Dog Mountain-not yet in full bloom but no less gorgeous

Not quite in full bloom yet, but showing signs of life in the meadow as well as the forest. This trek was challenging for this first-timer, only because folly set in and I left my poles at home! ouch go the knees and joints, but still a worthwhile and wonderful hike. Very crowded, but lunch at the top chatting with a father-son combo in training for St. Helens was fun, as was joking with others on the trail. Certainly worth hitting up again in a couple weeks to see the blooms, and the ongoing training for a Zion through-hike this summer.