(Wicket and Noel posting from Prescott, Arizona)

Hike Date: 07/22/2010; Location School House Gulch Rd, Trail #61 and #396.

This first photo was shot at 7:30 AM on Thursday.  Wicket and I were heading up Trail #61 from the School House Gulch Rd near White Spar Rd.  I know in advance of approaching hikers who are with their pups, because Wicket lies down and assumes what I call his "ambush" posture.  Actually he is telegraphing his non-aggressive and playful intent to the other pooch.   So when I see him in ambush mode, I know there is a trail pooch up ahead.  In this photo, you can see Wicket and his new trail buddy, Herbie getting acquainted and Herbie's Hiking Human, a short distance behind.  The funny thing about this encounter between the two pups is that Herbie also went into his own ambush mode when he saw Wicket.  So there for a minute, or so, they're both on their bellies, chins to the ground, in a staring wait and see contest.  Very cute indeed.
 
When you get the chance, check out the comments the Herbie Team provided at the "Welcome" link to the left of the page.  She has her favorite spots along her favorite trails, same as all Hikers do.  One of those spots is at the summit of trail #396 where there are fabulous views awaiting all hikers willing to stop and enjoy.  She reminded me of the rock and log benches someone had built at that point, which have since been dismantled by others.  Somewhere in my photo archives on one of my computers I think I have a picture of it before it was taken apart.  Anyway, Herbie and his hiking human would like to request fellow hikers to assist her in rebuilding the bench arrangement there, as she finds it to be a fabulous place to enjoy reading poetry and soaking up all that is great in the out of doors.  I'm a player for this project, as I am sure Wicket is.  If you're interested in lending a hand, why not post a comment of your own.  Maybe we can get a group together to make this happen before summer passes into autumn.

Three new friends for Wicket, a very playful Dobie named Ebony and a sweet Basset mix named Chloe and friendly Foster.
 The Shadow Cameraman horning in on the action once again!..
Wicket in the pool of water just west of Lower Goldwater Lake where he made friends with Foster, Chloe and Ebony.  While the Hiking Humans were jawboning the pooches played in and out of the water.  Out of respect for the hikers and their anonymity, I shall not post there names as they have requested.  I will say that of all the folks I meet on trail, those who hike with a pooch seem to be the most easy going of the bunch.  Dogs are here to show us a few things, so I suspect we should pay attention to what they have to teach us. 
I'll close with this photo at the end of the trail.  I couldn't help but wonder just how often a person notices something as unique as this.  I have hiked by these two trees a dozen times or more and never took the time to really appreciate them.  Rather mystical looking, don't you think?  So where is the hobbit in this photo?  If you copy this photo and zoom in on it you'll see a hobbit's face. 

"Happy Trails" from the Trail Pooch Team, and remember to "Live Free, Live Wild".

Email Wicket and Noel at  noel@trailpooch.com
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