Wow! Those who live in Colorado got snow while we are heating up here in Phoenix. This time of year means we head north more often to cool off, and we did just that this past weekend. Mom is grateful that we are both sleeping better, and Dad is slowing doing better.
We hopped in the car – well, I don’t hop up into daddy’s truck anymore but instead get a lift and pretend I am a flying Shiba – and headed north to Flagstaff. We left early enough to beat the traffic and didn’t think it was quite as busy. Perhaps gas prices are hindering folks from driving too far? Don’t worry as I always share local adventures, too.
Anyway, we plugged in Frances Short Pond, which is actually located in the Thorpe Sports Park Complex, a huge area for all sorts of activities. Once in Flagstaff, take a left on Santa Fe and then a right on Aztec Street. The park is on your left, and you’ll se the pond. Parking is free, but they only have port-o-potties available for humans. Mom said it was gross, and dad concurred. No worries for me because I go wherever I want. Awoof!
The drive took us about 1 hour and 45 minutes, but we felt it was worth it. Instead of temperatures near 100, it was 64 degrees! Yowsa. I was one happy pup! We got out and walked just a little way to set up chairs and a table for a picnic and fishing. “Um, where are the fishing poles? Mom asked as Dad grabbed the tackle box. Oops. No fishing poles. Last time, he forgot everything, so he made progress by getting the tackle box in the truck. Too bad as the pond was just stocked with rainbow trout.
Dad felt up for a short walk and joined us as we went around the pond. Frances Short Pond is small but
beautiful. The dirt trail around it is only ¼ of a mile, but you will see all types of ducks, Blue Heron and even Osprey. The fish were jumping, and mom and I said nothing…not a peep. One guy got a very nice Rainbow Trout. We kept moving along. I did take a quick dip in the water. That always feels good!
Back to our picnic area, mom broke out our lunch. We devoured our food and enjoyed watching baby ducks swim around. They are so fuzzy! Mom and I decided to check out the rest of the Thorpe Sports Park while Dad rested his back. The pond is just one small piece of the park. We saw tennis courts, a soccer field, ball fields and a dog park. A man was training a bunch of canines, and as we walked by, I held my head and tail high. I’m a very good boy, don’t you know?! Oh, and I’m handsome…and humble.
The Flagstaff Urban Trail (FUT) has outlets at the park. You can go 2.7 miles toward a museum or .5 miles to downtown from the park. It is a flat, dirt path great for walking, jogging or bicycling. We saw quite a few people bike or run through.
We sat back down with Dad, and the dog trainer came our way with all his clients. It was like watching a dog show! We got to see about 12 different breeds. I nodded at each but didn’t bark because I didn’t want to get anyone in trouble. They were practicing heeling. Good job my fellow furry friends! Woof.
The clouds rolled in and the winds kicked up something fierce, bringing the temps down to barely 60. I didn’t mind it, but mom got cold. We packed the car up and headed home. Dad always likes to beat the traffic coming down the hill, so this worked out just perfect. I slept most of the way home and was ready to play with Mowgli.
Even though we didn’t go on a big hike, we liked this park and pond. Everyone was very friendly, and it has lots of options depending upon what you’d like to do. I love adventures of all kinds, and relaxing in nature with my family is hard to beat. By the way, Memorial Day weekend is coming up, and we will be heading out of state for an adventure. Mom and I probably won’t get to write about it until Tuesday. Until then…
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!
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