This past weekend was Mother’s Day. I don’t really remember my doggy mom as I left her when I was only eight weeks old. I have a toy in my kennel from my days with her, and it reminds me to be grateful for her giving life to me. I sort of remember Beth who is my grandma because she nurtured me as the breeder carefully and meticulously overseeing my development. Most importantly, I know I have the best human mom imaginable! The day she came over to meet me was the best day ever, and I knew right away she was the human for me!
For 11 ½ years, she has walked me, brushed me, taken care of my health by brushing my teeth and getting my shots, picked up after me, played with me, cuddled with me, fed me, hiked me, and a long list of other things to give me a great life full of adventures. She even tolerates me when I’m being a pill or acting like a drama King. I am, after all, a Shiba Inu! To celebrate and thank her for all she does, we headed to Lynx Lake in Prescott as it is one of her favorites.
We left early in the morning to beat the traffic and took I-17 north to the Prescott turn off. Program in “Lynx Lake Southshore Boat Ramp” into your GPS, and you will be told to go through the Prescott Valley and turn left on Walker Road once in town to the lake (right by PetSmart). Keep an eye out for the Southshore Boat Ramp, which is the third entrance to the lake. The first is the Northshore, and the second is the campground, which is currently closed.
Wow, we were shocked to see all the cars that early in the morning. In fact, we had never seen it so busy ever! Due to COVID-19, the fees have been waived, so that attracted a lot of folks, many of which are sick of quarantine. We get it – change of scenery. Unfortunately, they all crammed into the picnic area making it quite noisy. In the future, be prepared to pay a daily-use fee.
Lots of my kind were out with their humans. Some just picnicking and others fishing. My dad brought his 
reel and would cast it once in a while as we hiked around the lake. Oh, the smell of pine! Mom and I took deep breaths to let it all in. Lynx Lake is at 5,530 elevation with pine trees, so the temperature is always cooler than down in the valley. Most of the trail has shade, which makes this a great hike any time of year.
The trail is marked by the human restrooms and starts off paved but quickly turns to dirt. It is an easy, flat trail that goes completely around the lake or 2.5 miles. I love that I have access to the lake throughout the hike, and I took many dips in the cool, refreshing water. Dad kept trying to catch fish, but he didn’t have any luck. Apparently, they recently stocked the lake, but no one was having any luck…at least from the shore. Several folks were out in kayaks and canoes. Perhaps they had better luck. They rent equipment at the lake to use, should you be interested.
At the half way mark, you come to a dam with water crossing. Last time the water was pretty deep, but it was just a trickle today. The trail was busy, and I got to say hello to humans and dogs alike. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw a Shiba Inu dog. Eleven years ago, no one even knew my breed here in America. You humans finally discovered our amazing breed and can’t get enough of us (ha). Anyway, Kazoo is a beautiful, sweet red Shiba Inu who is about my age. Dang! We are both looking good. We enjoyed a lengthy visit as the humans told stories about us.
Depending upon the water level, you can cut the trail short. Mom always likes to go the full length regardless, so we stick to the trail. You will see cut off through the creek should you choose to cross rather than go around. The trail ultimately brings you to opposite side of the parking lot. NOTE: Several times the trail splits with one going up high and one following the lake. In all cases, they connect back together, so don’t worry which one you take.
We were fortunate to get a picnic table in the shade and enjoyed a snack. We watched the water and activities going on. We opted to head out and would eat lunch later. The wind was kicking up, and mom said a storm would be coming to Prescott that would bring rain. The drive home went smoothly for us, but we saw the long backup on I-17 heading north due to an accident. That’s a good reminder to all to always be prepared with extra water for “just in case.” We’ve been stuck for three hours before due to a fire. It’s not fun, but if you have each other, some water, and AC, you can endure.
Back home, we cooked up a T-bone steak for mom, and I got the bone. Man, life IS good! Happy Mother’s Day to all who love, nurture, and care for humans and animals alike. Life is richer and better because of you.
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, business consultant, executive coach, behavioral-wellness 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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