Have been backpacking at Steens.... hot.... we were up about 9500 ft today and got a couple miles in and were on a sketchy rimrock traverse I've done several times (packing in to hunt here) and our little malty poo Nick like to died. He's 11 years old... we aborted the mission and are at lower altitude now putting together a plan B. Might head up into the Owyhee's out of Burns. But it's hot as bleep. The main reason for this is/was to get Cyn acclimated for her big high Sierra trip next week. She was fine up at 9500 today. We spent the first couple days at this great spot about 8500 feet just hanging out; easy pack in, plenty of water, shade from big rock formations, etc. Got bored there.
I think we've determined Nicky just can't do this anymore. He gives all he's got, but he's all fast-twitch muscle, small, and old... so it's all about explosive bursts, and at his age, it's not sustainable.
In terms of exercise we've packed/hiked about 15 miles in the last few days.
