Yesterday, Keeper and I decided to take Onyx up to Payson for her first summer hike. We chose to revisit a hike we'd done in August of 2007 (right after we first moved here): Horton Creek Hike. We got up early, drove the 2 hours to the Upper Tonto Campground/Traihead and began the hike. Although it was warm in Payson (mid 80's) we were definitely not complaining considering the near 100 degree temperatures in Phoenix of late. We had our new hiking boots (thanks, REI mega-sale!), our picnic lunch/snacks and plenty of water. We remember the trail being a lot more crowded two years ago (lots more dogs) but yesterday it was pretty quiet. We passed hikers here and there but for the most part, we let Onyx off the leash and she was fine. She loved being leash-free and trotting next to us (or a little in front or behind). She was definitely sniffing the many new smells of the forest and tried to chase a lizard or two. She LOVED the creek. We knew Labs loved water but she was in HEAVEN. She jumped right in, splashed all around, got plenty of drinks, stuck her face in the water multiple times, chased sticks, etc. We knew Onyx probably wouldn't make the whole 8 miles of the hike but she did make it well over 6. At 3 miles, we stopped for lunch and let her splash around in the creek for awhile before turning around and heading back to the car. She got tired during the last 2 miles and kept lying down in every patch of shade she could find. We got her back to the car, gave her plenty of water, and she was very quiet on the ride back home. We stopped at Sonic for some post-hiking treats (a coke for Keeper, a slushie for me, and a cup of ice for Onyx) and we decided to give her a bath when we got home to wash all the dirt and mud off of her. I don't think I have ever seen her so tired! Needless to say, for the first time in weeks, she did not wake me up before my alarm clock went off this morning!
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