Dogs first encounter with hot, hot, hot sand

I took the dogs and some kids up to the Turkey Creek area on the Gila River for a nice river hike on a hot weekend. We ran into an unexpected obstacle for the dogs, really hot powdery soft sand.

I parked the truck about 75 yards from the water's edge and we had to walk from the truck to the river before we could get going on our hike. When I first let the dogs out they ran of like crazy fools so I had to whistle them back in and leash them up until we got to the river.

Once on leash and walking at a slower pace the dogs started fussing and checking their feet like they were picking up stickers or getting bitten by ants. Turns out the sand was really, really hot on their pads. I hadn't even considered that happening. Luckily it was just a short walk and there was enough vegitation for the dogs to get some relief on the way. Once down at the river all was well. I'm going to file this experience away so that it doesn't happen to us again. Usually on our hikes, because of the time of day or year, we don't run into sand that is this hot.

First River Hike of the Season

View Gila River Hike-Off Bill Evans Rd in a larger map

On Monday, the dogs and I joined our hiking buddy Bonnie and her Labs, Pete and Jed, for a casual hike down the Gila River. My dogs spend a lot of time on the Gila either hiking or hunting, but it had been a while since we had been out for some serious exercise. They were ready for some off-leash, out of the yard, recreation. There were many lizards to chase and the current in the river was still pretty strong, so water retrieves required a good bit of effort on the part of the dogs.

The dogs also had a blast chasing whiptail lizards. They never catch them, but sure do enjoy the chase. Ranger optimistically tried digging the little critters out.



All in all it was a great afternoon with enough exercise to wear the dogs out for a day or two.

If you are planning a hike in the area that involves any river crossings, at this point the current is still pretty strong. The water level has fallen from spring runoff highs, so navigation is not as difficult as it was in April, but still requires taking care and paying attention. The deepest channels we crossed on our hike were about 4 feet or so and not too wide. The smaller dogs had to really work hard crossing the river when we were going upstream, but all were able to make all crossings without any help.



The dogs were not intimidated by the current at all. All were willing to fetch as many times as sticks and other objects were thrown with no hesitation.

Gila River Trail Hike

Gila River Hike

Yesterday, we loaded up the truck with retrievers took a much needed trip to the river for hours of fun and about six miles of hiking up and down the Gila River Trail. The dogs and humans had a blast. Once again, we took along our Lab buddies, Pete and Jed, as well as their owner, Bonnie.

The drive to the trail had the truck exhibiting more than a couple of new rattles, but it hung together and we all made it there safe and sound.

Jed and the girls started out the hike demonstrating their agility by climbing a sycamore tree, then all the dogs got down to the serious business of playing in the river. The girls were in fishing mode, while Pete concentrated on picking up rocks from the bottom and carrying them to the bank. Jed was on critter patrol and unfortuantely for all involved, he did manage to find a skunk towards the end of the hike. Thank goodness the dogs were not riding home in the cab of the vehicle!

Everywhere you turned there was another stunning scene. The colors were lush and the landscape breathtaking. All of the cacti were blooming and we were treated to a spectacular sunset.

What we saw on our trek Sunday

We ran into this little guy while out on the Gila river Sunday morning. As you can see by the pictures Sue did not listen when told to "leave it" and once again had to learn the hard way. Luckily, there was no actual dog/bobcat contact.

Bobcat