columbia river gorge/beacon rock state park

this past weekend we journeyed down to the columbia river gorge area to check out beacon rock state park. we wanted to give townsend a test drive at camping. he did exceptionally well...except for ripping three holes in our favorite tent. but you can't really blame him, he's only a puppy and not used to sleeping in a mesh container.

although townsend didn't receive high marks in the 'tent' area, he did awesome around camp. he was intriqued by all of the slugs, but didn't eat any. for he had a smorgsboard of sticks, bark, grass, and other assorted objects.


he really enjoyed the big picnic table. he loved jumping up on the benches so he could have a bird's eye view. he was up on the bench so long, that we finally just moved his water bowl up onto the table. spoiled rotten!


most of the time you can tell when he's ready to go. if he's tied up, he will start pulling with all of his might, as if to say "commmmmee oooonnnn!"


if you don't respond quick enough, he passes out for a nap. this dog loves four things: his tennis ball, treats, naps, and us!


so as he napped the late morning away, we hunkered down for a hiker's lunch! a BIG hiker's lunch! a safeway sub!

after we cramped down half a huge sub, we made our way to the trailhead for dog mountain. dog mountain is a rather strenuous hike with amazing views.

at our first overlook, about a third of the way up.


we all rested for a bit.


townsend said, 'i've never been this high up in my life!'


one. tuckered. puppy.


we sat and took the scenery in for a while.


we even saw some para gliders overhead.



enough break time, onward to the summit.


up the winding trail.


almost to the summit; you can see mt st helens in the distance.


i'm not sure what is more sloped, the girl and dog or the trees.


worn out.


the panoramic view from the top.


townsend, ready to head back down for dinner.


the next day we checked out beacon rock state park, where townsend got to run through tall grass and we got a chance to stroll by the columbia river and take in some fresh river air.

if there's one thing this dog loves, it's running through tall grass!


and rolling in it!


what a noble sporting dog!