Summer time fun! And saying goodbye to Monkey :(

Our hikes throughout the summer involve water. And especially this summer with the humidity in the 30's. We're either at the lakes or Admiral's Cove. Today Nutella played pirate on her newly acquisitioned ship the SS Black Dog and her title became Captain Red Tail. 

We were sad to say goodbye to Monkey on his last hike with us, as his family is moving to Ontario. We will miss you Monkey! 

Sasha, Jess and Crosby are enjoying our hospitality as their families travel. We tried to provide a mini beach vacation. Crosby does need to learn not to indulge in salt water drinks. They weren't on the recommended menu! Kinda like travelling to Mexico and not drinking the bottled water! 

SS Black Dog with Captain Red Tail

Smiling Monkey! 

Argh ye maties toss those tennis balls faster.

Jess with her treasure! 

Sasha bringing more bounty back to the ship. 

The willing and able crew! 

Summer time fun with Phoenix and the dogs

We had a great time today at the barn, with the dogs helping with chores (following my every move and bringing a ball for me to throw). Then we hit the woods trail, riding to the lake for a swim. I rode Phoenix bareback, and he enjoyed eating the water plants. He also helped groom the trail, standing still while I pruned branches from overhead with my pruners. 

Phoenix saying Hi to Sumi. 

Divot walked out to the end of this log in the water. She seemed quite proud of herself. 

Phoenix enjoying the water and a green snack at the same time. 

Spring is finally here!

The dogs were finally able to enjoy the ice free water, although I wouldn't enjoy the temperature. There still are a few clumps of snow under the trees. Fortunately the black flies aren't out yet, but the ticks are, so tick prevention is required.

Sigmund immersed to get maximum benefit! 

Summer looking beautiful. 

Fenway in her glory! 

Nutella waiting for a stick to be thrown. 

Lots and lots of snow!!!

I hadn't posted for a while, and realized I didn't have anything from after our several snow storms, one of which dumped 70cm of snow! I'll just post a few things that will give you an idea of what kind of winter hikes we had this year. 

Dog sledding down our road with Nutella and Brannagh.

The trail is blazed through the deep snow.  Lola loves to rub her face in the snow.  But at one point, she had so much snow on her face, that she walked forward and ran into a tree! 

Nutella says she really likes the snow.

The snowshoes were a well used piece of hiking equipment this year.  Here Andrea is using them, while I use the cross country skis.  

New introductions

Today, Roo and some of the hiking gang, were introduced to the horses at Keough Lane Stables.  Here, Ranger is saying "Hi" to Roo.  I think Lindsay's black Lab, Sophie, was really glad to meet Roo.  They had a grand time racing around after each other.

Roo saying "Hi" to Arabella.

Ranger watching the dogs tear around in the arena.