Jenn and I took Ghost up to Patapsco today to the Hilton Area (the park is split into areas), and we hiked along the Patapsco River to Cascade Falls and back.  It wound up being almost a 9 mile trek, and it was about 97 degrees by the end of the hike.  Ghost took the opportunity to go for a swim every time we were by the water, but Jenn and I weren't as lucky

Rocky cliff overlooking the park:


Ghost and I at Cascade Falls:


Jenn at the falls:


Ghost's attempt at being a Ruffwear model:


Under an old bridge:

https://mapsengine.google.com/map/edit?mid=zg-snrdqJx-c.k8xo_YZrJFlU

Here is our track from today. OH MY GOD was it HOT!! Send me back to my CO peaks and high elevation, props to all of you that hike in weather like this!
I am having a blast hanging out with Meredith, Aaron, Ghost, Shadow and the rest of their pack! To bad im heading back to Philly tomorrow.

I am so jealous of you two, you guys looked like you had such great fun. Remember I am new to the whole hiking with dog thing, so please tell me is the whole set up with Ghost needed? Do you need the packs to use belt? I'm very interested in the belt (don't even know what it's called), It's the best pics I've seen, Michael's avatar shows something similar, would love more info on it. Also can this be used in lieu of a traditional leash, like in public? Meredith and Jennifer you got me so stoked (crap is that word used anymore, lol) seeing your photos, sorry for my abundance of enthusiasm, but you looked so happy, especially Ghost, and what a beautiful place.
Renee

I use "stoked" all the time   

I actually just ran the straps from my backpack through the leash of Ghost's handle, though I do want to get an actual belt. If you run a search, there are a few threads already on here about the belts. If you really want to get into serious hiking (and there's some good stuff there in W. Texas), at the very least you need good hiking boots, a decent pack to carry supplies, and I'd recommend a good harness. We use the Ruffwear stuff, it's really high quality and worth the price. Make sure you start small as well, and acclimate both yourself and Miya before jumping in on really serious stuff. We have a lot of serious hikers on here, so there's tons of good info for you

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you Meredith,

I will do a search on it. My husband works a stupid amount of hours, still working on convincing him I need a camera  I had originally brought up making an agility course for Miya, since we have almost a full acre of yard. She needs something to do. I had posted up a toy thread and Jenn(Twisterll), gave me some ideas, but she needs that physical activity, besides walks. To be honest last few weeks it's been in the upper 80's at dusk, dreadfully hot, and it's not safe to walk here after dark(think wild hogs, coyotes). Bird season is still a couple months away,(yes that is her primary job, lol)  Starting off slow is important, more me than her, I'm much more concerned of rattle snakes than anything else, regular hiking boots would not protect me in that scenario I'm afraid   

So, I have been reading threads and just trying to get ideas on what would work best for the 2 of us, as far as much needed activities. We do have 2 bird seasons a year, but with my husbands schedule, I don't think that will cut it for her, especially when cooler weather finally gets here. She is a very patient and relaxed husky so far this summer, she will tell me when she wants to go back into the ac of the house, which is about 20 minutes outside, just walking the perimeter of our property. So I know she must get bored, husband has taken her 4wheeling here and there, it does give her some exercise, holding on, trust me I wasn't a fan of her riding, but you can not get her off of it, she begs in the morning to go in the garage and she sleeps on it. Btw, our evening walks consist of me walking 3-6 miles and since I call her back a lot she probably walks twice as much. I just want to give her variety, and challenges.

So I will check out some threads, I'm sure that's a no husband needed activity we can do. Thanks again, and Thank you for sharing your pics.
Renee



and I do apologize ladies if I hijacked your thread, purely unintentional.

Those are some nice pics! Looks like you two had an awesome time. I wish I could meet up with some of you guys, but I'm so far out here on the westcoast...i'm all alone!    lol