Last Friday Mom took me and Olivia to Murphy Hanrehan Park Preserve to go walking. We hear a lot about this place, but had never been there. It is another one of the Three Rivers Park District places and it is not far from one of our favorites, Cleary Lake. They also have a nice looking dog park, but we are not big dog park fans, so we don’t go to dog parks much. Taking a nice hike is more fun.
Looking at the park online, it seems to have a lot of trails. One thing we know for sure is that our mom gets lost easily. Before heading out on a walk, we have to study the map and try to figure out where we need to go so we can eventually come back to the parking lot. The sign mentions hilly trails, and they are sure right about that. It was a bit like walking on a roller coaster track, but we all enjoyed the workout.
Mom says the map didn’t make much sense to her, but we headed out following signs for the Knob Trail. The name is easy to remember as we walk along. Sometimes she gets scared when there are a lot of trails and she isn’t sure which way to go because she thinks we will get lost. Since her heart attack she panics a little bit but we keep going so she can work through it. We are with her, so she isn’t alone and it always works out.
They are not kidding when it comes to hills. You can see one of the hills behind us in this shot. Going downhill was most fun but Mom says it is a bit scary because the leaves are slippery and we pull a lot.
Black Friday is a great day. With everyone out shopping and not walking, squirrels are out and about like crazy, making us go nuts! Who can focus on the camera if squirrels are racing about?
It can be irritating when we are focusing on squirrels and our mom is demanding that we look at the camera. Olivia and I took turns letting her know our feelings on the subject. Don’t worry, she doesn’t take it personally. Mom knows it is a losing battle if squirrels are running around.
There are picnic tables here and there along the trails. We decided to take a short break on top of one. The weather was cool, and the sun was behind the clouds, but all the hills with the ups and downs do tend to wear us all out and overheat us a little bit.
Olivia really gets worked up when squirrels tease her. She jumped up on the log and was totally focused, but there is no way to catch one if we are on leash.
Toward the end of our walk we found one of these shelters made from sticks. They are always fun to find and to sit inside of. We really like the Murphy Hanrehan Park Preserve. I’m sure we will be going back again one of these days. Mom did a good job and we didn’t even get lost! I guess we are lucky to have so many great places to get out and walk in nature around us here in the suburbs.
My GBGV Life is happy, so we’re joining Comedy Plus for Happy Tuesday!
That does look like a fun place, i hope you get to go again soon.
We won’t be going there in the winter as the trails are groomed for skiers and no dogs are allowed on the trails, but we will be going back.
What a wonderful place for walk/hike and for lots of lovely pictures.
We always love discovering new places.
that was clever to use your tongue for the right path… we do that sometimes too and we find the best places… not that we actually looked for but always interesting :O)
We never get lost but Mom’s nose just isn’t any help in her finding the right way!
That looks like a fun place with lots to explore!
Lots of woods and even a lake.
The brave explorers ( three amigoes?)! Great shots! Good thing your mom doesn’t take your faces personal. Watch those leaves, they sometimes harbor acorns and can make for treacherous trails.
Mom knows critters take priority for us, ALWAYS!
You are so fortunate to have such wonderful parks with awesome paths. Loved your taking turns with tongue out Friday as you were scouting the squirrels. Keep taking such good care of your mommy. XOXO Sparkle
We will always be good to mom because we love her and she loves us so much. Exploring new trails is always a lot of fun. We can’t wait to see what we find on our upcoming trip.
What a fun girls day outing. I love the teepee at the end
Hugs Cecilia
We have seen them here and there for a few years now but we can’t remember what they are called or why people build them.
I wish I could have gone with you. We would have had lots of fun. Well I would because I could love on you.
Thank you for joining the Happy Tuesday Blog Hop.
Have a fabulous Happy Tuesday. Scritches to all the babies. ♥
We always have lots of fun, but most that walk with us get worn out and don’t want to go again because we go far and fast. Good thing Mom is usually up for the challenge!
That looked like a fun hike! Cinnamon is not a fan of Dog parks either. And she is a fan of chasing squirrels (not being stuck on a leash). We love the tongue shots! Does your Mom have to check you for ticks when you get home? We find fall the worst for those nefarious bugs. slobbery kisses, Cinnamon
We just find too many crazed dogs that stalk us and bother us, and it isn’t much fun. We do go if it is an off time when we don’t expect anyone to be there. As for ticks, We stay mostly on the path, have out tick stuff on, and Mom usually sees them crawling over our furs if there are any. We really don’t like ticks at all.
That does look like a fun place to sniff and explore. You girls sure do discover the bestest spots!
Mom loves new places and that way no one is bored.
another beautiful place to walk, I am very happy that you take such good care of your Mama!!
We all take care of each other.
what a wonderful trail! And aren’t you two wonderful to take care with your Mom!
We all have each other and we look out for each other 🙂
Good job to both of you for keeping your Mom on tract! Such a beautiful hike, we would love to see some of those squirrels along our trails!
xoxo,
Rosy and the Gang
We have more than our share. I wonder if we can box some up and send them to you?