9/9/17 Hidden Ponds

Mix of sun and clouds and upper 60's. Ideal hiking except for some ominous thunder which made Kelley nervous  ( the rain held off until late afternoon when we were home)


Start of the trail looks like an old woods road

followed by a boggy section

and first chance at the water

Salmon Pond - Kelley couldn't find a way in on this end

 

but got into Mud Pond

This bush had one bright red branch while the rest of it was still green.

Another part of Salmon Pond

Little Long Pond

I was surprised by the variety of flowers still about.

but leaves are turning

Last chance for water before the car

This turned out to be a very nice hour and three quarter hike. Kelley did better than she has in a long time - often taking the lead. We had the place to ourselves - there was a truck in the parking lot but we met no one

9/5/17 City Forest

Warming up today  with thunder storms forecast for afternoon and  tonight and more rain next few days. Hoping the beaver pond will motivate Kelley.

Some Trefoil on the way down to the pond

Maybe the predicted rain will raise the pond level.

The invasive Purple Loosestrife - still kind of pretty

One more dip before I try to get in a short hike.

Things to come

 Decided to see how Kelley would react to one of the side trails - we didn't go far but she did fine - maybe liked the change as we hadn't done this trail ( Quinn) in a long time.

Electric clover

After Quinn we went back to the pond for a swim before heading for the car.

A pleasant outing and Kelley did well, especially as this was two days in a row.

9/4/17 Along the Kenduskeag

Mix of sun and clouds with temps in the 60's . The trail along the Kenduskeag starts three miles from home.

Even though it rained last night the stream is still quite low

In spite of a pretty good breeze, I managed some wildflowers

Floating leaves

 Wasn't always easy to get to the water

One more dip before we head for the car

A pleasant outing. Kelley did pretty well but let me know when she had had enough.

9/2/17 City Forest

Another pretty day and we decided to bring Kelley and I would turn back when Kelley wanted to and Tom would continue on and meet us back  at the pond.

First time in the water today.

When I hike with someone else I usually take few pictures and today was no exception.. A couple of wildflowers, Kelley, and  Indy.

Kelley did pretty well and when she wanted to quit we turned back ( purple line) and Tom continued ( red line). When we got back to the pond I sat and Kelley got in and out of the water. A few people came by for Kelley to great and then a young pup named Indy ( 12 weeks old). Indy was very active and tried to get Kelley to play (she had rather lay in the sun) and when Kelley went in the water Ungy wanted to follow but wasn't yet sure about the water.

A pleasant little outing. Kelley did better than last time out and Tom continued his recuperation from back surgery.

8/31 and 9/1/17

My brother came from Florida for a visit. First hike was at the Schoodic Peninsula  of Acadia. Kelley stayed home with friends and two other dogs. We were lucky to have very nice weather.

Schoodic Point

Tom is recovering from major back surgery so we took the road up to Schoodic Head rather than the trail which has some rough sections. A nice hike.

Day two was Day Mountain and we used the carriage road. Another excellent hiking day.

Another excellent day. Hike of a little over 5 miles. 

8/30/17 City Forest

Back to the Beaver Pond at City Forest. Kelley was not excited about hiking but was willing to go to the beaver pond. So, a few pictures of Kelley in the water and some flowers and bugs

A tiny hoverfly

More chicory

First time in

More of an endless series of Queen Anne's Lace

One I don't I know

Thistle

We started on West Trail but didn't get far before Kelley would not proceed.

Back to the pond

Another unknown

One last dip

A pleasant little outing even though Kelley was not really interested in hiking.