Mount Constitution 2014-07-08

10.6 miles and 2,879 feet of elevation gain.

We did a counterclockwise loop which provided us with a descent when we were in the sun exposed area.  The down hill portion of the hike is on a mountain bike trail with many ad hoc jumps added along the way.  Fortunately, no one came speeding down the trail while we were on it, but it would have been fun to see people take some of the jumps.
 

 Google Maps link

On the trail

Almost to the top.  You can drive to the top of Mt Constitution and with the summer crowds we didn't have an opportunity to take any pictures. 

We did come across mountain bikes on this trail.  It was at a turn, I heard them coming and got of off the trail.  They slowed down, caution on a blind turn or did they hear me calling Blue?

 

This isn't a very big jump but as soon as you land you have to make an immediate 90 degree left turn or end up falling into an eight foot deep rock raven. 

Blue checking out another jump.

Orcas Island Wild Rieley's Ranch July 2014

We were invited to Orcas Island for a stay at Wild Riley's.  This is our friends vacation house located on eight acres with a guest cabin, a pond, and open areas for the dogs to run around and chase balls.  It is very relaxing, so much so that I forgot to take pictures of the cabin or the house.  The house has a gorgeous river rock chimney.  We did a couple of small hikes on Turtleback Mountain and a big hike on Mount Constitution (separate post). 

Google Maps link to Orcas Island

Wild Riley's

Turtleback Mountain from Crow Valley.

Looking down on the south end of the valley.  The sun was not in a good position for taking pictures.

West Sound

 The next day we did a short walk up to a viewpoint at the north end of the mountain.