We have officially entered the Kuma Season when temps are nice and cool. In fact, we even had some hail the other day. You gotta love it canine friends. Woof! Since my kind have fur coats, hiking is much more enjoyable when it is 50 instead of 90! This morning, my mom and her human friend, Jalaine, took me to a new trail off Central Avenue here in North Phoenix. It’s just off the Carefree Highway, right between the 17 and Cave Creek. Central Avenue dead ends at a dirt parking lot, and that’s where we started.
We had several options: a short, easy loop; a long loop; and a hill. We chose the hill. I mean why not? It was easy and chilly out. My mom had to put a warm hat on. Ha. Humans are funny. For the hill, we went down the dirt road past where we parked through the metal gate and then took a left to head up the mountain.
This trail has lots of shade, so it would even be a summer morning option. Today, it was still a little dark out. Yawn. I’m not a morning dog, but as soon as I got the scent of some critters, I was wide awake baby! The trail gets pretty rocky as you climb, so humans will want sturdy shoes. It’s no problem for active four-legged creatures, but if your furry friend has arthritis, it might be too much. Know your limits.
As we made our way up, some balloons were floating right by us. I like when they float as they are nice and quiet. When they heat up the balloon, it hurts my ears. At the top, we saw about half a dozen hot-air balloons out for a chilly morning ride and a 360-degree view of North Phoenix, Cave Creek, and the Sonoran Preserve. The only thing missing was bacon. Bacon makes everything better!
Since no breakfast was served, we began heading back down. Since it had rained, the trail was actually perfect. In the dry seasons, I bet it gets slippery with all the dust. Going down can be as dangerous as going up, so always watch your step and keep your doggies with you. I’m glad that the Kuma Season also means no more rattle snakes! I don’t like them one bit.
We met Bill as we climbed down. He was just starting to hike up. He gave me lots of pets. He said he needed to catch his breath, but I know I stop folks in their tracks. It’s just what I do! Woof! My mom gave him my card (doesn’t ever dog have his own business card?) and said he could follow me on Facebook: Kuma the Dog. That’s right! I have my own Facebook page, so be sure to check it out. In the mean time, enjoy our awesome weather!
Hi! I am Kumaito (Kuma for short), a multi-tan Shiba Inu. My breed is one of the oldest and purest from Japan. I personally was born in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, moved to Friendswood, Texas, and now call Phoenix, Arizona home. I enjoy running or hiking almost every day with my mom, chasing rabbits out of my neighborhood, playing with toys, pestering my brother Edmond, eating, napping … well, I love just about everything and everyone!
My mom, Lorraine Bossé-Smith (Founder of the FIT Leader Formula) 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 eight published books. More importantly, she’s the best doggy mom ever!
Enjoy my blog at https://www.lorrainebosse-smith.com/category/kuma/ and be sure to follow me on Facebook: https://www.face
Get outside! You never know what you’ll discover, and our paths just might cross. Happy tails!
