Mary's Peak Surprise!

 Yesterday, we headed out early on the 2 hour drive to Mary's Peak, the highest peak in Oregon's Coastal Range.  We gave Daisy a run on the beach on the way to settle her down.  The day was sunny, cool, and calm.  We drove to the Northridge Trailhead, elevation 1,900 feet, and started up the deep forest hike towards the summit at 4,098 feet.

At around 3,500 feet we started hitting snow.  We didn't  expect much snow, if any, so we had no aids for snow travel.  

Near the summit is this huge wide open slope.  There were a couple skiers enjoying the conditions, but hardly anyone else, even though the road to here was open.  

This could be Daisy's first time in the snow.  She thought it was a hoot!

We took a longer route back to the car, hiking 12.1 miles in total.

Science News

While clearing away some pieces of old stove in the yard, I found these two salamanders.  I'm pretty sure they are ensatinas. They are the only salamander with 5 toes on the hind foot, and having a tail constricted at the base.  It can drop its tail to escape, if need be.  I have no picture showing a full set of hind toes - that would have been a clincher.

Today, I got my second COVID-19 vaccination.  Gail gets her first one tomorrow.