Mom and I have been busy exploring the Western Slope of Colorado, and I have many adventures in the cue yet to share. What a great problem to have, eh? This weekend we hosted our first dinner in the new house. I was ecstatic because it was Travis and his girlfriend, Blake. Travis helped us with cabinet projects, so I knew his scent well. I was a bit bummer that their dog, Lily, didn’t join them, but I quickly forgave them. We shared Mom’s amazing lasagna and homemade chocolate cake. Well, the humans ate the chocolate. Dogs cannot because of the caffeine. Did you know caffeine is toxic to canines?
Anyway, on Sunday, we hoped in the truck and drove east on I-70 to Glenwood Springs. I’ve been
through here before on our way to Steamboat Springs, but this time, we turned south on 82 toward Carbondale. The drive was about two hours from Grand Junction, and we ended up at the Homestead Bar & Grill, located at 303 River Valley Ranch Road in Carbondale. They have a dog friendly patio on the golf course with fantastic views of Mt. Sopris, a 12,965 foot mountain with two—count ‘em two—summits.
Mom had to take a moment to soak it all in. You see, they brought Kuma here one of their trips to the region, and Saturday, September 26 would have been his 18th birthday. They have fond memories, and they wanted to share it all with me. How lucky am I? Mom gave me pieces of her fish and chips, which was quite tasty, and she even stole a piece of Dad’s bacon off his burger. He grumbled, so I ate it really fast before he asked for it back. Ha! Mom and I make a great team!
The weather was just perfect. Some clouds, a little sun, and mild temps. We saw a little fall color, but it wasn’t quite peak yet. After lunch, we drove over to the Carbondale Nature Park at 422-464 Merrill Avenue, only a few minutes away. Wow! This place was huge with 33 acres of open spaces and walking trails. It is unfenced but dogs are allowed off leash. Well, other dogs because I cannot be trusted. The Shiba Inu has such strong hunting instincts I don’t think Mom and Dad would ever let me roam free other than confined dog parks. I had my long leash, so I was good.
The parking lot isn’t huge, but it is free. They only have a port-o-potty for humans, but Mom said it was very clean. All sorts of doggos were out with their humans, and I said hello to every single one. Woof! The grass was tall, and I could smell water. The big pasture has ponds and a creek running through it. Mom said Kuma loved taking a swim, but I am just not keen on water. I watched other dogs swim, but I stayed on the shore. No judging me!
Besides having Mt. Sopris towering over us, we enjoyed seeing Red Hill. We did a one-mile loop, 
but because I was running around like a wild dog, I probably did over two! The only bummer was we could hear the traffic from I-70. We were surprised how loud it was, but it didn’t take away from the beauty of this great park. I can see why they wanted to return, and I am grateful they shared it with me.
Now I have told you about it, and if you are ever in the area, you must go! The trail is dirt and is flat. They have some picnic tables near the parking lot should you pack your own lunch. Mom’s birthday is coming up, and I know we will be taking a trip. Can’t wait to see where we go!
By Moka Jiro
My name is Moka, a sesame Shiba Inu, and I am carrying on Kuma’s legacy by sharing adventures with my family. My mom, Lorraine Bossé-Smith, is my translator and photographer. She is also a motivational speaker & trainer, life & wellness coach, fitness & nutrition guide, and author of nine published books. More importantly, she’s the best doggy mom ever!
Enjoy my blog at https://www.lorrainebosse-smith.com/category/moka/
and be sure to follow me on Instagram: moka_jiro_shiba.
Explore this great world we live in, and I hope to see you on the trail.
(with help from Lorraine Bossé-Smith)
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