So before we talk about the trip to Hood River for my first board meeting and the hike after (and the super gross parasite I picked up), just a quick reminder the end of the year is coming. Cascades Carnivore Project is a 501(c)3 non-profit so your support is tax-deductible. If you read this promptly, you could even Give Big and have your donation matched 12 times. We're a small organization so even small donations go a long way. How long?

If now's not the right time, don't worry. I'll bug you about it later.

Ok, ok. Here's the scoop on the day. (And this is the only thing that happened this day. Nothing else happened. Nope. Not nothin'!)

I got up at 3a and drove four hours. Ugh. The existing board members and staff were incredibly welcoming and I can see where I can contribute. After the meeting and with the rest of the day to spend as I saw fit, I went hiking. Duh. Right?

The recommendation was to hike the Coyote Wall. Climb below the cliff, descend atop the cliff. Sounds good. The lower area was thick with trees. Not the types I see near home, but those weird trees that drop their leaves. I think they're called, "deeeeesidduous." (Or something like that.) Even on the first Tuesday of November (again, nothing interesting happened), the leaves were still on the trees and all manner of great colors.

The trail wove through the trees climbing slowly. A flock of wild turkeys fled before me and squirrels chattered at me non-stop. I looked for the trail to climber's right that would link me to the trail atop the cliff, but failing that I turned up and made my own trail.

Descent was quick, especially when I exited the trees onto the open slopes. It looks like there are a lot of bikers that use some of the trails, but only one on this day. I got back to the trailhead, changed into travel clothes, and started the long drive home.

BUT THAT'S NOT THE END OF THIS STORY!

(No. This isn't another ask for a donation.)

On Thursday, two days after the hike, my ankle was hurting. I couldn't think what I did to it. Did I whack it? No. Did I turn it? Yes, but not that badly. I must have nicked it on something because there was a dark red scab. It was kind of on the back of my ankle bone on the outside so I couldn't see it well. My phone, could, though.

BLECH! TICK!

I've never had a tick before. It truly grossed me out. Especially since Mrs. Moosefish said she wouldn't take it out. The kids all declined as well. Until Mr. HOS came to the rescue. But being the first tick he's tried to remove it came apart. Dang. Urgent Care? Yeah. All the bits came out and they gave me some drugs to fight anything it might have been carrying.

Ok. Now the story is over. Don't forget to donate. (I told you I'd bug you again.)

📍On the lands of the Yakama people.