So this is truly awesome. =) As Marshall has been getting into better and better shape he’s been more receptive to going on hikes with me. This Saturday I was extremely happy that with minimal prodding (come on, there had to be some) he agreed to do a 10.62 mile at Del Valle. Woohoo!
The hike started at the Arroyo Staging area in Livermore off of Arroyo Road (right past Wente Winery and Restaurant). Even though Marshall wasn’t as excited as I was to be doing this hike at least he was smiling. =)
The hike was actually really challenging. The first 2/3rds of a mile was straight uphill and I knew it was going to gonna push Marshall past his comfort zone however he didn’t stop once and and he didn’t complain. By the time we got to the top we were feeling pretty good until we saw the huge hill that we had to walk down (which means we’d have to hike back up it at the end). It was pretty much like that for the rest of the 5.16 miles to the gate into Del Valle.
Thankfully despite the heat we didn’t run into rattlesnakes. We did run into this little guy though. Kinda cute eh? No, I did not pick him up.
When we got to the gate leading into Del Valle we took a minute to chill and drink some more water. It had taken 2 hours to get this far. Not bad considering the trail was super hilly and Marshall actually walked Lotus the whole way.
Now it was time to head back. It was 12:30 at this point and around 85 degrees (hot!). We knew we needed to get back as soon as possible because the dogs were wearing out and we had run out of water. Next time we’ll make sure to bring two camelbaks and a separate water bottle for the dogs.
Once we got to the summit before the final descent, we took some time to relax on a bench and look out over Lake Del Valle and the dam. On the way back down Marshall even found the strength to strike an impressive pose with the dogs overlooking the Wente winery and golf course. Nice! 😉
Finally we made it! A whole 10.62 miles and very minimal b!tching about the length of the hike, temperature and excessive hill climbs involved. Great job Marshall! Keep it up. =)
More pictures can be found on my Picasa album.
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