Hiking the Big Mountain

It's going to be hot so we decide to hike up Big Mountain - the Ski Mountain just north of Town.

The Danny On Trail goes to the top

 You can take a gondola up and hike down or vice versa

However, we brought Tucson and no dogs on the Gondola so it looks like it will be a round trip

 Tucson is fascinated by something . . .

 It's the Gondola going up with some mountain bikes.  

Guess they'll be taking the mountain trails back down.

 Wildflowers are coming out.

 The trail goes through woods

 and then back out into the open sun.

 Tucson finds a few streams to cool off in.

 The views are breathtaking

 About 2.5 miles in we run into a group heading back down and they ask if there are almost to the end.  We say no and figure that doesn't bode well for how much further we have to go.  A short while later we come across another hiker coming down and ask her how much further.  She says the trail is 5 miles one way and the last 1/2 mile is a scramble up the hill.  We have just about finished our water so we decide to pack it in and try the summit another day when we don't have Tucson and can take the Gondola one way.

 We treat ourselves to a wonderful seafood dinner at the Stillwater Fish House

I had the Thai Curry Seafood - Shrimp, Black Cod, Halibut, Trout and vegetables in a red coconut curry broth over Jasmine Rice.  Gary had the Tuna Steak special and we shared the best Calamari I have ever had.

 Would have liked this bottle but had just two glasses instead. 

They did have interesting oyster shooters made with raw oyster, saki and various herb and spice flavors - maybe next time.