Bullfrog Pond

I hope you enjoyed our cooler temperatures this past weekend. Looks like we might be heating up. Tis that time of year! Looking for something easy for the entire family with a neat surprise at the end? I’ve got the spot for you: Bullfrog Pond.

Yes, a pond in the desert…right in town. It is located in the Reach 11 Recreational Area, which unfortunately has made the news lately. Reach 11 is where the beautiful young lady was found dead, murdered by 15 knife stabs. My doggy heart and mind can’t comprehend such violence, but alas, it happens.

Reach 11 is huge, and this tragic event occurred further south from where the Bullfrog Pond exists. Before I give you details, this is a perfect opportunity to remind everyone to be situationally aware. Even though mom has me with her, she is always paying attention to what is going on around us. She doesn’t have her face in her phone; instead, she is scanning and watching people. You don’t have to think the worst of people, but you do need to be present.

Thankfully, the criminal was caught. When you can, though, adventure with a friend. Safety in numbers! If you are alone, make sure someone knows where you are and when you will return. Mom carries pepper spray and a knife with her, just in case. I want all my readers to stay safe!

  Now, on to the Bullfrog Pond. You actually plug in the Barrier Free Trail to find the parking lot, which is free but small. It is located on East Tatum Boulevard on the left side between Mayo and Union Hills. We had visited Reach 11 Recreation Area running path on the other side before, so this was new.

Mom picked this place and told Dad about all the bullfrogs we would see. She researched it online and saw pictures. As we drove up, Dad said, “You’ve got to be kidding! This is flat and right, smack in the middle of the city (it’s right past Desert Ridge Shopping Center). Bullfrogs—I don’t think so.” He wasn’t keen on this particular adventure, but he’s a trooper. Hasn’t he learned to trust Mom?

You can choose the crushed dirt path or the paved sidewalk. Both end up at the same place. It is flat and easy, perfect for all members of the family, including wheelchairs. We met several regulars who walk this path daily.

The distance to the pond is just under a mile, and the part doesn’t have much shade. Since we are officially entering the hot season, you will want to get out early. My new M.O. is moving slow, and as we continued walking, Dad noticed how quiet the path was due to all the trees and shrugs along the trail.

Before we knew it, we were in the shade, and like an oasis we stumbled upon the pond. Who would have thought? I knew because I could smell it, but Dad was quite surprised. Then we listened and heard this strange sound: bullfrogs! Tons and tons of bullfrogs. Wow! Quite impressive.

Okay, Daddy never really doubted Mom (wink wink). Good job, Mom! A little kid was having a blast fishing, and we sat at the picnic table enjoying the shade and serenade. I was moving faster on the return trip. I’m like a trail horse—I know AC is waiting for me in the truck. Awoof!

To think we have been here almost eight years, and we are still discovering new places. Kind of cool! I hope you learn about new places through me, and if you ever have a gem you want to share, please let me know. We are always game for new adventures!

Let me take a moment to thank my Mom. She really works hard to find us cool places, and she helps me put them together in a blog…aka she writes them while I nap! I relive the adventure and channel it to her, yeah, that’s it! She takes great care of me and my brother, Mowgli. Our house is full of toys, bones, beds, and lots of love.

To all the mothers of human kids or the furry kind, we appreciate you! Happy Mother’s Day.

My mom, Lorraine Bossé-Smith, is kind enough to help me share my Great Adventures, big and small. My mom is a motivational speaker, corporate trainer, executive recruiter, business consultant, coach, fitness expert, 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/kuma/kumas-great-adventures/

and be sure to follow me on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Kumathedog/ and Instagram: kumaitothedog

Get outside! You never know what you’ll discover, and our paths just might cross. Happy tails!