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The goats and I took a jaunt over to Wenas after the 2005 Packgoat Rendezvous in Pinecliff. We (the goats and the dog and I) set up camp around 5pm, with a beautiful view of the next morning's target.
In the morning I packed up the entire camp. This was a training hike for the goats, to see how they did on some pretty hot/steep terrain with full packs. Denali had the tent and my big air mattress, as well as a couple liters of water. Tahoma had the cooking supplies, some food, some snacks, the goat supplies (supplements, tie outs, etc.) and some water. Both had pretty heavy packs. My not-so-accurate scale said each goat was carrying 30-35 pounds.
The first wildlife we saw was the elusive Woodsy Bovine.
All was fine until we were spotted, and she called her companions over. Not sure who was actually watching who, but they were getting a bit too close!
We boogied out of there.
The total elevation gain on the hike was only about 500 feet. But it was on a hill that was about 45 degrees. The vegitation was grass with only occasional trees or bushes. The boys were troopers! We took several rest stops and water breaks, as we ascended the hill.
Once at the top, we discovered that it leveled out into a nice plateau! The goats all got to have a snack, and their fill of water. (Which also made the packs quite a bit lighter.)
The goats took the opportunity to take a well earned rest, while I enjoyed the view.
I could see rolling hills for miles. I probably would have had great cell phone coverage up there.
The wild flowers were beautiful.
On the trip down, we tried to stick to the ridge, so the slope wouldn't be too bad. It worked for a while. Then it got steep again. At one point the front strap from Tahoma's pack detatched and he thought it a convenient time to dump his pack. Fortunately I noticed his bare back before we got much further down the hill, so we didn't have to hike back up too far.
The trip home was uneventful. The elusive Wild Bovine must have moved out of the area.
Everyone was happy to be home. The goats must have been tired. They rarely stay laying down when I get up. Yet no one moved when I got up to take this photo.
Notice the little black boy in the picture, laying behind the white bucket. Whenever I sit down he wants to lay at my feet.
