9/12/16 Perch Pond

Beautiful morning - 60's and sunny. We were going to start from the N. Trail but Kirkland Rd. was closed and we started on the South trail instead. This was a horrible day for me photographically as all of the pictures of Kelley in the water and most other pictures were either out of focus or badly very badly exposed.

The small pond had very low water but enough for Kelley to get in. I screwed up the pictures

Unknown wildflower

Almost in focus but included because I liked the colors

Goldenrod

Almost back to the car she found some mud to lay down on.

A nice day in the woods. Kelley did well.

9/10/16 Little long Pond

Yesterday Kelley went to Essex woods with friends and their dog so no pictures or description. It was very hot yesterday ( got up to 88)  but they went early while it was still comfortable and brought her home very muddy. Luckily she decided to use her wading pool to clean up- she often seems not interested in it.

We still have not had rain so I went for sure water today. It's also a bit cooler, especially near the ocean.

First stop

 We parked at the SE corner of the pond and walked a short way  to the West Side Trail. I always take a picture of the pond from the end.

Lots of lily pads but the flowers are mostly gone.

More pictures of Kelley in the pond. Though we took the trails through the woods and back on the carriage road, I only got pictures of the pond.

This young dog was very energetic and wanted Kelley to play. He kept following her and trying to engage her but she just wanted to swim

Kelley did well today - lots of water and more people and dogs than usual  ( I thought tourist season was over) which Kelley enjoyed - especially the people. 2 hours including chat time. 

9/7/16 Trip to the Vet

We were on our way to the vet to get new meds for which she needed blood work first. On the way we stopped at the rail trail in Newport for a short hike. She couldn't get down to the lake so I thought we were OK but she found a muddy bit of water in a ditch.

Of course, she came out very muddy.

I did find a nice thistle

When we got to the vets I went in and borrowed a towel to try to clean her up a bit. That helped but she was still pretty muddy and spread it through the office. They like her and  were very tolerant in spite of the muddy floors. The blood work was very good and she got her new meds.

On the way back I stopped at a small park where Kelley could get into water and get clean.

9/6/16 City Forest

Cloudy with a light mist. Kelley had to be persuaded to get in the car and we started from the parking lot rather than across the meadow, as we usually do,  in an attempt to get in a longer walk. That didn't work very well but we walked for 45 minutes and she got the beaver pond.

Lagging behind at the start

Still some flowers

Happy when we reached the pond

The lodge is overgrown and it appears uninhabited

There was lots of Queen Anne's Lace

And more wildflowers

So not really a hike but a bit of the trails and the pond.

9/4/16 Fitts Pond

Another hike that guarantees water for Kelley. Sunny and upper 60's at the start- another good day. We haven't done the around the pond trail in a long time. We usually take the trail up Blackcap but it's fairly strenuous and I thought it might not be good for Kelley.

We park near the end of the pond so Kelley gets that right off.

Near start of trail

 Another chance at the water

Unfortunately I didn't remember how rocky and difficult this trail becomes and Kelley had to do work arounds and sometimes needed help. The trail here goes between the rocks

Off the trail for a break

Easier sections of the trail

Ah, more water

Split fungus

And one last swim before we head home

We didn't make it around the pond as the trail just got more difficult  ( besides the rocks to get over there were several blowdowns  to get over  and I was concerned for Kelley). In spite of the difficulties she did well and was enthusiastic for the most part. 1  1/2 hours 

9-2-16 Little River Trail

Another trail where there was sure to be water. Starts at the water district office and the first reservoir then follows the river to the second reservoir and beyond. We just did part of it. Mix of sun and clouds, temps in the 70's, no bugs- nice day.

First spot Kelley can get in the water is Reservoir 1. Was surprised that the water was higher than our last time here.

It's definitely coming

She got into the river and then had to go along the bank to find a way out.

Reservoir 2 was much lower than the first

 but enough water for Kelley

9 O'clock

Last swim, back near the start

A nice little hike which took longer than usual because we met two  men with dogs and spent time chatting with each of them. Kelley did well though she wasn't really interested in the other dogs and both times just had a rest. 1  3/4 hours 

9/1/16 Stillwater River

What with our lack of rain it's getting hard to find places where there is water for Kelley - most small streams and pools have dried up. Kelley wasn't too excited about going so we just went to Orono and walked along the river. It was a pleasant day without excessive heat and no bugs.

Nice flower near the start

First chance at the water for Kelley

This birdhouse has been here awhile

Second spot she gets into the water

Weeds?

On the way back

 A pleasant hour- longer than the distance would usually take because Kelley was more interested in sniffing than walking.