Puppy and Nature Love

Yesterday afternoon Stormy and I went on a hike at a new spot, just a 5-minute drive from the house.  We only went 3 miles, but it was rather hot and dry and uphill so I brought the backpack and some water bottles.  She drank twice as much as I did, and didn't spill a drop.

You know it's time to head home when your shadow is taller than you are.

I'll admit, I've been slacking on the exercise lately.  Being away from home for 12-13 hours a day for work since last month has really brought my energy down a notch.  Not exercising makes me more tired, which makes me less likely to exercise, which makes me more tired.  Gotta break that cycle.

I keep wanting to hike on Mt. Diablo, but by the time I get home Stormy is pretty desperate for attention, and I opt not to leave her alone (dogs aren't allowed in the park).  Thanks to my husband for finding this off-leash hiking spot!


Stormy did excellently, staying with me the whole time, usually at less than leash distance.  She didn't even try to chase all the chipmunks and quail, and stayed away from the poison oak.  I found a stand of cattails so I made a mental note for later, since I've always wanted to cook up some cattail roots (my grandpa taught me this, but I never tried it).  We had the first 2.5 miles all to ourselves and it was heaven.

It is good to get back out into nature.  I want to do this trail every day!