Where's Waldo?

Yesterday morning, despite the cold temperatures and snowfall, Dave, my mom, the dogs and I headed out for an adventure... We packed our backs with PB&Js, apples, dog treats and water the headed to Waldo Canyon. This beautiful canyon is just four miles from our house and has a great 6.8 mile "balloon" hiking loop.

Dave and I have done this hike several times, but each of the previous times was on a typical sunny Colorado day. Today it was like we were on an entirely new trail due to the low clouds and snow.

I think hiking in fresh snow is one of my favorite winter activities. There's something about seeing how the snow falls and covers everything, feeling the flakes fall on your face, and hearing the snow crunch beneath your feet that makes you feel so alive and helps to put things in perspective...

Yesterday was no different.

Dave, Riley and Wallace on top of the first switchback... I think Riley's two favorite things to do are 1.) Hiking in the snow and 2.) carrying a pack; Both of which he got to do yesterday.

He was a happy camper.

An attempt at a photo for our Christmas cards... Too bad I forgot to take off my glasses.

I love this one of my mom and Zoki... I think it has Christmas card written all over it.

Riley truckin' along with his pack.

Dave trailblazing with Zoki and Wallace. Riley, Mom, and I were too busy taking pictures to keep up.

I love the way their warm paws leave prints in the snow.

Hiking into the clouds...

Two very wet, very happy, very tired, and VERY dirty Golden Retrievers.

One very wet, very cold, and very tough Boston Terrier...

Hopefully this is the first of many snowy hikes this winter and I'm fairly certain I'm speaking for both the humans and the dogs... they are good for the body, heart, mind, and soul.