"...and sometimes you're the hydrant."

Day 2 at the dog show wasn't too spectacular. In fact, let's not talk about it. We also won't talk about Tuchuck's having to go to a local vet for an x-ray because he appeared to have eaten a battery and a chapstick... Which, luckily, he did not. But, yeah, let's not talk about that.

We had thought to cut out of the dog show early and hit a trail today, but, given the unexpected turn of events, we didn't think we'd make it. Even if hours had allowed, the human did not seem to be in the mood to enjoy the outdoors with us. BUT, as we all know, he's a big softie, and he decided to squeeze some hours out of the day.

We eventually got out onto the Tin Cup Creek Trail just southwest of Darby, MT, passing into the Selway Bitterroot Wilderness. The late spring thaw has all the rivers around here running super high and strong, and Tin Cup was no exception. We didn't figure to hike that much of the 20-mile (out and back) trail that leads to what we hear are the astounding peaks of El Capitan and the Lonesome Bachelor, plus the Como Peaks. Instead, we only went as far as the first river crossing (of three), just three miles out. The guide book warned about the river crossings this time of year, and it was correct! That was one raging creek! Glad we didn't have to cross it. But it was nice to clean our muddy paws in the cold, clear water... Plus it was pretty. :)