ohmidog!

 
Ace  and a few friends — in honor of his master’s birthday (yes, it’s today) — enjoyed a hike at Gunpowder Falls State Park this week, one that left all involved a trifle muddy and a tad stinky.

Pets, though rules say they must be leashed at all times, are permitted in all areas of the park except for the Hammerman Area. (The dogs in these photos are wearing the new Invisi-Leash, from Fraudco, available only in, uh, my dreams.)

We traipsed the Sweathouse Trail, the trailhead and parking area for which are located where Route 1 (Bel Air Road) crosses the Big Gunpowder Falls, about 5.4 miles north of I-695.

Ace, below, and Fanny, above, have decidedly different approaches to hiking — Ace’s being somewhat restrained perhaps I’ll dip my paw in this water before I continue plodding along; Fanny’s being more pinball- like, kamikaze-on-speed, plunge on in and figure out what you’ve plunged into later.

It was only a 1.7 mile trail, but Fanny probably logged at least eight miles in her roaming. (The Invisi-Leash, I forgot to mention, is infinitely extendable.)

It was a lovely evening jaunt, but now, before the birthday festivities resume, Ace — the Gunpowder running quite muddy and pungent this time of year — really needs a bath.

If you’re wondering what to get me, I could always use another Invisi-Leash.