Forrest and Mandy do Coal Creek Trail - Hike yeah!

Summer came early this year! This week has been a scorcher... we might have to start using the air conditioning in the house soon. I've never lived this far from water! Totally missing the cool breezes...

Forrest and Mandy had another hiking adventure! This time we did Coal Creek Trail on Cougar Mountain (rawr!) and we got to break in our new boots because the hike was super easy.

How sad that the creek didn't have any water at the bottom! 

And here's a giant booby trap! Just kidding. That's what I thought it was from afar, though.

Coincidentally, we were talking about Henry Ford and Michigan today! 

And that's all, folks! 

We took the trail that passes through the waterfall, and there wasn't very much water up there either. What a bummer... I guess that's a reminder that no one is safe from drought. Not even the 'rainy' city! 

As we were leaving the mountain, Chelsie and I discussing our next adventure. She yelled, "heck yeah" which prompted me to yell "hike yeah" LOL. I think that's a thing now. Yeah, it's definitely a thing. 

Beat the Bridge 8K

I am so bad at following through with my fitness plans... I totally just ran Beat the Bridge again without training. But at least we beat it, and we actually ran FASTER this year! That must mean we're in better shape? The course seemed shorter to me this year, but maybe it's because the route was familiar. I hope to finish in under 1 hour next year. All I need to do is improve consistently, by one and a half minutes. LOL.

So sore today! It's a good kind of sore though, and I had a lot of fun! Next up, Furry 5k! 

Forrest and Mandy do Rattlesnake Ledge Trail

Upon realizing that we had another gorgeous summer-like weekend ahead of us, and no plans, Matt and I decided to do a last-minute hike! We chose the 'easiest' hike in the area, and met Chelsie and Mandy for our first real dog hike.

First of all, it's ridiculous that there two very similar locations - Rattlesnake Ledge Trail and Rattlesnake Ridge. Matt and I had never been, so we went to Rattlesnake Ridge (which is what everyone calls it). However, Chelsie and Mandy were at Rattlesnake Ledge Trail! BOO!

After that fiasco, we finally found Chelsie and Mandy, and it was smooth sailing from then. The hike was pretty steep, but not too long or difficult. Our pups made it to the top just fine! Thankfully we started in the morning, so when we were inclining it wasn't too hot. By the time we got back to the bottom of the trail, the parking lots were overflowing (that's an understatement) and it turned out to be a fully sunny day in the mid-80s. We explored the lake area for a while, and it was beautiful!

I think easy dog hikes will be our summer thing this year. And I think that I'll need some legit hiking shoes, because Nikes were not cutting it. LOL. I need ankle support... what an old fart!

Much needed break

The view

Sean brought Walla over when we got home, and we all enjoyed the sunshine from our backyard. We brought out the kiddie pool for the puppies, but they weren't interested. Instead, we ended up standing in the kiddie pool to cool our toesies, LOL. 

I'm so excited for summer! And I can't wait for our next hike. I'm thinking we may try Tiger Mountain next? Perhaps I should get poles too. =) 

First planter plates, parties, and guests

One of my most favorite things about living in the house is still the sound system. I haven't used the gigantic bath tub yet, because the nights have been so warm, so I'm guessing that'll be a winter time thing! Shower parties for real, though, and tooth brushing parties before and after sleep. YES.

But my second favorite thing is my planter box! We've been using my harvested herbs for meals, and I am seriously so excited about it. So excited that I don't mind standing out in the yard to cut back and water my plants, even with all the spiders and bees (ew).

Garlic and rosemary chicken thighs

Parsley dry rub chicken

Cilantro chipotle mayo for Portobello burgers

Caprese salad

Matt has been loving his new cast iron griddle thing. And all of these plates use my plants!!!! We also had our first large gathering of friends for the Pacquaio vs. Mayweather fight. It went well, and we put all this space to good use! And then a few days later, we did a smaller (about half the attendance) Cinco de Mayo party. I was actually surprised at how any people came by after work, considering the drive...

We've had furry guests over, too! Everyone is getting puppies, and Forrest is really LOVES having playtime buddies. It's great that he's not territorial, and he'll share everything (unless he's grumpy... which was only on moving day, and after hikes). 

Mr. Walla Walla Wiggles

   

Mr. MONSTER!!

So far so good. Although, I must admit that we haven't really cleaned anything aside from the kitchen. That is... a daunting task to say the least.