odd days are off-leash days

Milton really wanted to go on a hike so we decided to take advantage of the odd-numbered days are off-leash days situation in Millcreek Canyon.  To get ahead of the heat, we left the house around 6:30 a.m.; this also meant we got ahead of most everyone else.  Our route was: park just below the road up to Terraces, walk down the road to Burch Hollow to access the Pipeline trail, walk up the canyon on the Pipeline trail to Elbow Fork, take the trail from Elbow Fork back down to Terraces.  I was sure that there would be hordes of people but we only saw two runners, sixteen hikers, six dogs and a moose.

Fireweed: starts blooming at the bottom and

when it gets to the top, summer is over

This loop, at this time of day, is almost entirely shaded, which was just delightful.  I also forget how many switchbacks there are from Burch Hollow to where Pipeline levels off, but the footing is easy and we made quick work of it.  Milton was thrilled to be off-leash and was minding H quite well: H would call him back from running ahead and M not only listened to him, but got in line walking behind him.  He said hello to the other dogs but really didn't care about them, too focused on being out on the trail, I guess.

Here is a moose's butt

There were quite a few vehicles parked at Elbow Fork, but once we crossed the creek and started climbing up to the ridge, we saw only a handful of people.  There is some sustained climbing but in the shade it wasn't bad and a lot of the trail is soft with packed pine needles.  Just as we started to descend towards Terraces, H spied a young bull moose in a clearing below us.  I'm sure the moose knew we were there but he was completely unconcerned, far too busy stuffing his face with delicious leaves.  It's been a while since we've seen any moose so we watched him for a while before continuing on our way.

Wading

There was good access to the creek where we parked: after changing shoes and t-shirts, we grabbed the cooler and found a shady place to drink a beer and have a snack whilst soaking our feet in the cold, cold water.  It was very pleasant - the whole morning had been, actually.

Hike stats: 6.22 miles; 2:11 hours / 2.8 m.p.h. moving average; 2:30 / 2.5 overall; 1,380' elevation