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November 22, 2017 by Terran 1 Comment

Take a Hike: Oak Canyon Trail at Mission Trails

After photographing 19 dogs and their families over the course of two days, I knew I was going to be mentally and physically exhausted. I also knew that there’s no better cure for it than to get outside, take a hike, and breathe in the fresh air. I put out a call for adventure dogs who wanted to take me on their favorite hikes and these two incredible Belgian Mailnois pups, Trigger and Ammo, answered the call. Well, their mom did. 

Trigger, Ammo, and their parents love hiking all around Mission Trails in Santee. They really love the N. Fortuna Trail for its incredible views but it’s a big one so we decided for the sake of time to try the shorter Oak Canyon Trail (two miles round-trip). It was a nice and easy trail, although it did have a lot of rocks to maneuver around. When we get some good rain, there is a creek and a waterfall! 

To get to the trail, park by the Old Mission Dam. Follow the path from the parking lot past the dam and over the bridge. Head straight and follow the fence-line. (See our exact hike)

Was mom’s shirt perfect or what?

These two working-breed brothers are right around a year old and absolutely full of energy and personality. They’ve already had a ton of training and are extremely well-behaved.

Oh, and they really like to climb trees! Yes, you heard that right: they climb trees. Their dad climbs them and they bounce right up after him. It’s pretty incredible!

   
   

Don’t forget to bring plenty of water with you. Even in cooler temperatures, this trail has a lot of sun; you and your pups will want to stay hydrated! These two love to drink out of dad’s Camelback. 

I’m fairly certain Trigger and Ammo think they’re just part of one giant rock cairn.

   

The color along our walk was spectacular! Around every bend there was something new to see and new colors to enjoy.

When we got far enough down the trail that there was no one else around, the dogs were allowed to run. And run, they did! Holy macaroni, you guys, these two are fast. You can understand why this breed is often chosen for law enforcement work. They waited patiently until dad gave the command to go and as soon as he called them, they spun on a dime and raced back. Yeah, Roxy doesn’t do that.

Also, can I just comment on the light right here? Because I’m telling you, this is the light of my dreams!

The sun was setting and we made it as far as this little bridge before we decided to turn around and head back. Dad sat down and the two pups came over to shower him with adoration. 

Trigger and Ammo are always alert. They are always watching their mom, dad, each other, and their surroundings.

And they are happy, happy, happy dogs. Look at that face!

The Oak Canyon Trail was quite beautiful and I’d love to go back again.

Thank you, Trigger and Ammo, for taking me to Mission Trails and introducing me to a new hike! I had a blast!

Invite me on your favorite hike!


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Filed Under: all pet portraits, field notes, take a hike

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Comments

  1. Jasmine says

    February 22, 2018 at 12:05 pm

    What a beautiful hike. Their pups are gorgeous, and this will be a session to treasure. So many great wall art opportunities!

    Reply

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Wyoming better move on over and make some room bec Wyoming better move on over and make some room because Montana now shares my heart. We spent 45 days in the western half of the state this year and I did NOT want to leave.​​​​​​​​​ ​​​​​​​​​On our last day, Roxy and I sat out by the Gallatin River together. I sipped my morning tea, we listened to the birds, and watched a little squirrel eat a nut in the tree next to us. It was pure perfection.⁣ 
My *TWO* Montana blogs are up on my website so head on over to westwaypets.com/blog or click the links in my IG bio!
We're officially back in San Diego but I'm still d We're officially back in San Diego but I'm still dreaming of Utah! Photographing Rey and her mom among the red rocks was one of the highlights of our trip. Rey's beautiful brindle tones worked so perfectly with the red rocks and I just loved the happy, natural smiles both mom & pup had when they were together!
I absolutely loved this peaceful spot in Jackson H I absolutely loved this peaceful spot in Jackson Hole. Down a gravel road, away from the tourist crowds, the Teton range stood nobly in the distance while tall trees, yellow wildflowers, and a friendly little chipmunk called this hilltop home. This was such a special evening and Mother Nature's dramatic sunset is not one I'll soon forget.
Here's a little Montana sunrise sparkle and a big Here's a little Montana sunrise sparkle and a big smile from Henry to start your day!
Hello, Las Vegas! Shutterhound starts TOMORROW!!!! Hello, Las Vegas! Shutterhound starts TOMORROW!!!! I know how hard the conference founders, Kaylee & Sam, have been working to pull this all together and I am 1,000,000% confident this will be an event to remember! I am honored to have been asked to teach two separate classes at the event and am so excited to get up there on stage and share what I've learned over the past 13 years as a pet photographer! Are any of my social followers here at the conference, too? Are you ready to have your socks knocked off????? I am!!!
Who's ready to go have some fun this weekend??? Who's ready to go have some fun this weekend???
We wrapped up this year's road trip in Big Sky, Mo We wrapped up this year's road trip in Big Sky, Montana and this was our final hike. Roxy rode in her carriage and was as happy as a little clam the whole time. She loves being out in nature and I'm just so glad we can still provide her with special outings like this one.
This year's Great American Road trip flew by way t This year's Great American Road trip flew by way too quickly. It feels like we were in Wyoming just yesterday, staring out at my favorite mountain range in awe, and photographing the amazing Harley and his mom.​​​​​​​​​ 
I'm flying out to Las Vegas next week to teach at Shutterhound, *the* conference for pet photographers. I'm excited to see old friends, meet new ones, and teach two classes! I am so honored to be part of the "rockstar speaker" lineup, which includes some of the very best, most iconic, and talented pet photographers from across the globe! Can Vegas even contain so much talent? As the conference founders are telling us, expect your socks to be blown right off more than once!
Montana taught me that I can plan and plan and pla Montana taught me that I can plan and plan and plan — but Mother Nature likes to have a little fun with those who get a little too confident in the weather! ➡️ We got completely drenched at one of our photo shoots this month and it will be one of my favorite memories from our entire road trip!
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