4/29/18 DeMeritt Forest

Sunshine and 50's and Kelley decided to get out of the car. Last couple of attempts to get her on a trail failed.

Looks like the snow and ice are finally gone.

But Kelley soon found some water and there was still a bit of ice

The stream was well over it's banks ( a lot of rain in past few days) - highest I have seen it.

Was good for Kelley - deep enough to swim.

A short little outing but I am letting Kelley decide how far we go.

4/23/18 Sunkhaze Wildlife Refuge

Fifty three degrees and sunny and we hadn't been her in awhile.


Still some patches of snow

but the pond was mostly clear of ice

except along one edge

so Kelley could easily get in

Wet dog heading back

There were other small pools of water

A pleasant short hike and Kelley did well. I will continue to try short hikes every other day. 

4/21/18 DeMeritt Forest

Trying another trail, closer to home. Again Kelley was ready to hike. Mix of sun and clouds - 45 degrees.

Surprised to see there was still snow. 

But the little stream was ice free and Kelley was able to get down to it.

Crews have been cleaning up the winter damage

We turned back when Kelley indicated she was ready. There was also water beside the trail.

Not a lot of picture oportunities but spring is coming.

Another nice little hike. I'm hoping keeping them shorter than we used to do will keep her wanting to go.

4/19/18 Harbor Brook

Cloudy and 45 degrees with a forecast of rain. It's been hard to get Kelley out hiking this winter so I made the 54 mile drive over to Kelley's favorite hike. When we arrived she jumped out of the car, ready to go. She must recognize the trail by smell.


First place she can get in the water

It's been a rough winter with lots of trees down

but there were still places for Kelley to get to the stream.

Apple break

One more time in the water

Heading back

Kelley did well and we had a nice little hike -  and the rain  held off. 

4/14/18 City Forest

Cold and gray. Yesterday we went to the Kenduskeag but Kelley wouldn't get out of the car, so back to City Forest where she did get out.

The warm yesterday had elimimated most of the ice.

And she was a happy girl

Lots of sniffing to be done.

The trails in the woods still had some snow and ice.

Didn't want Kelley to over do it so we did a moderate amount and turned back - one more dip.

Not the most pleasant day- the wind made it feel colder than 37 but Kelley did well and that pleased me.

4/12/128 City Forest

Lower forties but still looking a bit wintry. At least the snow is gone from the field leading to the pond. Unfortunately the pond looked to be still frozen

But Kelley was able to get in at the edge

Once we got into the woods there was still quite a bit of snow and ice.

 But more water for Kelley

Kelley did better today than she has in a long tiime, even taking the lead

A pair of ducks on the pond as we were heading out.

I have been worried about Kelley and so was very pleased with how she did today. Don't know if it because it was warmer or that there was water but she seemed like her old self.

4/8/18 DeMeritt Forest

A little above freezing but the sun was shining. We hadn't been here in awhile and I thought maybe I could get Kelley out for a short one.


Still a fair amount of snow in thw woods.

The little stream was flowing but too much snow for Kelley to get to it.

Lagging behind. She sped up when we met a couple and their pup. She still has to great everyone she sees and they gave her some attention which made her happy.

"This is as far as I'm going". At this point we turned back

A short but pleasant outing. I was happy to get her out and am hoping for more as the weather improves.

4/3/18 Trail Along the Kenduskeag

Forty five and mostly sunny, so a pretty day. Kelley was easier to coax out of the car this time but she was still up for only a short hike.


Still a fair amount of snow

Lagging behind

Pleasant but short -  better than we had been doing. Supposed to rain tomorrow so that may get rid of more snow.

4/1/18 Newman Hill

Forty degrees and cloudy. Kelley has not wanted to hike and I haven't pushed it because of poor conditions - snow too deep for her and/or ice. Today I made her get out of the car and we did a short hike.

Some open water near the start but not that Kelley could reach.

Still snow and ice on the trails but the footing was not bad

Unfortunately the small pond was still frozen

and Kelley was very disappointed

Going back into the woods there was more snow.

 Kelley did not want to continue so we turned back - enough for a start after a long layoff.