Dang. We got even more snow up north with this last system, and we might get another storm this weekend. Just crazy! Welcome to spring weather in most parts of the country: unpredictable and volatile. We usually only contend with warm or hot. Enjoy it while it lasts!
After our last snow adventure in the Happy Jack area, we continued on to the town of Pine. If you recall, one of the guys on a snow mobile recommended the Pinewood Tavern for lunch. His daughter works there. What we didn’t know is they are dog friendly…inside and out! How cool is that?
We entered, and I immediately saw her. I could get lost in those blue eyes! Her name was Willow, and she was one pretty pup! She was with her human at the bar. We got a table with a view, meaning I could see her from where we sat. When her human walked her by to leave, I played it cool, though. Truth be told, I’m too old for her. A dog can dream, can’t he? Where was I?
Oh yes, lunch! We were told the burgers were amazing, so Dad and Mom each got one. As we waited for 
our food, we noticed everyone wearing green. This was the Saturday before St. Patricks’ Day, so they were celebrating big. A group of men in skirts (Dad said they are actually called kilts) were carrying these bag pipes. What a strange noise they made! The group was outside giving a concert in the parking lot.
Our food arrived in short order, and the burgers were huge. Mom wasn’t quite sure how to eat it! They could have shared one, but I’m glad they didn’t because I got to help Mom eat hers. Yum! The burgers were juicy, tasty, and the fries excellent. Prices are very reasonable, so we give this place a big thumbs up.
Our bellies were full, and we hopped back in the car to continue toward the town of Payson. We plugged in Green Valley Park, which is the one with the lake. Channel 3 news often shoes the weather camera from there. It was cool the day we went, but Green Valley Park was covered in snow this morning. Yowsa!
You’ll find plenty of parking and human restrooms at this 43-acre park, located at the end of the Historic Main Street. It has three lakes, a playground, picnic ramadas, and offers fishing, kayaking, and beautiful scenery.
The path around the main lake is paved and relatively flat. I was game to go all the way! I, of course, had 
to sniff everything and say hi to everyone. We went slowly, but we completed the .7-mile loop. This was on top of our snow adventure, so I was definitely ready for a nap now.
Dad drove us home without a hiccup. We had a bit of winter and spring in one day. If you head up to Payson this week, you may get more winter than spring. Always check the weather forecast before going.
We will keep Happy Jack, Pine, and Payson in mind this summer. The drive isn’t any further than Flagstaff, and it isn’t nearly as busy. Stay tuned for more adventures in Rim Country! Before I forget, Happy Easter to you. Gee, it is early this year. Mom likes it better in mid to late April, but no one asked us.
I have a joke for you: What’s an egg’s favorite hot drink? An eggspresso, of course. On that note…
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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