Merlin was a complete Rock Star (as usual) today. This afternoon we took a looong hike around 18 Lake. We thought this would be an enjoyable experience with nature and we might see some moose (it's a heavy moose populated area). We were wrong on every account.This hike was hell. The path pretty much disappeared once we were about half-way in, but Merlin just led us through it all. Zero path, and us wading through ferns up to our elbows, and he just kept on truckin'. Around fallen trees, over streams, you name it. And the bugs!! I am currently covered in bites, and frankly if none of us contracted West Nile it will be a miracle. We were being bitten by literal swarms of mosquitoes through layers of clothing. It was bad. I do not suggest that particular hike during this time of year. But if you go, take a collie (and serious bug spray). Dude got us back as quick as could be.

This was our last deer sighting on Kitagan Lake on our way to Happy Hour at the Knotted PIne (located on Hwy 1). Thank goodness I had my zoom with me.It was at this lovely bar that we got two Grain Belts and a bag of chips for $3.85. Seriously.

This was dusk one night at the cabin. The color in the sky was amazing as there was a storm brewing on the other side of the lake.

We took the dogs for a hike around Flat Horn Lake today. This is a nearby lake with a trail that many previous visitors at our cabin had suggested in the journal. It was a good hike, but we didn't see much wildlife. We did, however, spot a black bear bolting down the highway shortly before we arrived at this lake. It was much faster than I had imagined a bear could run. Glad I was in the car.

We arrived at the cabin in Isabella today, and it is lovely. Far better than our expectations. Overall, I chose a photo of Memphis for the day, since she had such an adventure. Besides a 5-hour car ride, she got to puke twice! And not the normal, IBD puke that we're used to. But rather, the Oh-My-Gosh-This-Is-So-Exciting-I-Think-I'll-drink-an-entire-bowl-of-water-in-30-seconds and then puke. Luckily, not too hard to clean up. But still.Today was also big for Memphis because she got to have her first canoe ride. She did very well, perched in the front of the canoe against her mama's knees, letting the breeze blow through her ears like Leonardo DiCaprio. It was a bit of a struggle getting her into the canoe, but once in, she was great. And Merlin was JUST FINE watching from the cabin. He has no interest in the lake for either swimming or for a boat rides.

The Chizbachers became the Seebachers today as Jaime and Brian tied the not. Chizzy was adorable in her giddiness about having Brian as her husband. They will always be the Chizbachers to me. I suppose it will be how Leicester Square in London is pronounced "Lester" Square. Seabacher will forever be pronounced "Chizbacher" in this household. Congrats, guys!

PS
I am heading into the woods for a week on a much-needed vacation. I will be off the grid, so no posting for a bit. I will still be shooting each day, and will return with many photos. Sadly, unless the internet fairy has "The Woods" covered, you'll have to wait to see them all.

Vacation started today! So after clearing out of work a bit early, the girls and I headed over to the 501 bar for some celebratory spirits.

I had a meeting today with a bride and groom that I'm shooting next week at their wedding. They are getting married in a local Buddhist Temple that I had never been to before. It was lovely there.