It's cliche, I know, to say how time slips away, but here I am, day after day, roboting through the mundanity of life, only to see that the calendar says August!
During my morning walk in the woods with Max this morning I am struck yet again, at the good fortune I have to be so close to nature's wonders here in Ann Arbor. Today's journey was to the 160 acre Bird Hills recreation area near M-14 and Huron River Drive. This wooded area is one of Max's favorite spots, as he can run free, alongside other hikers, runners, and dog walkers, who don't mind off leash dogs, especially well-behaved ones!
I could spend quite a long time traipsing through the trails here, but I take the main thoroughfare trail out to Bird Road and cross Huron River Drive and head over to the Barton Park area. To my left, there is the Barton Dam and a water treatment plant. However, as soon as you walk the bridge, you follow the river and end up in the middle of secluded trails, amongst shrubby meadows, flowers, following along the river. I'm always astounded on my walks here at the rarity of any other people, in this city of about 115,000.
The most fun Max has walking along the river of course is being able to plunge in and cool off. What with the searing temps, and his luscious fur coat, it's been a difficult summer for him. He is a goof in the water!
I could spend quite a long time traipsing through the trails here, but I take the main thoroughfare trail out to Bird Road and cross Huron River Drive and head over to the Barton Park area. To my left, there is the Barton Dam and a water treatment plant. However, as soon as you walk the bridge, you follow the river and end up in the middle of secluded trails, amongst shrubby meadows, flowers, following along the river. I'm always astounded on my walks here at the rarity of any other people, in this city of about 115,000.
The most fun Max has walking along the river of course is being able to plunge in and cool off. What with the searing temps, and his luscious fur coat, it's been a difficult summer for him. He is a goof in the water!
I can't think of a more delightful and peaceful way to start my morning, and neither can Max! However, the aftermath of Max's exuberant run through the woods adds another 45 minutes to my repertoire as I pick out all the burrs that have accumulated in his fur.
