Perfect winter for a Berner

Argh, it's been a longgggg winter with endless snowfalls and frigid temperatures.  Sawyer's "mommy" has had about enough of it.  Having said that, it's been a perfect winter for Sawyer Doodles.  Even on the coldest days, he insists on staying outside.  A few pictures from this winter.

The Bruce Trail after the ice storm in Dec.

Beautiful ice-laden trees

Sawyer's Auntie S trying to hike through an ice tunnel

Hurley, "What are you looking at?"

Sawyer and his "mommy"

Sawyer. January on the frozen Hamilton, ON beach

Looking out towards Burlington, ON from the Hamilton Beach

one happy bouncing Berner in fresh snowfall

A well deserved nap under his blankie

Glorious December Morning

At last, Mom treated me to a hike in Kerncliff Park, Burlington, where remnants of an old quarry remain, surrounded by stands of hardwood trees, hills, valleys, bridges and a remote pond.  I felt free at last!

Royal Recreation Trail

A few weeks ago, Warren and I drove out to Fergus, Ontario for a hike with Sawyer.  We never made it that far but by chance we discovered the Royal Recreation Trail along the Speed River in Guelph.  It intersected Victoria Rd.  A mostly gravel trail, with some offshoots along the Speed River, which is where Sawyer favoured (as you can see from the pictures).  Had we continued on the trail, our final destination would have been downtown Guelph...next time we'll attempt the whole trail.

River & Ruin with Family

Although the weather was questionable today, nothing stopped us from another favorite hike on the River & Ruin trail.

This hike was especially memorable as we were blessed with the presence of Sawyer's uncle & aunt (AKA Mrs & Mrs O) and his cousin, Guinness or Guin, for short.  Considering the two dogs had only just met, they got along famously.  Guin is a beautiful rescue dog from Louisiana, being part Catahoula Leopard  (Louisiana State Dog) & Australian Sheppard.  He made his grand appearance sporting a colourful bandanna.  Guin had boundless energy, and enjoyed exploring off-trail,  chasing local critters, and keeping Sawyer in check!

(Guinness)

(Mr. O & Guinness)

(W & Sawyer)

River & Ruin is one of our favorite walks, affording hikers & canine friends varied terrain, views,  and a beautiful river to wade in.

Sometime ago, I received an email from surfer_chic who filled me in on some the ruin's history. The "ruin" was in fact, a farmhouse adorned with a wrap-around porch facing the river below. Apparently, the lower fields, below the blue side-trail, was a horse pasture, while the upper portions were used for crops.

To this day, many apples and pear trees remain in the area.  The side-trail was in fact, their dirt road leading them by horse & buggy to Guelph Line, where they ran errands at the General Store (now The Bistro in Lowville, ON).   I would love to see a photograph of the original house.

Sawyer and family did enjoy their morning and look forward to many more hikes with Cousin Guin!

Bruce Trail - Fisher Pond

Yesterday was a splendid morning for a hike on the Bruce Trail beginning at Guelph Line, heading west towards Cedar Springs Rd.  Although it was a serene atmosphere, walking along the well-worn muddy trail, few people in sight, Sawyer whimpered most of the way.  He missed his hiking buddy Hurley.  PF's  and my company just wasn't enough to satisfy him!

We allowed him to go off-leash when the coast was clear.  He didn't hesitate to run up and down the valleys, explore the numerous creeks, chase a chipmunk and take a little swim in the Fisher Pond.  PF and I parked ourselves along the shore of Mr. Fisher's pond, enjoying a snack, while Sawyer enjoyed  exploring the water's edge.

(Fisher Pond in February - Sawyer & Hurley on frozen pond)

Three hours later, the three of us were covered in mud, fatigued and looking forward to heading home.

  (Patiently waiting for us to catch up)

 (smiling Sawyer & PF)

(Where's Sawyer?!)

(Sawyer & "mommy")

Bruce Trail - Waterdown

Last weekend, TJ, Sawyer and I attempted another portion of the Bruce Trail, starting on the west side of Hwy 6 (parking at Old Guelph Rd) and heading east towards Waterdown.  Although this trail begins in a noisy high-traffic area,  the trail afforded us with interesting sights, one of which was the ruin of yet another old homestead (rusty trike included).

Sawyer was quite keen to explore the ruins but more interested in the smells.  He continues to attempt to remove his gentle leader allowing him control over our walk (NOT!).  However, being the softies that we are, we allowed him 5 minutes gentle-leader-free before TJ begged me to put it back on.

This short trail begins through a tunnel going under Hwy 6, then proceeds up cement steps leading to the old homestead, then meanders through the woods, along a rocky trail along the escarpment.  We passed by an outcrop of old rusty metal buckets & barrels, which I believe was an old garbage dump.  Having a fascination with the past, I had to rummage through the debris of broken pottery, glass and even old shoe leather,  letting my imagination go to yesteryear.

 

We turned around once we reached the old quarry.  Sawyer-Doodle-Bugs (his latest nickname) had had enough and welcomed the warm, cozy back seat of our car.  As they say, a tired dog is a good dog!