All Dogs Aboard the Honda Fit

Well its been a while since I've been able to do a hike post, with all the vehicle-related upheaval, but we finally got a weekend where we could see if the new mini-mini-van was up to the task of transporting the two of us and the three dogs to a nice place to walk around. 

I find it really kind of exciting that all of us fit in there so comfortably. As I had hoped, in some ways its even better than the van, because the pitties each have a window of their own and Lamar has his own spacious compartment, away from them.   

We wanted to take Star to an adoption event in White Oak in the afternoon, so in the morning we went north on New Hampshire Ave, close to where the event was, and looked around for a place to hike. After slogging around and getting very muddy in an area with no good, clear trail, and looking everywhere for a really nice trail, 

we finally happened upon an enchanted forest near Triadelphia Reservoir. 

There was something magical about the trail meandering through the close-growing pine trees, vines and lichen hanging from their branches, a layer of fog hovering close to the ground. 

Reminded us of our trip to the Zimbabwean Music Festival in Oregon a couple of summers ago.  

With the pups nice and tired, we drove back and had a nice mellow adoption event in a small pet store. For some reason Florian and I can have a great time wasting hours on end just looking at pet products. 

On the drive back, Fozzie got to enjoy some front seat time, more safely than he used to when Florian was driving. 

The next day, we took advantage of a nice sunny day to go a bit farther afield to a nice little hike on the Potomac. There were none of the dreaded mishaps with the automatic windows, and yes as some of you mentioned the window lock sure is a nifty feature. 

Who knew? 

Just a calm little trail along the Potomac at Point of Rocks at the VA/MD border. 

The weather was bright and sunny and though it wasn't warm, it felt so amazing to be out in the sun on a trail again with the pups.

Being outside, away from town, especially in the sunshine, just feels very therapeutic in the winter. 

Our winter here has been nothing compared to what some have had I know, but I still feel the short days and the grayness after a while.  

It even makes me happy to look at pictures of the sunshine. Which is why I have to write posts like this, 

that are maybe not the most gripping you've ever read but have lots of sunny pictures. 

This trail included a metal walkway for getting your small boat down to the water with ease, and Florian was daydreaming about bringing the kayaks. We'll have to get a roof rack!











The dogs were so happy to be out on the trail again too, and able to enjoy some paw wetness. 

And though I wasn't about to venture in with them, just watching them feel so good brought me loads of vicarious joy. 

How are YOU getting through the winter?