Hike & Frisbee @ Mountain Creek - 7/29/2017

Hike: Mountain Creek (Confederate Memorial Park), Sat., 7/29/2017, 09:00-10:30CDT

Distance: 2.4 miles  Difficulty: Easy, though humidity was extremely high! Rating: 5.0/5.0

Conditions: Cloudy.  Temperature in upper 70s to low 80s with very high humidity.  Calm to light breeze.  Trails mostly in good shape with a few eroded area due to recent rains.  Some standing water.  No blow-downs.

Thoughts/Observations: 

Today was another combo day, with hiking and frisbee play.  I was particularly pleased with Gracie's behavior on-trail.  She was off-leash for frisbee play and for the last 1/3 to 1/2 of the hike (no one else on trails).  She was incredible, staying within eye-shot of me and coming when called.  I have always desired a dog that I could depend on to come when called and that I could trust off-leash.  Gracie seems to be developing into that dog!  One could not ask for a better hiking buddy.  She is always ready for an adventure - always has a positive attitude.  Her jubilant personality is infectious!

We started the morning with a trip to Tropical Smoothie Cafe for an Island Green smoothie and our normal All American Omelette.  We shared the omelette at one of the picnic areas in the park before beginning our hike.  After a brief warm up with the frisbee, we hit the Nature Trail.  

No wildlife was encountered during our hike though Gracie seemed to be interested in smells throughout much of the time.  She particularly enjoys the small creek area off the nature trail, eagerly going down into the creek and splashing around in the water and sand.

After hiking the Nature Trail we spent a little time on the grassy area downhill from the church.  This  is our prime frisbee play portion of the park.  Gracie can chase long-throws at full speed without interference here.  We encountered a family of three as we hiked to the grassy area.  The young teenage girl asked and petted Gracie.  She attracts attention wherever we go with those gorgeous eyes.

With the frisbee play complete we packed up and hiked the horse trails along the creek and into the pine upland area.  Gracie enjoyed laying in the rain cooled sand as we prepared to climb the small hills into the pine upland.  Since she was so well behaved today, I let Gracie off-leash for the last 1/3 to 1/2 of the hike.  I am absolutely thrilled with Gracie's demeanor, intelligence, and actions on trail.  She is a wonderful blessing - a wonderful Hiking Buddy!