The kids and I went for a hike this morning. We had done this hike a few times over the last 9 months.

But this morning was more exciting than I anticipated. There is a well along the trail that usually has a heavy concrete cover over it. But not this morning. Somebody had removed the cover from about 2/3s of the opening. Plenty of space for a small person to fall down it, or a large dog… or a 8 pound Pepper.

I heard her yelp and went to find her. Max looking over the edge of the well was my clue as to where she was.

Miracle of miracles, she was alive and whining. The well is about 16 feet down to all the junk at the bottom.

I called my brother to help. He and my nephew arrived with harness and ropes and carabiners, headlamps, gloves… etc. They lowered me down with a duffle bag, which Pepper was pretty keen on getting in and they lifted her out. It took just a little more engineering to get me out, but they did it.

And Pepper is fine. <SMH> but she is fine. I’ll contact the Forest Service and let them know that the well cover is getting messed with.

Just a heads up, that while this was a well, there are mine shafts and other dangers in the Hills. You can still enjoy them. Just be aware. You might not be in an area without service, so let people know where you are going.