Not to insult anyone, but I want to first make sure everyone knows what a “Way Station” is. For me, it is that general store of sorts in a park that seems to always have exactly what you forgot to bring on your camping adventure. Marshmallows, check. Matches, check. Baked beans, check. Some even have postcards, ice cream and deli counters and various souvenirs.
It is also usually staffed with some really helpful people who can direct you, teach you and give you great information about the park. Maps, phones and firewood are usually staples at the Way Station.
So today we launch our Way Station page and intend for it to evolve into that same type of invaluable resource. We are preparing checklists, compiling favorite links, providing directions and more. This home page will still be the first place for new content, but before you head out on a hike or camping trip, be sure to click to the Way Station to make sure you have everything.
As always, if you have something to add or need a resource not listed, we want to hear about it!
This past weekend Karma received some new gear to make his life even better! Both came from our friends at AgileDogs Rock!! who travel to agility trials with all the best goodies stuffed in their truck. If you need, want or desire anything for your active pup, find them on Facebook!
That yellow thing in the photo is called an eGGe and it’s even better than a soccer ball! Karma can’t “cheat” by picking it up because it’s made of hard plastic. And when he pounces on it, the eGGe sort of “squirts” away because of its irregular shape and the game is on! We originally tried it out in snow and the eGGe travels even faster on the white stuff! The downside is it doesn’t kick quite the same way as a soccer ball – ha! – unless you have some seriously hard-toed shoes. Oh, and when you throw it, make sure you don’t accidentally hit your boy in the face (not that I would ever do that!).
His new fashion accessory with the red trim is a K9 Kool Coat. As you know from previous posts, Karma’s generous coat makes him melt in the heat. When I say heat, I mean anything over 75 degrees! Ha! The coat is made of a mesh fabric that breathes while it reflects the sun. The added bonus is you can wet the coat and it increases the cooling properties. I like it much better than RuffWear’s Swamp Cooler as this one doesn’t trap the moisture and thus heat up. It worked really well after Karma played fetch with the Border Collies and got overheated – he cooled down faster in his new duds! I’m sold!
Time: 60+ minutes (when hiking through snow and in rain)
Length: 0.5 miles, loop
Gear: Water & Leash (snowshoes or x-country skis and rain jackets during winter/early spring months)
Difficulty: 4 paws (when snow is present)
Scenery: 3 paws
Pack: You and your dog
Location: Savage River Lodge – Frostburg, MD
With rain and well, more rain there was still little chance Julie and I were going to pass up the opportunity to get the dogs out on some new trails. Factoring in the cold temps in combination with the wet weather we picked a short loop from one of Savage River Lodge’s many hiking trail. The trek was less than a mile and with Cannon’s aversion to water and wetness I considered a manageable task.
To say “a river runs through it” would be an accurate description of what we were in for… believe me, we had no idea what we were in for! After the first trail marker we were half dragged by a couple of excited dogs across a sloped field, behind the lodge, that was oversaturated and overrun with flowing water. Onto the trail Cannon and Karma were still getting morning play time out of their system. When they’d finally got in line and started to hike with us Julie and I found ourselves out of breath, walking in a foot plus of snow.
I could tell that in the warmer months the trail would be not only wide enough for three or four people but also level and at an easy enough grade for any new hiker. This was not one of those warmer months however and ten minutes into it I was regretting not having bought snowshoes earlier in the season (snowshoes are also for rent at the lodge’s ski shop). Though I love my Merril trail shoes they’re just no match for the deep snow with hidden streams that run beneath. Even Julie was getting a healthy bunch of snow falling over the top of her rain boots.
The trails are very well marked and the lodge provides an easy to read map so you can plot your own course. This was particularly helpful to us as Julie, Cannon and I – though happy to be hiking – were definitely looking forward to the warmth of the cabin. I exclude Karma from this list as he was too busy being the happiest dog on earth. He’d run ahead of us and then plop down in the snow with the biggest smile a dog could ever have!! It’s quite a wonderful sight. Meanwhile, during the final leg of the hike as we turned uphill and waded through a rushing stream to ascend to the road, Cannon just stopped. His misery was too much and I was sure he was going to quit on me altogether as it took some coaxing just to get him to continue moving forward.
Although this sounds pretty desperate it was a wonderful hike! Canon and I ran all the way back to the cabin and stood sentry on the porch until Julie and Karma joined us. Julie and I agreed that we felt amazing and refreshed. The dogs agreed that they were done for the day and started what became a full day of napping.
This past weekend Katina and I packed up Cannon and Karma and set out for our first overnight OBH trip of 2010. Our destination: Savage River Lodge in western Maryland. OBH supporter and our dear friend Jasmine also made the trek for Saturday night.
Their website does a beautiful job conveying the beauty and comfy vibe but you really have to experience it – and we did. Saying that Jan and Mike are dog friendly is an obvious understatement. Not only are dogs invited, they receive a little goody each morning when the breakfast picnic basket arrives (photo) at the door with the newspaper and daily newsletter.
Our cabin was a perfect mix of practical and luxurious. We took advantage of the refrigerator for the lunches and snacks we packed as well as the hot pot for tea and cocoa. They provide sheets to cover the bed and/or furniture in case your pup prefers to snuggle.
Saturday night we had dinner in the lodge and the food was fantastic along with the wine list. There was a fire going in the lobby and bar area, adding to the homey feel. This was in perfect contrast to the cold and rainy weather.
Sunday we had an early lunch before giving the dogs one more opportunity to play and get muddy! Dogs are allowed off leash at times so long as they are on their best behavior. The combination of melting snow, rain and mud gave me the final push to drive Karma straight to Vienna Pet Spaw for a bath on our way home.
A special thanks to Dr. Kim Danoff for suggesting this wonderful getaway! We are already planning a September return trip!
C&O Canal Towpath – Billy Goat Trail Section B
Time: 60+ minutes
Length: 2.5 miles, roundtrip
Gear: Water & Leash
Difficulty: 4 paws
Scenery: 4 paws
Pack: You and your dog
Location: C&O Canal at Old Angler’s Inn, 10801 MacArthur Blvd. Potomac, MD
Note: This is a National Historical Park so a leash is required.
I shall begin with a confession: I have not (yet) done this trail. But it sounds really fantastic and I can’t wait to do it! I read about this hike in a recent issue of Northern Virginia Dog so thanks to the author, Carol Brooks of DogOn Fitness.
Because there are some challenging areas, it’s best to tackle this hike when the weather is dry and the wind isn’t whipping off of the Potomac. There are absolutely some challenging areas so lace-up your favorite hiking boots in the parking lot across from Old Angler’s Inn. Of course, weekdays are less crowded on the off-chance you can call-in a sick.
There will be a bulletin board in the left rear of the parking lot with a map or check the National Park Services site before you go. Cross over the bridge to the left and look for the sign that marks the head of the trail, “Billy Goat Trail Section B West End.” Follow the well-marked blue blazes into the woods and toward the Potomac.
You’ll be happy you wore your boots because some of the hike can be sloppy especially after a rain or all the snowmelt we have had. But soon you’re at the river and then you’re navigating the toughest part of the trail complete with a large pond, rocky cliffs, a stream, gully and downed trees. If you stick close to the river in this area and always look for the blue blazes, you’ll stay on the right trail.
Towards the end of the challenging part of the trail you will cross a small stream. You won’t go around, you will cross so be prepared. From here it’s smooth sailing and an easy 1 mile walk back to the parking lot. The Marsden Tract will be on your left as you cross over the second footbridge to the lot and to your car.
As soon as it dries out a bit we will be there! Let us know if you decide to take on the Billy Goat!
Time: 60-90 minutes
Length: 4.7 miles
Gear: Water & Leash
Difficulty Level: 1 Paw
Scenery: 2 Paws
Pack: You and Your Dog
I’d like to think the Rolling Stones were referring to my hike this past weekend when they sang “you can’t always get what you want… but if you try sometimes you get what you need.” What do I want? Warm weather, green grass, and the rustle of leaves! What do I need? Some time out of the house, out on a trail somewhere with Cannon.
On Saturday I found myself really burned out on my usual walk around the neighborhood with Cannon and just couldn’t fane excitement to roam the Manassas Battlefield, which is a summer staple of mine. It was time to try something new, so I took my husband’s advice and headed to Burke Lake Park with Cannon – a hike they’d done together in the fall. Since it was my first time I decided to fire up the laptop to read some park facts, look at the trail map and get directions. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that the Park was named one of the 10 best fitness trails in the nation by the American Hiking Society. It also features a unique list of features.
- Campgrounds
- Ice Cream Parlor
- Marina
- Mini-Golf
- 18 hole, par 3 Golf Course
- Rides (carousel and train)
The park wasn’t very tricky to find. It’s located off of 123 (Ox Road) in Fairfax Station, Virginia. During the off-season months you can drive in past the park office without stopping. The fee for non-Fairfax residents during Spring through Fall is $8. You will find there are a few parking lots around the park that will give you access to the trail that loops the lake (4.7mile loop). We pulled in near the amphitheater and with the ground still snow covered followed the footprints down to what I hoped was that trail.
I didn’t know what to expect since the snow in my yard had mostly melted. I was in for was a mix of snow, ice, standing water, dirt and pavement. It would have been a great day to throw on some snowshoes and explore the off trail, untouched snow. Not having this equipment I simply stuck to the trail that was packed for me. It was a great 90 minute trip around the lake. The ice and snow made for some slippery hiking. This didn’t seem to bother the dozens of other people I encountered on the trail, including mountain bikers. I met a local, named Lenn, who took the tour with me and told me all about best features of the park.
- Launching canoes & kayaks from the marina
- Watching the Great Blue Herons fly above the lake and nest in an island.
- Hiking the trail
- Seeing the kids line up for the train during Halloween
He pointed out nature trails that branch off from the main loop and a great spot on the shore where you can sit on a bench and watch the scenery.
All in all it was a great hike. Cannon enjoyed being able to splash through the puddles and even ran into the lake to retrieve a stick (a great feat for him I assure you). I enjoyed getting to talk to some new people (this is a heavily traveled trail) and getting some fresh air. I’ll make sure to make it back in the spring or summer to give some more detail on the quality of the trail once I can see it out from under all that snow and ice.
