iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Deep Kirk Nine @deepkirknine.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

A few shots of Aspen trees along the trail in Great Basin NP, NV. #ForestFriday

Four pictures of Aspen trees. They have smooth white bark, and are sometimes mistaken for Birch trees. They sometimes develop contorted trunk forms because of snow and wind.

2242

Deep Kirk Nine @deepkirknine.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Louie enjoying a refreshing dip in a mountain stream, yesterday on the Icicle Gorge trail. #dogsofbluesky

0283

Deep Kirk Nine @deepkirknine.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

One more shot of Louie on the Icicle Gorge Loop trail yesterday, near Leavenworth WA. It was a beautiful day- the Vine Maples and Rocky Mountain Maples are just starting to turn. #dogsofbluesky #ForestFriday

Our black and white dog Louie stands in the trail, waiting patiently for us to catch up. The low-growing Maple trees all around him are turning nice shades of yellow, orange and red.

1351

Deep Kirk Nine @deepkirknine.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

We did a nice hike yesterday on the Icicle Gorge Loop trail, one of the best 'easy' hikes in the region IMO. Here's Louie digging the big Ponderosa Pine and Fir trees to be seen there. #dogsofbluesky #ThickTrunkThursday

Our black and white dog Louie standing in the trail, waiting for us to catch up. He's standing between three large evergreen tree trunks, with a footbridge in the background, that crosses a rocky white-water creek. He hiked off-leash for most of the four-mile trail... I only have to leash him up when other dogs are around.

0231

Deep Kirk Nine @deepkirknine.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

We did a nice short hike in the hills yesterday- it's starting to look like fall up there. Louie's doing great off-leash, he just gets a bit triggered by all the chipmunks and squirrels chattering at him. #dogsofbluesky #ToT

Our black and white dog Louie standing in the trail and looking back at the camera. In the background are Fir and Larch trees under a blue sky.

Louie running up the trail through a meadow towards us. The huckleberry and serviceberry plants are starting to turn a nice yellow fall color.

Another shot of Louie coming in closer on the trail. His tongue is hanging out because he's a little hot.

0321

Deep Kirk Nine @deepkirknine.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Here's my boy Louie, on guard in the yard, and handsome as always. Happy Friday everyone! #dogsofbluesky

Our black and white dog Louie standing handsomely outside and looking at the camera.

2548122

Deep Kirk Nine @deepkirknine.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

OK then, if anyone needs me for anything today I'll be right here. #dogsofbluesky

Louie our black and white dog sprawled on his back across the armchair with his feet up in the air.

5583

Deep Kirk Nine @deepkirknine.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

It's raining out this AM and Louie's having a little trouble getting psyched #dogsofbluesky

Four shots of our black and white dog Louie lying on the armchair, yawning, stretching, and looking wistfully out the window.

1342

Deep Kirk Nine @deepkirknine.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

A few quick shots of our Quail family, glimpsed from the kitchen window. This handsome pair was herding at least 8 babies, most of them stayed hidden in the shrubbery. 🪶

Ma Quail with two chicks on the edge of the paved patio, with some low plants on one side. The babies are just scratching around for food.

Ma and Pa Quail close together, regrouping at the other side of the patio, next to some Boxwood shrubs. Three or four baby chicks are in the greenery, and a straggler chick is running in from the patio.

Pa Quail stands watch over his family at the patio edge. He's a good-looking grey bird with a black and white striped face and a long plume on his head.

3423

Deep Kirk Nine @deepkirknine.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Me: 'You look tired boy- don't you want to take a break?' Louie: 'Just throw the danged stick!' Well that's all for today- I gotta go do some really boring human stuff now... #dogsofbluesky #Pnw

Our black and white dog Louie standing on the edge of the ocean at Westport Beach. He's wet and bedraggled, and his ears are drooping a bit. He's tired, but doesn't want to stop playing yet.

4281

Deep Kirk Nine @deepkirknine.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

OK, a few more action shots of Louie in the surf at Westport WA. #dogsofbluesky #Pnw

More shots of our dog Louie swimming and running in the surf while fetching sticks at Westport beach, Washington.

1330

Deep Kirk Nine @deepkirknine.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

More stick fetching on the beach with Louie at Westport WA #dogsofbluesky #Pnw

2240

Deep Kirk Nine @deepkirknine.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

We have to put Louie on leash when other dogs are nearby, and this is how he expresses his frustration. It's hard to explain to him that not all other dog-owners want their dogs to play with him. 18 months old and he still sounds like a little puppy 🙄 #dogsofbluesky

5320

Deep Kirk Nine @deepkirknine.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Part of our morning routing is getting a good roll around on the floor #dogsofbluesky

1260

Deep Kirk Nine @deepkirknine.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

More action shots of Louie in the surf. Westport WA #dogsofbluesky #Pnw

Four shots of our black and white sea dog Louie swimming and running as he fetches sticks thrown in the surf.

0233

Deep Kirk Nine @deepkirknine.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Here's the view from inside the condo. We found a choice rental on the ground floor facing the ocean, just a 2-minute walk to the beach. Westport WA #dogsofbluesky

Our black and white dog Louie is up on his back legs, and looking out the picture window at a deer that's looking back at him from just twenty feet away. In the background you can see a small patch of lawn and some dune grass, and a pocket view of the ocean several hundred yards away, under an overcast sky.

0270

Deep Kirk Nine @deepkirknine.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Action shots of Louie fetching sticks in the surf. He's a true sea dog and could do this all day. #dogsofbluesky #Pnw

Four shots of our black and white dog running and swimming while fetching sticks in the surf at Westport Beach in Washington state. The weather was nice and the water was a comfortable temperature.

1230

Deep Kirk Nine @deepkirknine.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Louie loved the ocean. Here he is resting briefly between stick throws. #dogsofbluesky

Louie our black and white mutt stands dripping wet on the sandy shore of the Pacific Ocean in Westport Washngton.

1290

Deep Kirk Nine @deepkirknine.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

An Osprey soars above the ocean under a perfectly clear blue sky. Westport WA 🪶

0150

Deep Kirk Nine @deepkirknine.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

We swam in the ocean this morning and Louie fetched about 100 sticks in the surf. Now instead of resting he's on guard, vigilantly protecting us from whatever is lurking in the dunes (we saw a few deer there the other day). #dogsofbluesky

Louie our black and white dog standing on the patio of our ground floor rental, watching people and dogs walking by. A small lawn area and a grass-covered dune is inthe background.

0281

Deep Kirk Nine @deepkirknine.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

Yes Louie I promise we'll go swimming in the ocean today, but let me have my coffee first. This is the last day of our beach vacay... when we get home I'll post some swimming dog pics. Happy Sunday all 🫡 #dogsofbluesky

Louie our black and white dog lying on the carpeted floor with his feet curled underneath him, and his green squeaky ball nearby. He's waiting not so patiently for us to finish our breakfast so we can go to the beach.

1351

Deep Kirk Nine @deepkirknine.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

We're beach-vacationing this week at Westport, WA & having a great time. It's been nice to get some fresh air & a break from the nasty wildfire smoke we've had back home. Louie loves swimming in the ocean, but the salt water upsets his stomach, sorry Lou we can't go in every day. 😢 #dogsofbluesky

Louie our black and white dog lying on a carpeted floor and looking up at me wistfully because we can't go swimming at the beach today, plus it's raining out.

2562

Deep Kirk Nine @deepkirknine.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

What do you mean yesterday was National Dog Day? I thought that was Every day! #dogsofbluesky

Our black and white Louie lying on a carpeted floor looking up at the camera, his mouth is open in a big yawn with his tongue curling out.

3441

Deep Kirk Nine @deepkirknine.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

A few more beautiful ancient Bristlecone Pine snags in Great Basin NP NV. Bristlecone wood is very rot-resistant, and their dead trunks can stand for many hundreds of years. 2/2 #trees #GreatBasin #hiking

A gnarled dead Pine trunk against a partly cloudy blue sky.

A twisted and gnarly old dead Pine trunk, with live Pine trees in the background.

Another gnarled old dead Pine trunk on a slope of white quartzite rock. Other ancient Bristlecone Pine trees are scattered across the background.

2312

Deep Kirk Nine @deepkirknine.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

Some beautiful ancient Bristlecone Pine snags in Great Basin NP NV. Bristlecone wood is very rot-resistant, and their dead trunks can stand for many hundreds of years. 1/2 #trees #GreatBasin #hiking

A gnarled old dead Pine snag, about 20 feet tall, next to the trail. This trunk has likely stood here for over 3000 years.

Another gnarled old dead Pine snag among several younger live Bristlecone Pine trees growing on a harsh slope of white quartzite rock.

Another gnarled ancient Pine trunk, about 20 feet tall. Other live and dead Bristlecone Pines are in the background.

0180

Deep Kirk Nine @deepkirknine.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

Louie and Lucy on their play date today. They mostly chase each other around the yard until they get tired, then they rest in the shade and drink water, then repeat. (sorry no audio- too much background noise) #dogsofbluesky

0261

Deep Kirk Nine @deepkirknine.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

Louie had a play date with his best girl Lucy today. It was hot out so they spent a lot of time lying in the shade, drinking water and smooching. True puppy love 🐶💕 #dogsofbluesky

Louie our black and white mutt lying in the grass next to a bowl of water. Lucy is a sweet brown and black cattle-dog mix from the neighborhood, and she and Louie are touching snouts like they're kissing. Lucy's hoo-mom was getting married today, so we got to dog-sit her for a few hours.

Louie and Lucy lying close together in the grass, both with their tongues hanging out- they're hot and tired from chasing each other around the yard.

Another shot of Louie and Lucy lying happily together in the grass with their tongues hanging out.

One final shot of Louie and Lucy lying together in the grass and sharing a nice smooch.

3380

Deep Kirk Nine @deepkirknine.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

It's 100 degrees out today, and here's Louie hogging the AC vent. #dogsofbluesky

Louie our black and white dog laying on the tile floor in the kitchen. He's hot from playing outside and is right on top of the floor AC register, loving the cool air coming out.

3532

Deep Kirk Nine @deepkirknine.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Louie napping & twitching today. We hope everyone's having a nice weekend 😎 #dogsofbluesky

0461

Deep Kirk Nine @deepkirknine.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

We're just taking it easy today... here's Louie relaxing & staying cool in one of his favorite spots #dogsofbluesky

Our black and white dog lounging on the tile ledge in front of the fireplace.

3422

Deep Kirk Nine @deepkirknine.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

Looking out over quartzite moraines at 11,000' near treeline on Wheeler Peak in Great Basin NP NV. Only three tree species grow here at this elevation, and they're easy to tell apart by their foliage alone: -Bristlecone Pine -Limber Pine -Engelmann Spruce #GreatBasin #trees #hiking #ForestFriday

Sparsely growing evergreen trees scattered over a vast slope of white rock under a clear blue sky.

Close up of a cluster of Bristlecone Pine needles.

Close up of a cluster of Limber Pine needles.

Close up of a cluster of Engelmann Spruce needles.

2371

Deep Kirk Nine @deepkirknine.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

Ancient Bristlecone Pine portrait 9 (final) This tree still has one live branch. It was dated by coring to over 3200 years old. #GreatBasin #trees #hiking

A beautiful specimen of old gnarled Pine tree next to the hiking trail, with trees and mountains in the background under a clear blue sky. An informational sign is posted of front of the tree, and I'm standing next to the tree for scale.

A park service information sign describing the life cycle of a Bristlecone Pine. This particular tree was dated to between 3200 and 3300 years old.

0271

Deep Kirk Nine @deepkirknine.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

I almost forgot, last night Louie stole my dinner! I had put a plate of leftovers in the microwave- chicken, broccoli & potatoes, then Ieft to answer the phone. I forgot to close the microwave door, and he stuck his snout in there and cleaned the plate. I was so mad- I really wanted that chicken.

Louie laying on the floor, looking innocent and settling in for a nap.

5210

Deep Kirk Nine @deepkirknine.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

Happy Wednesday Blue Sky from from my goofy boi Louie #dogsofbluesky

Louie our black and white mutt sitting kind of goofy on the concrete walk in front of the house.

2311

Deep Kirk Nine @deepkirknine.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

Ancient Bristlecone Pine portrait 1 These old trees are very individualistic, each one displaying a unique form that expresses it's own attempt to adapt to survive in an exceedingly harsh growing environment. #GreatBasin #trees #hiking

A gnarly old pine tree, possibly over 2000 years old, growing from an inhospitable quartzite moraine.

0160

Deep Kirk Nine @deepkirknine.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

Some views from the summit of Wheeler Peak NV #GreatBasin #hiking

A view from the summit. Green round irrigated fields ban be seen in the valley bottom, with more mountains in the distance under a partly cloudy blue sky.

Looking across at the rugged rock face of Mount Simpson (I think). The rock here is a hard and layered quartzite.

Looking across at more mountains under a partly cloudy blue sky.

A hiker wearing a green backpack starting the long hike down from the summit. In the distance can be seen the large white turbines of the Spring Valley wind farm.

0200

Deep Kirk Nine @deepkirknine.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

You don't see a lot of living things at 13,000' but there are always a few. Wheeler Peak summit 7/26 #GreatBasin #hiking

White flowering herb growing among rocks on the summit.

A solitary orange and black butterfly flitted around up there.

This summit-dwelling chipmunk went around trying to sneak into everyone's backpacks while they were resting from the hike. Here he's stuffing his cheeks with some granola crumbs he found on a rock.

Magenta-flowered herb growing in rocky soil on the summit.

1180

Deep Kirk Nine @deepkirknine.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

A few shots from our hike up Wheeler Peak NV a few weeks ago, -Looking up the trail toward the mountain -Trudging up an endless rock ridge -A gaggle of primates on the summit -Two more primates on the summit #GreatBasin #hiking

A view up the trail toward the rocky summit of Wheeler Peak, 13,000'. The lower part of the hike led through a few miles of forest and sub-alpine meadows.

Looking up the hiking route- a harsh landscape of rock and scrubby plants under a bright blue sky. A hiker can be seen in the distance.

A group of summiteers hangs out on the rocky summit of the peak, including a very hardy 8 year old boy who hiked up with his dad.

Two geezers relaxing out on the summit trying not to look too out of breath. That's me on the right, the good-looking one in a hat and sunglasses. Next to me is some old guy from Montana.

0200

Deep Kirk Nine @deepkirknine.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

Comfort Food post #7 (bachelor edition): Fried chicken tenders (they don't need BBQ sauce but I love it), roasted balsamic broccoli and oven chips, & Capresi salad (w/ home-grown tomatoes and basil!). And a nice Dirtyface Amber Lager to wash it all down. #food

A tasty-looking dinner spread laid out on our live-edge sycamore dining table.

1120

Deep Kirk Nine @deepkirknine.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

A grove of ancient Bristlecone Pines growing on a harsh moraine of broken quartzite at an elevation of ~11,000'. Great Basin NP NV 7/26 #GreatBasin #Trees

Twisted and gnarled trees on a rough landscape of boulders and scree. Most of these trees are many hundreds or thousands of years old. It's an unforgiving climate there- hot and dry all summer, and cold and windy all winter. Old Bristlecone pines usually aren't very tall- their tops get knocked down by lightning, fire, wind, and rockfall, and over the years they adapt into a low and stout form, like large shrubs.

1150

Deep Kirk Nine @deepkirknine.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Wheeler Peak 13,065', 2nd-highest point in NV, in Great Basin NP. -From a visit in May '24, lots of snow on the mountain -Looking straight up Wheeler's scary 2000' East face -July '26 the snow is gone. -The rocky trail up to the summit follows the obvious North ridge. #MountainMonday #GreatBasin

0202