Scramble and Splash

As many fun things as there are to do in southern Oregon, come summer it requires a bit of selective time management. Most any hiking has to be done in the morning, before the sun reaches it zenith, and it pays to be out of the house between 5:30 pm and 7 when it's just as hot inside as it is outside.

Wednesday we got out of the house early to tackle Pilot Rock. The guide book classifies the hike as "strenuous" and it wasn't kidding. Although it's only a mile as the crow flies, there's an 800 foot climb that's fairly vertical at times before you can stand on the top and look out at the world. This part of the trail is just to get to the base of the rock.
Carl put his predatory skills to work and caught us a lizard.
The wildflowers were in full swing, covered in butterflies.
Let the climb begin!
Up at top, Carl does his best to smile for the camera. If you look closely you can see Mt. Shasta lurking in the background.
Cheese!
Next day, we headed for the water to cool off. Carl and Bubba enjoy the view of Mt. McLoughlin from Lake Hyatt
Bubba got to try out his new life jacket. He didn't stop whining or swimming the entire time we were there.
Even the kayak got to come out and play. I cleaned it out thoroughly beforehand to remove any skulking arachnids.
Happy summer!