What did you do today?

[Saltlick]

Thanks! IF I move, I won't be looking for homes for them until next year.

[Dave-Trinity-Farms]

Great to have you back!

[Saltlick]

Thanks Dave!

[sydneyjd]

Ok,I have a question for you all that i've been wondering. I have 7 big milk goats,and i want to get a picture of them with me lined up in a row with me hugging 2 of them in the middle. We would take a pic of all of their front sides at once. What is the easiest way to do that?

[Teckelhut]

Hey folks! I'm back from Mongolia and out of touch with everything and everyone, just wanted to say howdy and let you know that all three of my goats look great, they had great care while I was gone (although no walks), and Django's knee looks fine now, no more swelling AND he grew at least an inch and a half!! (how do they do that??!!) and is the same height as the one who's over a year older than him! He looks fantastic!!! I'm sad on the other hand because if I do move to Mongolia next year I will have to give them all up, and I've already cried about the thought of it - never realized how attached to these guys I am...

The one in the foreground is beautiful! I wish I was closer to where your goats are.

[Taffy]

I got home last night from the Cascade Packgoat Club camp out in Carson, WA. Fabulous time! I'll post pictures and tales soon!

[nebs]

Oh Taffy, how you tease us with the promise of photos and adventures

[Taffy]

Last Friday Gene and I drove through Carson, WA into the Gifford Pinchot National Forest to the Skamania Saddle Club where the Cascade Packgoat Club was having their annual campout. I brought Jethro, Bourbon and Banjo.

It is a gorgeous setting. Old growth trees, huge old growth stumps, Trapper creek running along the campsite, his and hers loos, a small shelter in case of inclement weather that can also be used as the camp kitchen, wooden picnic tables, lots of room for everyone to camp and for the goats to roam free. The weather was perfect all weekend.

Some of the folks we’d met at the NAPgA Rendy the end of June. It was great to see them again. We also met a lot of new folks. I think there were 15-20 people and 10 or more goats.

Each evening everyone gathered for a potluck and sat around the campfire. Some folks made goat cheeses or used goat cheese in their dishes. Delicious! Gene fixed scrambled eggs and hash browns for anyone who wanted them on Saturday morning and on Sunday Gene and RC fixed scrambled eggs, hash browns and bacon. We also supplied donuts each morning. Everyone laid out their offerings on the “kitchen table” each day. No one went hungry the entire weekend!

Saturday morning some of the folks loaded up their goats and drove to a trailhead that was higher up in the forest. That trail looped back into the trailhead that was just a short walk from camp. The rest of us hiked from camp. We all met up at some point and hiked back to camp. The trail was mostly a single track and was above and followed a dry rocky riverbed. It was ethereal walking among the old growth with moss hanging from and enshrouding the trees and the sun rays piercing the canopy.

Trapper Creek had deeper pools woven throughout rocky shallows. The water was crystal clear and cold. A pair of Chinook salmon was spawning right by camp! The male looked like he had been there awhile and was in rough shape. The female was in perfect condition. It was the first time I had watched salmon creating the bed for their eggs. We all tried to get photos of them but the sunlight on the rippling water made it difficult to get a good shot.

It was fun letting the goats roam free in camp. None of the goats had horns. There were a few skirmishes – especially between my Jethro and Jan & Perry’s Little Joe. They were about the same size and build. Little Joe won each time but Jethro went back for more on occasion. Squirt bottles were handy for keeping the goats off of the “kitchen table” and away from things they weren’t supposed to get into. Of course, they still found ways to get into trouble!

Sitting around the campfire with many of the goats gathered around us or lying beside us was so awesome. I really enjoyed the entire weekend and the folks and goats made it a wonderful time. I’m looking forward to the next outing!

Sunlight streaming through the canopy.
   
These stumps were huge in diameter. The photos don't do them justice.
       
View from the loo!
   
Trapper Creek.
   
Salmon spawning.
   
Gene and RC cooking breakfast. They were camera shy.
   
My Jethro.
   
Michael and Stephanie's Saanens.
   
Jan and Perry's Little Joe

  Jan and Perrys Little Joe sm.JPG (Size: 139.35 KB / Downloads: 44)
I kept forgetting my camera so didn't get more photos of goats, people and the area. I've asked others send me their photos so I can post them. This is a fantastic campsite and area to hike. I hope to see more people attend next year!

[Nanno]

^ Awesome! Do you mind if I move it to the "Tales from the Trail" section?

[Dave-Trinity-Farms]

I am spending the day packing and getting ready to take Dawns new buckling/prospect down to her and to enjoy the weekend in beautiful Bend, OR. With any luck will see some hot chicks slock an elk or deer hehe Taking my new video corder in hopes to get it on video. If not I hope to get some drunken behavior at least!