SPNCRA north of Hereford Bridge

It was a cold morning. I wanted to take four of the dogs on a challenging walk but waited for the morning temperatures to warm up. I spent the time planting another oleander shrub that will eventually be part of a natural barrier along my property. It us my fifth of what will be many more shrubs by the end of this year.

I took Hansel, Gretel, Fritz and Zana who were all beyond excited to get out. We started just past 1:30pm and walked north to the Big Wash 3.2 miles away. I wanted to see the water level there and be alone with the pack.

I briefly got off the main trail when I saw another dog walker come toward us, so I went to the river but was surprised to see it dry. The dogs found a mudhole on their own nearby. This didn't bode well. There was no fresh water after Friday's rain and mountain snow?

I enjoy watching the dogs run as fast as they can with each other and without bothering other dogs or people. And these dogs need daily runs of 2-4 miles. This is the incentive to get that fence put up.

Something spooked two of the dogs about halfway into the walk. Fritz and Zana never returned despite me calling them. At the 2.8 mile mark I came across a cattle coral that wasn't there the last time I walked this rather boring trail about two years ago. A javelina and its young were at this coral rooting around, but got startled and scurried off. Did javelin scare off the two dogs?  

The big wash was still a half mile away. I let Hansel and Gretel cool off in the water, but the level was low. While flowing, there is usually more water at this point.

We made it back to the Honda by 3:30pm. Fritz and Zana were already waiting. How long had they been by the car? Someone left a cooler top full of water for them. Both dogs were across the road but came right to me when I called. All dogs were now panting. 

I will stop this route going forward because the trailhead is right off Hereford road and having lose dogs running around is neither safe nor smart. I will explore this route maybe after the monsoon with no more than two dogs.

At least all dogs got a good workout and raw chicken for dinner

Sunday March 9