We met in North Bend at the outlet mall parking lot and then carpooled to the trailhead. We traveled along I-90 to the Asahel Curtis exit in Snoqualmie Pass. Wendy, a friend I met while doing preschool assessments for the school district, is not only a talented occupational therapist, but also an avid hiker. She plans frequent group hikes, though not all of them are always open to dogs, depending on park restrictions and group dynamics. I was thrilled to be included on this particular occasion, as I like any hike that includes a lake or lake view. The ultimate hike for both Pongo and I would be a summer one that culmiates in a lake swim. However, I knew that was not in store for us this time. Wendy had warned us that there was still snow on the upper portions of the trail and it was cold as we left our cars at an elevation of about 2200 feet.
I quickly fell in love with this trail. From the parking lot, you could hear a rushing waterfall, although it was not visible. We began climbing an old logging road that was overgrown by forest. Though I had brought a lot of water in my pack, Pongo drank frequently along the way from Humpback Creek as it crossed our path multiple times. This is a good summer hike for dogs, as there is plenty of water along the way. Typically, I have Pongo wear a pack and carry his own water in the summer.
However, the arthritis in his back hips has progressed to the point that I don't want to add any additional weight to him anymore. At 13, his back legs have become unstable. I am having to be more cautious about the length and elevation of the trails we go on these days. I think that at his age, I should do the heavy lifting, don't you? Pongo trotted happily ahead with his mommy bringing up the rear most of the time in our group of four. It is amazing how quickly I got out of shape this winter. While I normally swim with a master's team year round, the stress of the 2013-2014 school year made it difficult to get up for 5:30 am workouts. At the same time, I have struggled to find motivation to run since Spring 2013 when the vet told me Pongo could no longer run with me. Running is not the same without him. I don't want to go by myself. It's hard when you've had the same jogging partner for eleven years and suddenly he can't go with you anymore. I found myself putting on a lot 
of unexpected winter weight that I was now determined to work off. This summer I decided it's all about Pongo and me! My goal is to find ways for us to enjoy spending time together outdoors. I have a whole list of places for us to visit and am anxious to start ticking them off. We are open to suggestions from readers and friends, so please pass on your favorite dog friendly hikes by commenting at the end of the blog. But I digress, for now, let's get back to the Annette Lake trail.
This spring was one of the wettest on record in the Pacific Northwest. For the months of February, March and April, the Seattle area had double the average rainfall. In March alone, it received 8.41 inches of rain when the average is typically 3.51 inches. This was evident in the many waterfalls we encountered along the way. The switchbacks take you through the Humpback Creek Valley. Working up a sweat as we climbed in elevation, I had taken off my long sleeve pullover, but as we neared the top, the temperature dropped and we began to come across patches of snow. I stopped to put it back on when we neared 3600 feet on the moutainside. This trail is rated as a medium (3/5) in difficulty and is 7.5 miles out and back. I was definitely ready to sit down and eat lunch when at last we reached Annette lake. Pongo didn't hesitate for a minute, but went right into the water, lapping it up as he waded in the shallows near the shore. We found a spot tucked away with views of the water. It was breathtaking! I found myself repeating, "wow" and feeling a bit 
ineloquent. We sat down on the ground amidst patches of snow, sitting on pieces of foam that Wendy and her husband pulled out of their packs. I had packed a peanut butter sandwich for Pongo, and a turkey and tomato sandwich for myself. Pongo was more interested in the smoked salmon that Wendy unwrapped. One of these days, I thought, I'll have to bring Pongo his own salmon on a hike, as he clearly prefers that to peanut butter. An old dog certainly deserves a special treat now and then! As we ate lunch, I began to shiver. It was chilly indeed. As beautiful as the lake was, I was not in the least tempted to take a dip. I pulled another jacket out of my pack and put it on. I was ready to get going. 
As we left the lake and prepared for our descent, I took advantage of the outdoor toilet. There is a sign pointing up a hill, and if you follow the arrow, you climb into the privacy of this wooded bathroom that somehow still feels exposed. I smiled - it was a lot more luxurious than some of the toilets I used as a Peace Corps volunteer in Africa. The wooden throne made chances of soling your feet less likely than squatting over a hole. I was grateful for the amenities on this trail!
Pongo and I both showed signs of being tired on the way down. I stumbled at one point and was relieved when I caught myself with my hiking poles before tumbling to the ground. Thank goodness for hiking poles! They really make a difference, especially when you are going downhill. And I realized as my feet and ankles ached that it was probably time to replace my almost 20 year old hiking boots. I think I've gotten my money's worth out of this pair.
I think this has become my new favorite hike! I definitely want to come back a little later in summer on a dry, hot day when the water will entice me to take a swim.
