Searching Out Signs Of Green

Bunny here at the keyboard sharing some of our weekend's adventures with you.

We had plans to go out out hiking since the temperature had risen into the mild range.  It was great to see all that snow from Snowpacolype melting away and becoming a memory.  However, when Dad started checking some of the places we hadn't been to that were somewhat nearby, we started to see a trend.  A lot of the nearest state parks were closed due to flooding.  Darn Mother Nature for giving us this beautiful weather and then making it the very reason we couldn't go to those places.

However, we were not to be deterred.  We decided to go visit Comlara Park which is near us, but it not a state park.  It belongs to the county where it's located around a lovely lake.  I don't think a lot of people know about it, but that's okay with us.  It means we had it all to ourselves.

There was nobody else out there to scare the birds who were singing lovely spring tunes and we are pretty sure there were some deer up in the tree lines watching us as we went through the forest.  It was really muddy and squishy, but we had a great time.

Mom and I were out there to have a nice stroll and enjoy the early signs of Spring, but Morgan and Dad were also doing a little work.  They are having an important evaluation next month and so they are brushing up on some things.  I have my paws crossed for them to make it, because it's something Dad has always wanted to do with a canine companion, and between you and me, it's more work than I want to do.  I'll stick to being a Greyhound ambassador and being a therapy dog.

We had a lot of fun stretching our legs, breathing the fresh air and seeing the first hints of Spring.  I really hope that Mother Nature doesn't have any more tricks up her sleeve for us.  I am definitely ready for warmer weather and longer hikes.  It looks like we're not the only ones who are ready for it, either.

Are any of you seeing signs of Spring where you are?

Winter Magic

Bunny here at the keyboard to tell you about our weekend adventure.

Morgan has had a bad case of cabin fever since we didn't get to hike the last couple of weekends.  I think Mom might have had a touch of it, too.  She said she was feeling much better after her bronchitis and so we decided we were going to go for a hike.  This time we went back to Matthiessen State Park.  If you look at the link, it will show you what it looked like there back in September.

We had heard that it is beautiful in the Winter, and it's true.  The waterfalls and cliffs look like something you'd see in an enchanted forest.  A lot of people come there to cross country ski and hike this time of year, and we saw quite a few people out.  We were pleasantly surprised to see so many people, and even another dog there.

Since the waterfalls are what the park is known for in the winter, we took the lower trail through the Upper Dells.  It leads past several very pretty waterfalls.  I'm afraid that the Giant's Bathtub was quite frosty this time of year.  I hope he's not planning on taking a bath anytime soon.

It wasn't surprising that we didn't see any wildlife this time.  I know there are a lot of deer there -- it was originally known as Deer Park, but they were scarce.  We did see a lot of footprints, though.  Even though they are good at hiding from people, there are a lot of animals still in the park.

I know some people think it's too cold to go out hiking this time of year.  We were disappointed that Aunt Julie and Ruby decided not to come with us at the last minute.  After we got started walking, we were all plenty warm.  Going out hiking this time of year allows you to see spectacular sights that you never dreamed could exist, though. 

It's also nice because it gives you time with your humans that you don't always get with the distractions of home.  You go out with your family and it's just you and the sights to enjoy.  That's a pretty good reason to go out right there if you ask me.

Of course, all that fresh air does wear you out.  It makes for a nice nap on the way home, too.  Those after a hike naps are the best kind.  While I was sleeping, I was already dreaming of the next hike.  I hear Mom and Dad have one planned for us for next weekend that we haven't done before.  I can't wait!

Why We Hike With Our Dogs

If you are a regular reader of our blog, by now you know that most weekends find us doing some sort of hiking.  We started hiking late last summer after we realized that Morgan was going to need a lot of exercise to help keep her grounded.   However, it's more than just occupying Morgan that keeps us going back out on the trails.

I've found that I really enjoy it for a multitude of reasons.  We are very lucky here in Illinois that our state parks are still free.  This means that we just have to get gas in the van to get us there and find something to eat, which makes for a rather inexpensive weekend outing.  It also gives us an opportunity to see some of the most beautiful sights our state has to offer, many of which are hidden gems that few people know about.  Almost all of our state parks allow dogs on leash, too.  I only know of a few exceptions.  Almost all of our national parks are closed to dogs or provide extremely limited access.

There are also other places where we hike, but with so many different state parks, we've been trying to see as many different ones as we can. The important part is that we get a chance to disconnect from the fast-paced world that we normally live in and reconnect with each other, the dogs and ourselves.  It's not the same as the walks we take around the neighborhood during the week.  Our time out hiking is a chance to really leave the stresses of the week behind and spend time with those we really love. 

As soon as the backpacks come out, the dogs begin their merry dance.  They obviously love the time we spend out away from the house as much as we do.  I think it's as important to them to have time with us as it is to us to have time with them.  As soon as we head out on the trail, I see tails wagging and I notice that Bunny will keep looking to me to see if I'm coming and we're really going to go.  After a while, she'll get immersed in smelling things on the trail and looking at things around us, but the first part of the hike she's always looking to see that she's connected with me. 

I don't think that hiking is the only way to make a connection with your dog.  There are lots of ways to do that.  I think the truly important thing is that you disconnect from the things that tend to distract you in this electronic age and learn to engage yourself fully with your furry companion for a while.  What ways do you enjoy spending time with your pets?

Growing Older Gracefully

This past weekend, we were glad that we got to get out on Sunday and hike.  Saturday morning, Bunny and Morgan were both champing at the bit when they recognized the routine that signalled that neither Mr. Taleteller nor I were going to work.  We had planned a hiking expedition with family, but it turned out to be bitter cold with windchills that weren't safe to be out in.  Since the treat jar was empty, we bundled up ourselves, Bunny, Blueberry and Morgan and made a trip over to the dog bakery in town.  The girls were happy to have an outing, but it wasn't the leg stretch that they were hoping for. 

Sunday, we figured that we'd better get the two youngsters out of the house for a little bit and so we headed to the nearest state park for a hike.  We approached this with trepidation, because it had literally been cold enough the day before to take your breath away.  I guess that's why God invented Cuddle Duds and Smartwool socks.  Since we weren't quite sure what to expect when we got there temperature wise, we decided that only Bunny and Morgan were going and that if it got too cold, we'd go back and call it a day.  At least we'd get a nice drive in if nothing else came to pass.  It turned out to be a really nice day for a hike.  Crossing the frozen creeks were a little challenging, but I found myself regretting that we hadn't brought Blueberry along.  I knew she wanted to go as she stood in the kitchen, her head vibrating with excitement.

When we got home, I was surprised by the display of affection Blueberry put on.  She was leaping on the couch and doing yoga poses of bliss as I scratched her head before she collapsed in the nest of blankets she's arranged while we were gone.  She can be affectionate, but is usually a bit more reserved.  As I sat down, she curled up against me and was gazing at me in total adoration until I got the camera out.  I made up my mind right then that next weekend, she has to be included, provided the weather permits.

It's so hard not to feel guilty when you have to make a decision for your pet that's in their best interest and against what they so obviously want.  I admit that since her cancer diagnosis in November I feel the need to treat her like she's made of glass.  Another factor in the issue is that she's actually not a young dog anymore.  She was barely two when we first met her and now we realize her ninth birthday will be in a week and a half.  Where did the time go?   The woman at the dog bakery was giving all the girls treats, but making them sit before she fed them.  When it came to be Blueberry's turn, she said "You don't have to sit!  You're an old lady!"  Blueberry promptly displayed the prettiest Greyhound sit ever executed which looked particularly charming while she wore her pink coat.  It was as if she and I both had the same outraged thought at the same time.  I can't think of her as old. 

Since having that thought, I realized that I have to start being a bit careful with her, but not treat her as if she's old.  Lilac is fifteen -- that is old!  Blueberry is still ready to go.  It will require some planning on our part to be sure it's challenging enough to take the edge off Morgan's energy, but not so challenging that we have to carry Blueberry back to the van.  There will still be times when it's not in her best interest to go, either because the terrain is too treacherous or the weather is too extreme, too.  Still, I am hoping we can find a happy medium that works for her.

My question to others out there is how do you do things that include your aging dog?  What do you do to help him or her make the transition to old age?  What are some things that your slightly older dogs enjoy doing?

Staying On Our Toes

Bunny here at the keyboard to share our Sunday hike. 

I was worried we weren't going to get to go hiking this weekend.  Saturday was bitter cold and Mom and Dad cancelled the family hike we were supposed to do with our cousins, which was disappointing, but when we saw Lilac's pee freeze before it hit the ground in the turn out pen, we were willing to forgive Mom and Dad.

Sunday the weather was a lot nicer, so Mom and Dad got bundled up and packed up our gear and we headed off.  This time we hiked to Illinois Canyon in Starved Rock State Park.  The canyon is known for its beautiful waterfalls and we were hoping to catch some more pretty pictures.

There were actually a lot of small waterfalls all along the trail.  They made for some really interesting ice formations in some places.  We saw one spot where the leaves looked like they'd been turned to crystal.

Most of the trail was pretty easy walking, but we did have to brave walking across the frozen creek several times.  I'm proud to say that my first attempts at ice skating were quite successful and I didn't fall once.  Morgan made it across every time, as well.

We saw several other people and dogs while we were out on the trail, too.  Sadly, not all of them had as much respect for the surroundings that we did.  We were glad we got some of these cool waterfall pictures on our way out because on the way back a man was letting his kids break the icicles off.  I guess they didn't think anybody else would want to appreciate them.

When we finally arrived at the Illinois Canyon, we were a little disappointed.  The waterfall wasn't nearly as impressive as the one in the St. Louis Canyon last weekend.  It was still pretty, though, and the sound of the water burbling under the ice was fun to listen to.

On the way back, Morgan and I practiced our rock climbing.  I think I might have gotten just a teeny bit higher than she did, but I'm not sure.  It sure was a great view from way up there.

If you followed our hikes last summer, you might remember that almost every one that we went to had a wedding happening.  Well, would you believe that there was a bridal fair at the lodge this weekend?  I guess they're all planning to have their weddings at our hiking spots again this year.  I can't say that I blame them.  We've hiked in some of the most beautiful spots in our area and I can see why people would want to start their new lives together in those places. 

Our hike was definitely a great break from the Winter doldrums.  What do all of you like to do to relax and enjoy Winter?  Also, Morgan has started her own blog.  I think she plans on mostly writing about our hikes.

I'd also like to say how very sad we are that The Luke is no longer with us.  He was a special boy with a golden heart.  We send our very heartfelt condolences to his mom and The Bleu.  Hug your hounds and cats -- you never know how short or long your time together might be! 

Frozen Waterfalls

Bunny here at the keyboard sharing our first adventure of the new year.

Some of you may remember that Morgan and I really wanted to hike back into Saint Louis Canyon in Starved Rock State Park this winter to see the frozen waterfall.  It was one of our big goals for hiking this year.  We'd planned to go on New Year's Day, but Mom and Dad were both sick, so we went on Sunday instead. 

I have to say that we chose our timing perfectly.  We had our third snowiest December in history here.  We've had more than seventeen inches of snow total for the month.  Then, on Thursday and Friday it warmed up.  As a matter of fact, Friday it was almost sixty degrees and we had crazy thunderstorms, although we were spared the tornados that they had to the South of us.  All that rain washed the snow right away.  Then on Saturday and Sunday, it got cold and freezing again.

Hiking through the canyon was more treacherous than usual.  Lots of places were solid ice.  Combine that with a cliff off to the side and it did make us proceed with quite a bit of caution.  As a matter of fact, Dad even fell once.  Sorry, no photos of that this time, but one of these days soon, I'll get one.

We were surprised that lots of people decided to hike down the canyon with dogs.  We saw more dogs there than I think we ever have before.  It was pretty cool to see so many people enjoying nature with their pups in the New Year.  Morgan would like it to be known that she was the only dog on the trails with no coat on. 

After we hiked and skated our way down the trail, we finally got to the waterfall.  Let me tell you, it was worth all that slipping and sliding!  I am so glad we made it down there.  It was like seeing something from a magical realm. 

We even shot a short movie so you could hear what it sounds like as the water falls down the ice.  It's still hard to believe that any sort of violence could happen in such a pristine place.  We really felt like it was a good sign that 2011 will bring all sorts of wonderful and magical experiences.

Dad was so impressed that he thought about taking off work on Monday and going back.  It was just that cool, no pun intended!  So, who else is accomplishing their goals for the new year?