Boyds Will Be Boyds: BOYD's vs. WILD (by Chad E. Boyd)

As winter sets into the Northwest and with snow levels dropping quickly I instructed my people (my Dad) to set up another foray into the wilderness. For this trip I will be bringing along my Dad as well as my Grandpa. This trip will also mark the first for my younger brother Chase. He is destined to be a good woodsman but he has a lot to learn.

Our trip plan was to scale Rattlesnake Ledge and enjoy the spectacular views of Mount Si, Mount Washington and Rattlesnake Lake. However once we arrived at the trail head I was forced to re-think the hike. We would be covering 1200 feet of elevation over the 2 mile accent so with the thick fog and wet conditions I just couldn't justify the risk. My Dad and Grandfather would most likely make it okay but Chase is a rookie and I have to look out for the little guy.

Not wanting to waste the trip I decide to take the team on an expedition around the exposed lake bed. This would be the perfect trip for Chase to cut his teeth on.

Here Chase is examine the corps of an old growth Cedar. These trees stood for 700 years before the early settlers cut them down to provide heat or shelter. Now they spend most of their time under the water of Rattlesnake lake. However as you can see the lake has been drained in preparation for the coming rain and snow and finally Spring run off.

Here I watch as Chase explores another of the ancient giants. He's doing well on his first trip, not bad for a rookie.

Here's that same stump. I just liked this picture.

Here I am looking through one of the stumps that was still nearly totally surrounded by lake water.

I covered the perimeter and then went down into the belly of the beast to make sure nothing was hiding.

Once I had cleared the stump and was confident it was safe I let Chase come out and explore it with me.

During his search he found an old tennis ball. He was really excited about this find.

It was inevitable however and he soon ran out of steam. We loaded him into the carrier that Grandpa had brought along and headed back to the rig. It was a good showing from the young adventurer.