Yesterday I told you I have plans to take Sampson up to the woods for walks.  I figure it will be challenging based upon the folks that let their dogs run off-leash up there, but if I plan carefully and take precautions I think it’s doable.

Saturday I set off for the woods.  We walked up the hill and into the park.  I’ve taken Sampson up here a couple of times, but during those times I’ve only gone into the field and walked him around.

Our park has a three or four different colored trails.  Saturday I chose the orange trail, which is (IMO) the hardest trail, because there are areas where it is very steep.  If you follow the entire trail (which we didn’t) you will encounter these challenging areas at a minimum of three or four times.

Sampson and I caught the orange trail right inside the park.  This particular trail starts off up hill but it levels out at the top, and it intersects with the yellow trail, which is very wide and the main trail into the park.  It’s also all down hill from where we picked it up. My thought process was all uphill for the beginning of the walk when we were fresh with lots of energy, then all down hill on the way home.

The other reason I chose the this particular section of the orange trail was for the height.  This trail runs parallel with the yellow trail, so while the trees are full, I still have a great advantage to keep an eye out for people and off-leash dogs and that gives me the option of tightening my grip on Sampson, or turning around to avoid the conflict.

I’m not sure if it was the time of day, the fact it was a holiday weekend or we maybe the universe was just giving us a lovely walk, but we didn’t encounter another dog or person. 

 

He remembered all the spots we usually run into someone too!  

The Heart Like a Dog Lesson: Even when something seems impossible, determination can find a way.