Not used to the heat yet!

 On Saturday we headed out to explore the Stratton Open Space here in Colorado Springs.  It's an area we haven't really been to before that has several hiking trails.

Saturday was an absolutely beautiful day so we weren't the only ones who wanted to get outside to enjoy it.  The parking lot was full so we had to park about a mile away from the trailhead and then walk back.

Eventually we found our way back and onto the trail.  The first part of the trail meandered through the pine trees and then we came out into an open area with no shade.

I will be the first to tell you that living in Colorado makes a person quite wimpy when it comes to warmer temperatures.  We didn't make it onto the trail until about 10:30 a.m. and the temperature was 80 degrees.  This may not sound warm to you, but when you've been much cooler than that for the last several months, it was a shock to the system.

Out in the direct sun in that heat almost did me in.  I think the other two were feeling it too.  I was really wishing I'd worn shorts instead of my hiking pants.  Our destination was a loop around two reservoirs on top of the hill.  We reached the first one and I think it was a unanimous decision that we turn around and head back.  These reservoirs are for drinking water so they were all fenced off and you couldn't get anywhere near them.

There were lots of stops in the shade for water and to give the pups a break.  Bella would always take a drink, Maisy wouldn't even touch the water which worried me.

We also shared the trail with lots of mountain bikes.  Can someone tell me why we can't have trails for hikers and other trails for mountain bikes?  The majority of them are very nice and ring their bells when approaching a curve, but then there are others who almost run you over.  Pulling two obstinate dogs to the side of a path to let bikers pass quickly is nearly impossible.

Eventually we made it back to the wooded area and some shade!  As usual I'm lagging behind taking photos and smelling the roses.

There were some beautiful red cliffs on the walk back to the car.

Both dogs were completely exhausted.  Both of them had to be carried for awhile on the way back.  We did almost four miles which was about double what we should have expected these pups to hike.

We went to the dog's favorite lunch spot--Pub Dog.  They shared an order of puppy patties.

And then they laid on their towel and rested while we enjoyed some beer and grub of our own.

Beautiful day for a hike and I will be back to explore further, but if you want to hike with me in warmer weather you'd better be prepared to arrive at the trailhead by 7:00 a.m.