, WA



Guemes Island Fields and Cows



Edens Road - Guemes Island, WA

Anderson's General Store

Anderson's General Store - Guemes Island, WA

Anderson's Guemes Island General Store was established in 1877 and, as the name suggests, is a store where you can buy just about anything you might need.  It is a gas station, restaurant and gathering place for both island residents and visitors where wine tastings, concerts and other events are held.  There is even a designated place that serves as a hitching post for your dog while you go inside to shop or eat.  I love their motto:  "If we don't have it, we'll explain how you can get along without it"

The Ferry at the Guemes Island Dock

Guemes Island Ferry at the Guemes Island Dock

The ferry arrives back at the dock and it is time to board and end our Guemes Island adventure.

Helpful Information for Planning a Hike to Guemes Mountain - Links to Websites About Guemes Island

Guemes Island Sunset

Source: DocentJoyce on Flickr Creative Commons License 2.0

Dog Friendly Hotels on Guemes Island

If Guemes Island looks like the kind of dog friendly destination where you would like to sit, stay, relax and explore for more than a day, there are rustic dog friendly overnight accommodations available at the Guemes Island Resort.

Helpful Links for Planning a Trip to Guemes Island

• Guemes Mountain - Washington Trails Association
  WTA constructed this trail to the top of Guemes Mountain on Guemes Island. The one-mile trail will lead to an incredible viewpoint overlooking nearby islands and ocean straits, the Skagit River delta, and the volcanoes and jagged spires
• Guemes Island Ferry
  Skagit County Government
• Skagit Land Trust
  The Skagit Land Trust focuses on permanently protecting all types of natural and resource lands with exceptional conservation value throughout Skagit County.
• Welcome to Anderson's Store on Guemes Island
  Welcome to Anderson's General Store "If we don't have it, we'll explain how you can get along without it ...." Store Hours Monday - Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday