Because the summer has been so hot, it’s been difficult to create opportunities for Karma where he maintains his conditioning. For instance, long walks are greatly reduced And throwing the ball for more than a few times can also get tricky. So much for building stamina and getting his heart rate up.
Ah, but thankfully a water workout disguised as fun is a near-perfect solution. This past weekend Karma and I went back to Riverbend Park in the morning before too many people got the same idea.
We picked up the green trail just left of the waterfront at the information building. In less than five minutes we came upon a perfect “beach” that would let him play safely in the water and be off leash (shhhhhh!).
As luck would have it another woman, Sarah, and her Standard Poodle, Lilly, had the same idea. Now Lilly was a MUCH better swimmer than the Karmalicious but the competition was good for them both.
Sticks ended up being the preferred fetch “toy” and was a catalyst for increasing cardio and getting the dogs to really go for it. I had started off with his preferred water toy from Ruff Wear but a moment of distraction allowed it to float on down the river out of reach. I imagined it going over Great Falls later in the day, captured in the background of a family photo – Ha!
But I digress. We stayed for just over an hour and Karma let me know he was done by coming out of the water more often and laying in shallow water. He was a tired and content boy the rest of the day and I believe he got a decent workout out of it.
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!
