Koda Camps!

Okay, so it wasn't the perfect, dog/handler evening of bonding that I imagined.  It wasn't super restful with Koda snuggling up against me as we slept in my tent.  There were no "good morning" kisses from the pooch.

Not even close.

But it was a great learning experience for both of us.

Let's take it from the top:

About 9 months ago, Koda was going on a walk with a friend and got bit in the face by another dog.  Since then, he has been responding moderately negatively to other dogs.  Not the malicious "I'm going to eat your face off because you are also a canine" type of aggression, but more so the "I'm really scared your going to bite me so I'm going to try to get you to run away" type of aggression.

The morning before we went camping (ie: yesterday), he and I went to an appointment with a dog behaviorist (Nancy Tanner of Paws and People).  Her recommendation for right now while Koda and I establish a better human/animal trust system is to avoid all dogs, especially while he is on leash.

Bozeman is filled to the brim with dogs.  Some well behaved and others not so much.  The campground was the same way.  I felt constantly on edge trying to divert Koda's attention or our route of travel around the 5-7 other dogs that were in the area.

Folks, seriously, if you know your dog isn't friendly, keep him away from other folk's dogs so that they don't get bit in the face.  Koda and I wouldn't even be having this issue to begin with if that one incident hadn't happened.  It has completely changed the way we do things and the level of security Koda feels.  It really, really sucks.

Okay, so after walking around the GORGEOUS lake and laughing as my camping amigos (Jake and Nathan) tried their hand at fishing.  We went up and ended up switching camping spots (we car camped) because of the folks in the camping spot next to us. (See: 7 adults + 7 kids + 2 dogs = noisy and sleepless nights)

After that, we started a fire, had a beer and hung out.  Koda was already getting nervous.  New area, new situation, not sure what the deuce is going on.  After we finished our prime beverages (thanks, Jake!) we went to bed.

1. Get Koda in the tent.

My tent is a Kelty "Grand Mesa" 2 person.  I love it!

2. Get Koda off of my sleeping bag and on to his blanket. (There's no way I'm giving up my sleeping bag!)
3. Calm Koda down so at least one of us can sleep.


4. Fall asleep. (Only to wake up a million times.  Folks, don't drink beer before bed if you don't like getting up and out of a tent to pee 4 times in the middle of the night. ESPECIALLY if you have a small-ish bladder.  Too much information? Sorry.)

The night passed uneventfully, really.  It was pretty clear that Koda didn't sleep much though.  There was probably only one time that I woke up that he was sleeping next to me.

Waking up and getting out of the tent was like releasing Koda into the world's best doggy play area filled with all things good.  He was so happy that morning, his tail wouldn't stop wagging.  That was good to see.

Now he is (hopefully) resting peacefully at home.  When I left, he was already curled up and ready to sleep.

Anyone out there have any suggestions to make this less traumatic next time?  I think familiarity and more exercise before bed will help next time.

Best,

A

Enjoying Summer

I'm from Southeastern South Dakota. When you mention summer to me, I immediately think of high 90's or triple digit temperatures combine with high humidity levels.  I also think of my last summer there being spent in the upper level of a house that had been remade into an apartment.  An apartment with no air conditioning.

I think of buying and installing my first and (probably) only window AC unit, otherwise the internal temp of that apartment would have also been in the 80's or 90's.

I think of hiding inside all day until the sun is down so that I can go outside for a few hours before sunset and mosquitoes.

I think of wishing that the large river than ran through town, The Big Sioux, wasn't also known as "The Big Muddy" and polluted.  Because, darn it, if it weren't dirty and polluted, people would be swimming in that thing at all hours.

Don't get me wrong.  I'm on a brief retreat home to see family and right now it's high 60's and cloudy.  Beautiful, really.

But, when summer really hit this year after teaching was done, you can imagine how happy I was to get out into the mountains where it was 70's-80's regularly with no humidity.  Sure, we had a few hot days, but nothing like what I was used to.

And so Koda and I hiked. And hiked, and hiked, and hiked.
Our average hike wasn't that long - between 8-10 miles generally.  But we did venture some longer ones ranging from 10-15.

Don't believe me?  How about some photos!

On the way up to Hyalite Lake

Learning to Fly-Fish...a Montana must!

Hidden Lakes Trail

So, we have been out quite a bit.  It's actually gotten to the point where I don't even bring my camera much anymore.  It's beautiful country and any photo I take will only come within 1/10th of a percent of doing it justice.  

With all the hiking, you can imagine that Koda is getting quite a bit stronger.  Actually, he's gained a lot of muscle mass.  He still weighs in between 56-58 lbs, but I doubt that there is much body fat on him.  Which is great! Right?

Well, anytime you build up one set of muscles, other muscles tend to get neglected and it seems a similar thing has happened with Koda.  I noticed that he was walking oddly a few weeks back and took him to a veterinarian in Bozeman that said it was merely a pulled muscle and to rest it.

We tried that and still he was walking very stiffly with his back legs.  

So, on this trip home, I brought him to the only veterinarian crew that I really trust.  Seriously, folks, if you are looking for a wonderfully dedicated staff of animal lovers that are willing to do anything for your pet's betterment, go to Best Care Pet Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.  Drs. Spoo, Heyden, and Hardy are wonderful in their own right, but they are backed up by a staff of dedicated and caring individuals.

Okay, I'm off of the soap box. I really do appreciate individuals who do their jobs well and love what they do, even when the pay-out isn't the best in return.

So, after talking with Dr. Spoo, Koda is now doing some exercises and stretches to work muscles that have been neglected/over worked.

We have a lot of rest time planned in the next few weeks.  Which means more fishing time for me!

Oh, and school is starting soon as well...so that cuts in to "out and about" time.

Hopefully this winter I'll be a more dedicated blogger.  Hold me to it!

Best,

A

Garnet Mt. Trail

Okay, so I'm not dead.

I haven't been eaten by bears or mountain lions.
I haven't been taken captive by crazed mountain men.

No.  I'm just a teacher approaching the end of the year and all its craziness.

But, next week is the final week of teaching.  From there, I'll settle in to my part time summer job at a local bakery and a lot of hiking.

Yesterday I finally got out again with Koda (and Nathan).  We decided we would try Garnet Mountain Trail.  The trail is 8 miles round trip.  You know you're done when you reach the top and see the Forest Service Lookout Tower (which can be rented out for a few nights here).  The total elevation gain is around 3,300' if you start from Storm Castle's Trailhead  parking area.  Some people drive around past Storm Castle/Squaw Creek and go to Rat Lake, which also has a trail leading up to Garnet Mountain Lookout.

We went by way of Storm Castle.

To be honest, the trail isn't terribly difficult or steep until the end, then there is about 0.5 miles of steep, gravelly road to walk on.  Part of this is because this portion of the trail is also used by 4-wheelers and dirt bikes.

(Side Note: I really hate having trails accessible to motorized vehicles like this.  I think it totally defeats the purpose of going out into "nature".  If you want to ride your dirt bike around, go into town.  Bozeman would do well to invest in a dirt bike track and keep these folks off of the trails, I think.)

It's a beautiful hike.  Arguably the most scenic one I've done in Bozeman thus far.  The trail is lined

with alpine wildflowers and it seems like you get a new and incredible lookout every half of a mile.

I wouldn't recommend it for anyone visiting from lower altitudes.  If I had tried this last fall when I moved, I would've gotten frustrated and not even enjoyed the scenery.  But, if you're feeling up for a good 4 hour hike (about how long it took us) and a bit of a workout, then I would say to give it a shot!

But remember, bring bear spray!

With summer will come more time to hike and blog, so I'm hoping  to get this blog up and running again.  One more week of school and then I'll be cruisin' through summer.

I have a few trips planned, but not too many.  I will be in the Black Hills at some point in July and running a 5K not too long after that.

Until then, enjoy the photos!

Best,
A

Kurgo's Last Day

It's been too long. I am well aware.

Life has been hectic.  So hectic, in fact, that when I looked back through the photos to upload, I thought "HOLY CANNOLI"...because these photos are from a long time ago.

Scene:

The snow was easily past Koda's belly
when he jumped in.

We had just gotten some fresh snow in Hyalite Canyon and a good friend had given me their old pair of XC skis with a different binding!  I was eager to get out and about and give them a try.  We (Nathan, Koda, and I) headed out to Grotto Falls - the first hike I did when getting to Bozeman.

About 10 minutes into the hike, we ran into some other dogs and skiers.  Koda, being a friendly fellow, got super excited and jetted off.  Nathan, being rather large and cumbersome (kidding, Nathan) tried to hold Koda back with his body weight.  Then, BAM!  Koda's center strap snapped and he was free!

We got him back relatively easy (his listening is getting better every day) and tied a knot to hold the park in place, but the Kurgo was doomed.  Here are photos of the day.  It was a great ski trip!

Some highlights included watching some guys ice climb.  It's so interesting to watch these people strain their bodies and their minds....and enjoy it.  These guys were having an awesome time and we saw them in the parking lot later enjoying a celebratory beverage of choice.

We ended at the falls....frozen.  So beautiful!

Enjoy the winter, folks, spring is coming soon!

Best,

A

Recap: 2012

I thought a short, well-written (hopefully), summative post of 2012 would be good.  Obviously, the focus will be on Koda and working towards the Triple Crown.  But, hey, why not give this blog a slightly more personal touch and let you know about the entirety of the year?

January: 

J-Term class at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD called "The Wire".  It was my final course to take for Civitas Honor's.  Sincerely, I didn't really enjoy the course.  I understand what the professor's motive was in designing it, but think that it should have been a little better thought out. 

January also brought with it the Northlander's Jazz Band Tour.  While we didn't go anywhere exotic or crazy, the trip itself was highly enjoyable.  It afforded me the opportunity to get to know Dr. Schilf (a professor at Augie and also the professor who would be evaluating my Student Teaching) along with a few members of the Jazz Band that I really enjoy, but don't get to talk to outside of class often.

January also brought with it many trip so the Humane Society to look at and play with dogs.

February:

Started Student Teaching at Baltic under the direction/supervision of Linda Wilke. Lovin' it.

Still going to the Humane Society to play with dogs. I think this was the time that I ran into a dog named "Cartmann". Adorable and high energy.  I was instantly attracted to this dog and wanted to adopt him, but was not at a time in my life where that would work out.  I found out later (after talking to the inmate that worked with Koda), that Cartmann was a PitA (Pain in the Ass) and unruly.  

March:

Still Student Teaching.  I also took a trip with the Augustana Trombone Choir to the Eastern Trombone Workshop in Washington DC where we performed alongside other colleges from around the nation.  The thing that set Augie apart at this convention is that we were the only performers to have no graduate students performing with us.  We did well and made ourselves proud.  Similarly to the Northlander's trip, I was able to get to know a few professors and trombone players really well and enjoyed myself immensely. 

Senior trombone players and our fearless leader, Vance Shoemaker.

April:

A flurry. Finishing student teaching. Finishing my "career" with the Augustana Band, Augustana Trombone Choir, and Northlander's Jazz Band.  Planning for graduation. Applying for jobs and travelling for interviews.

I also met another dog (I know, it's like you're hearing about my love-life...only it's with dogs?).  This one's name was Jackson. He was a German Shepherd mix and strangely beautiful. Think: body of Alaskan Husky, coat of an all black husky but the under layer is blonde, so when you pet him against the "flow of fur" he looked blonde.

But, he barked a lot and was super hyper.  I later met him at a dog park in Sioux Falls and the owner was having issues with vocal commands.

May:

Completed Student Teaching. Graduated from Augustana College with a Bachelor of Arts degree, major in K-12 Music Education and Civitas Honors.  

Oh, and, of course:

Adopted Koda

Ready for an onslaught of Koda photos from when I first got him? If not, shield your eyes and scroll down quickly!

  

This was Koda's FAVORITE chair. We ended up not bringing it to Bozeman, as it belonged to Nathan's sister.

When I first adopted Koda, he was pretty sick with an infection and slept a LOT.  

But occasionally I could get him to play and we would run from one room to another chasing each other.

 June-July:

These months were filled with a lot of working with Koda and getting to know each other. I also gave a few private lessons on trombone, worked at Coffea, and worked on finishing my Honor's project.

August:

The application. The interview.  The acceptance. The presentation of the honour's project. The move.  First week of working and meeting staff. Saying "So Long" to family.  This month was stressful.

September - October:

Working and playing. 

November:

Birthday (both mine and Koda's).

Going home for Thanksgiving and leaving Koda in Bozeman.  Nathan watched him for me, and I think that was a good thing.  I missed the pooch quite a bit, but loved spending time with my family.

December:

Putting on the School Christmas Concert.  Learning to live (and, eventually, enjoy) the snow and cold weather. Going home for the Holidays and having to leave Koda at a boarding kennel.

Actually, I just picked him up about 2 hours ago.  He is tuckered and shedding like crazy.  I think he was really confused and really afraid of being put back at an Animal Shelter.  Thus, he didn't sleep very much (or eat, or drink) and the stress caused his hair to fall out a bit.  He is sleeping on the chair across from me now and finally looking very contended.  Poor guy.  I realized how much I missed him while I was gone, too.  I've decided that kennels are risky business with him right now because of his history and am planning on driving home and bringing him with for any trips longer than 3-4 days.

Sooo, Koda gets to go home in March!

Now, what will 2013 bring?  Hopefully a bit more stability.  I'm finally adjusting to Bozeman (I'm "reticent to change") and would like to get a better feel for the community.  I'm planning on doing most of my traveling throughout July.  My Dad's side of the family is getting together in Western SD, which is much closer, so I'll go to that and then drive on over to MN for a 3k that I'm doing with a friend later that month.

The goal is also to hike. A lot.

I don't start teaching again until the 3rd, so there will be another update later this week talking about another trail that must be completed to "Triple Crown".

Have a fantastic holiday and see you in the New Year!
Best,
A

Indian Ridge

A Mental Retreat to warmer times...because right now it's pretty darn cold.   Whether I was living here or in Sufu, I'd be chilled...so I'm not complaining.  I'm merely stating that the colder temperatures and I are on "icy" terms.

Oh, a pun, I'm sorry!

In all honesty, though, I'm very glad we went XC skiing yesterday.  I didn't bring my camera as we were with friends (Yes! Friends!) Annie and Stephen.  Nathan met Stephen through his work and Annie is his wife.  They're swell people and we have fun together. A good thing, in my book.

Anyway, we went out to the same place as the last post with Koda and went about 6-7 miles total on the skis.  When we were done we were tired.

Like, so tired we didn't hardly speak on the ride back.

But, yesterday, it was warmer.  It was probably in the mid-twenties to low thirties.  Perfect XC ski temperature.  

So, today I'm going to focus back on warmer times when I went hiking on a trail called "Indian Ridge".  This trail is also down Gallatin Hwy, like so many of my favorite trails seem to be.  It is shortly after Storm Castle, on your right-hand side.  The parking lot is deceptive compared to the trail.  You think you'll just be walking up a grassy hill, but that would be incorrect.  This is one of the more strenuous hikes I've done.

See? Deceptive.  This is walking back to the parking lot...the point you see on the left is Storm Castle.

Anyway, you start out through a beautiful wooded area with camping locations alongside the stream which runs next to it.

 The trail curves up, crosses over the river and then begins the ascent.  At first, it isn't really to steep.  In fact, you can go past about 3 or 4 of the switchbacks before you start to think, "When the heck is this going to summit?"

But, along the way and during those thoughts, there are some spectacular look-outs.

I never did summit.  

I know.

This is me, admitting defeat.  

I don't know if it was due to the long work week, the trying to keep up with Koda (rather than pulling him back to my pace) the hunger in my belly, or the unease that I felt when I realized I didn't bring bear spray (safety first!) that told me to call it and head back. Whatever it was, I listened to it, and maybe that's okay.  I wrote some solid lesson plans that night and rested up for the week.

Koda was ready to head back too.  He jumped in the car about as fast as I've ever seen him go.

I hope you all have a wonderful week and stay warm, wherever you may be!

I've got a Christmas Concert to prepare for and a flight to the homeland!

Best,

A

Skijoring - Attempt One

There comes a time in every girl's and dog's life when the snow flies and it's just not much fun to trudge waist deep in snow.

It's at these points in time when the girl has to toughen up and say "It's time to try something new."  Luckily, this girl had a boyfriend that was willing to help her and not laugh at her too hard.

That's right, my friends, last Saturday I learned how to cross-country ski.  Simultaneously, Koda continued to learn how to skijor.

"Wait." You may be thinking "What the heck is skijoring and how on Earth do you say it."

Skee-yor-ing (if you're a Norsky) or Skee-jor-ing (generally how most folks Stateside pronounce it) is when a dog, horse, or snowmobile pulls a human who is wearing cross-country skis.  The biggest trick in skijoring (as far as I can tell) is ensuring that your dog will pull you on the trails and not take off after wildlife.  There are a few common commands that folks like to use when skijoring:

"Hike" - Let's Go
"Easy" - Slow Down
"Gee" - Right
"Haw" - Left
"On By" - Pass without slowing (or a "leave it" command for those who have dogs that may want to stop and smell everything).

The key, as far as I'm learning, in this activity is to maintain patience and consistency.  Really, in this way it's not much different from teaching elementary music.

So, off we went! I wish I could tell you the trail that we went on, but I forgot to look at the name. It's north of Bohart Ranch in the Bridgers (which is north of Bridger Bowl).  There are a lot of off-shoot trails that you can go on, we went to the very top of the road and took the left trail.  Side Note: You'll need 4-wheel drive to get up to the top.

Koda did really well for being scared stiff of the skis and ski poles.  At first, we started with Nathan and Koda in front and my following (I mean, c'mon, it was my first time).  It was entirely uphill and the snow was deep.  Koda was a champ though and kept going, even though the snow was above his chest.  Nathan was a champ for being patient with Koda and his wanderings.

And you know what, the entire way going uphill I didn't fall. I didn't biff even once.

However, the time came to turn around and go home, and that was an entirely different story. Yes, I fell. And, yes, it seemed like a lot to me.  But, that's part of learning. I'm starting to appreciate the struggle and I think that's important.

Besides, if we all didn't struggle with something, how dull would life be?  It's the constant pursuit of something and the struggle that comes with the pursuit that teaches us more about ourselves and our environment.

Best,

 A

PS: Check out Nathan's Blog to read about his summer travel experience! And Happy Holiday Season from both of us.

Storm Castle Trail

My friends, I am pleased...nay, elated...to tell you the tail of Storm Castle Trail.

You head down the highway,

Gallatin by name.

And take a left on a dirt road,

if hiking is your game.

You then take a right,

BUT DON'T YOU STOP.

You go past a helibase,

to make it to the top.

Then you're at the trail,

with three other choices.

Choose one wisely,

(listen to the voices).

You start up the trail,

it's not hard at all.

but then it gets perilous,

careful, don't fall!

Some trail is smooth,

and other is stoney.

Wear good hiking boots,

the trail is no phony!

You go past one lookout,

then two, then three!

Look towards Hyalite,

oh how far you can see!

The exercise is great;

the scenery is charming.

Developing in Gallatin?

NO! How alarming!

The world looks so small,

the higher you go.

You gain a sense of peace,

time seems to slow.

Hiking is more,

than just trying to get fit.

It's about realizing yourself-in this world,

in spite of it.

So when you begin,

please leave no trace.

This place is sacred,

separate the rat race.

Alright, all joking aside...this is truly a beautiful hike.  The only thing I managed to complain about (and honestly, probably too much) was the snow.  Hiking in it was not the most exciting thing in the world as it wasn't "powder soft and Christmas-y". No, no, no. We've had a warm streak in Bozo and the snow was compacted and slick from other hikers.

But otherwise, not a complaint. Nathan and I realized how nice it is to sometimes hike on a trail that has an actual end point.  You feel like you've completed something and can gain a small sense of pride.

And, have I mentioned enough how BEAUTIFUL the scenery is throughout the entire hike?  There wasn't one moment where I wasn't awed by something. Or, perhaps in a more understandable sentence structure...I was wow'd by everything.

                         











You might be wondering why Koda is back on the lead. Well, he had a bit of a falling out with Nathan on a hike last week and completely ran off......twice.  So, to me, that says he isn't ready to be off lead.

(He knows he's in trouble, I think).

So we're back to walking him on the long lead, calling him back, and rewarding him every time he comes.  I've taken him to the dog park a few times and he has done exceptionally well there.  He's returned even when distracted by other dogs.

Oh, and I'm pleased to say that this hike wasn't hard for me (although, it's not a terribly hard hike...just steep).  So, that leads me to believe that I'm getting somewhere in the "get ready for days of hiking" category.

I'm also extremely excited to announce that some friends and I have agreed to do The Color Run in Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN next summer.





Alright, exceptionally long post done.  If you're ever in Bozeman and trying to decide which hike to do...I think this would be my number one suggestion!

Happy Monday and Happy Thanksgiving!

Best,
A

Middle Cottonwood Trail

This post is brought to you by Middle Cottonwood Trail in the Bridgers near Bozeman, MT.

Here's the stats:

Directions:  Head north on 19th off of Main. Continue to Springhill Rd and take a right (you'll only have the option of taking a right or left turn).  Continue along Springhill Rd until Toohey (gravel), which will also be on your right.  Follow Toohey until you, once again, have to take a Right or a Left onto Walker.  Take a Right.  Walker will curve around and you'll take a gradual left onto Saddle Mt Rd.  This will also take a gradual left and you will see a Mdl Ctnwd Trl Forest Service sign.  Take a right at the sign and take the service road up to the trail entrance (a dead end).

Length: Middle Cottonwood Trail splits about a mile up and you can choose to go to Fairy Lake on a 16 mile trek, or go to the "M" on a 6 mile hike.  Either way, it's advisable to give yourself the majority of the day to complete the hikes.

Allows: Hikers, Dogs and Mountain Bikes (no motorized vehicles)

Here's my personal opinion:
While I haven't completed the hike up to Fairy Lake or to the "M" - I have gone about 3-4 miles in and enjoyed it the entire time.  The hike allows you to ascend to multiple beautiful lookouts and to go into valleys where you feel completely engulfed by the nature around you.

It's also a great hike for the pooch as it follows a stream/creek for the first portion of the hike, which all dogs seem to enjoy.  There is minimal wildlife on the first portion of the hike, so if you dog is the run-away-at-anything-that-might-move sort, you needn't worry too much for a short day hike.

The trail itself goes from being very smooth to very rocky.  I'm told that, later on, the hike turns to a slight scramble, but I cannot vouch for this myself.

This trail is exceptionally popular on weekends, so I might wait until the week to attempt it.  It's also more popular in the afternoon than in the morning (as are most trails around here) - so if you are going to try it on the weekend, get out there by 9am and you'll find a peaceful xanadu awaiting you.

Also, this hike is completely Koda approved.