Dog Friendly Party at Hawkins Cellars in the Columbia Gorge

I’ve been a bit sad lately because some of my coonhound friends from Urban Coonhounds have passed over the Rainbow Bridge. So my owner decided to treat me to a Sunday drive and a wine tasting party. Dogs were invited. The invitation said “bring your family, hiking friends and furry friends.” We were invited to Hawkins Cellars on the Washington side of the river, just across from Hood River.

So I was really excited when our friend Don showed up and took me to the car. I love lounging in the back seat while he drives. The last time we went wine tasting it rained the whole time so I didn’t get out to explore much. But this day was different. It was sunny and beautiful.

We took off down Hwy 14 along the Mighty Columbia River. We drove about an hour and stopped to see some wind surfers. I thought I might sniff around but the stop was only to take pictures. Drat! Some of the windsurfers had lunches in their vans it that smelled pretty interesting.

Wind Surfing works up an appetite so the windsurfers
had snacks and lunches in their vans. But I didn't get any!

Then it was up the hill to Hawkins Cellars where I was greeted warmly and given a big bowl of water. I lapped that up!  I checked out their new tasting room and thought I might like to relax on the cool floor, but they said I couldn’t stay because they were bringing in the lunch. So I wandered outside and found some children to greet.

I checked out the new Hawkins Cellars tasting room.
It was very nice and, on this hot day, there was a cool floor.
I gave the tasting room my stamp of approval.

The party was on beautiful green grass shaded by large trees. There were fabric sails to shade us too. I settled down and rested in the grass.

Here I am at the party. After the photo op, I went and rested in the shade.

All of a sudden I smelled something… pork, cilantro and tortillas. They were speaking my language… food! I kept trying to head into the tasting room where the food was being served but didn’t get very far. Drat!

My favorite part of the day was when they brought in The Huck Truck lunch.
They are usually at Bingen and I think I might visit them on my next trip.

I did get some tidbits of shredded pork after everyone ate their lunch but I didn’t get any of those house-made tortillas that The Huck Truck brought. I guess I didn’t show them my sad-eye look enough.

The pork was excellent!

The whole time everyone was tasting (and enjoying) the selected Hawkins Wines. I thought they might pour me a taste but noooooo! I did get to walk around the grounds, check out the trees and look at the view. Mt. Hood was beautiful. 

I was tired and started yawning.

All too soon it was time to leave. I guess I was glad because I was getting hot… and sleepy too. I was ready to go home and tell Francesca all about the big party I attended on Underwood Mountain. I was certain she would be jealous!

Love, Cinnamon

When You Go

The Hawkins Cellars

Underwood Tasting Room

10401 Cook Underwood Road

Underwood, WA 98651

503-554-9885

Tasting Room hours change seasonally.

Current Hours:

Thursday to Sunday, 12pm to 6pm

Francesca Explores the Columbia Gorge: Waterfalls and Wolves

Well, I've recovered from my harrowing experience in the Columbia River Gorge this weekend. Cinnamon insists I write about it so here we go...

It was a pretty nice day so my owner asked if I could join in with a group going to the Starvation Creek State Park. I didn't like the sound of that at all so I took some extra dog treats with me just in case there was any starving to be done!

It was a long ride, much longer than to any dog park I've ever been to so I knew this trip would be special.

I'd much rather go hunting.

We parked and got out of the car. There were huge yellow leaves and some trails. Other dogs were getting out of their cars to go hiking too. Once our friend got there, we headed out on a paved trail. Now that's ok, but I'd much rather go off-trail and sniff for wildlife. But we were hunting for waterfalls, I was told, so I stayed on the paved path.

Soon we got to a waterfall named Hole in the Wall waterfall. I looked longingly at the creek and wanted to go wading, look for frogs and fish, and have fun. But noo..... I had to stay on the path.

I looked longingly at the creek.

After that, we did go farther and even sniffed around for mushrooms in the forest. It wasn't until we were on the way back that I encountered... the WOLVES!

We were minding our own business on the paved trail when I spied them in the distance. Two huge wolves! I immediately started barking a warning to them. "Back off, Wolves," I said. My owner tried to keep me quiet but I absolutely had to bark and scare them. They glared at me.

We made it safely to Starvation Creek. I was a little scared because of the name of the creek but my interest in wading and climbing around the rocks diverted my attention. The water was rushing fast. No frogs or fish to be seen. It was kind of fun.

Here I am sniffing for fish.

I sniffed the moss on the boulders too.

But all of a sudden I smelled something I didn't like at all... WOLVES! My hair stood on end. I looked around and, because of the rocks, I didn't see anything at first. But then I saw them... looking down at me.

The wolves were hiding behind this tree.
They were talking about how to pounce on me!

I saw them and started barking. They howled and yipped terrible wolf sounds. They were really scary. My owner helped me hide in the creek. Eventually they left. I guess they figured I had gotten away. I was really scared and walked carefully all the way back making sure I didn't see or smell them. After all, they would have killed me! Really!

Once I was safely back at the car, I didn't want to go in my crate. I was still on the lookout for wolves. Eventually, I got so tired I went into my crate and slept all the way home.

So that, dear friends, is my near death encounter with WOLVES!

Love, Francesca

Hiking Safety for Dogs: Why Are Dogs in Danger in the Columbia Gorge?

It seems like there are quite a few dogs who go hiking with their owners in the Columbia River Gorge that end up falling, some as much as 100 feet or more! That is really scary. Here's the latest report - two in one week! So what do we do about hiking safety for dogs? Aren't we more sure-footed than humans? Apparently not.

So I've been hiking and haven't fallen. I think it's because I usually hike on fairly flat terrain and I always have my leash and harness on. Many dogs don't. I see them on the trails. Their owners think it is fun for them to run along the trail as free as a coyote. BUT IT IS DANGEROUS!

Here's some humans hiking with their dog who only has 3 legs. This is a tough hike.
I wouldn't go!

I've been reading about hiking safety for dogs like me. Here are some tips for hiking with your owner:

1. You must be well-trained and come when called. If you can't do that, wear a harness and leash.
2. If you are in a hilly area, are going to do climbing or are hiking a narrow trail, WEAR THAT HARNESS AND LEASH! You can fall. Dogs do it all the time in the Columbia River Gorge where I live.
3. Always have water. If you are not used to carrying water in your own backpack, have your owner carry it. A hike is not the best time to practice with a dog pack.
4. Always have identification on you. If you are microchipped, that is great but a collar with license and name and phone number is even better.
5. Have a first aid kit. Sites such as peteducation.com have a information about dogs, including articles about first aid. Petco and the Red Cross offer first-aid classes. You never know when we might run into something WILD on the trail!
6. Don't hike unless you are able to. Some dogs can't tolerate the cold. Some dogs can't tolerate the heat (ME!), so make sure your owner knows what is possible for you. (Humans don't like to carry dogs down a trail!).
7. Last but not least, make sure your owner cleans up after you. Have good trail manners.

Here's those same humans realizing they can't climb rocks with their dog.
And, someone has to help him down!

I think what is so dangerous in the Columbia River Gorge is that there are narrow trails and drop offs. Humans think ahead and see these things. But we dogs, follow our noses, follow squirrels and birds. We just don't think of our own safety!

Here's my simple, flat woodsy trail. No danger here. Besides, I have my leash and harness on!

I'm an urban coonhound. I just prefer simple, safe trails. In fact, my owner prefers that type of hiking too!

Love, Safety Cinnamon