Local gems

Hello Everyone, 

Finding cool local spots is a highlight of travelling. It can be tough to write about them without either sounding like a brochure or some hipster bragging about how much cooler they are, but permit me this indulgence. 

I was up early yesterday and so hit the trails early as well. It was just past midday when Arthur and I had already put in a couple of hours, and since it was hot, I figured that was enough riding for the day. What would really be great would be finding a spot where he could swim and cool off.

I googled local dog parks, but nothing stood out. There was a big city park nearby, with a stream going through it, so I figured we would chance it there. 

It turned out to be amazing. We wandered through the park until I noticed we were being passed by high school aged kids, soaking wet, going in the other direction. I followed the path where it seemed they were coming from until we discovered the local swimming hole.

What a gem. It was tucked away in a clearing inthe foredt. There were several gangs of teens there, hanging out near some thoroughly ignored signs saying swimming was prohibited. It had a little waterfall at one end and some small rapids at the other. There was a log crossing the stream that the boys would scamper across to get to a high point and then jump in the pool.

I tossed a stick for Arthur and he happily swam after it. I took some photos for Instagram and let him paddle around for a little while. We didn't stay too long, I didn't want to be the creepy older guy hanging out where teenagers congregate, but it was great to find that spot to let Arthur cool off. 

Wes