The city is covered in ice!

The city of Albany itself has been hit pretty hard by snow, ice, rain, and hail for the past couple of weeks. And while Koda is very much enjoying the weather (I've had shepherds that have loved the snow before, but he just seems as if his mother was a snowman!), it has been increasingly difficult to find ways to get him outside.

I love just our daily walks around the city during the week, but literally every sidewalk is a sheet of ice, or has never been shoveled, or is in some other way dangerous as all heck.

Soooooo... off to the Pine Bush it is! It's only a 15 minute drive from my house, and while it adds a lot more steps to the process of going on a walk, it is so worth it because I have one happy puppy when we go!

Shoving his face into the snow is a huge favorite ^

Heheh.

Also, I adore watching him jump off trail because he likes walking on the high snow banks, and 1 out of 3 times, he falls through, gets this surprised look on his face, and keeps on going! It's adorable.

I love watching his feet as he glides over the snow. I flounder like a fish if I go off trail without snowshoes, but his weight is distributed so perfectly and his paws spread out just so that he is completely comfortable! (the wonders of nature never cease to amaze!)

Well, this was just a quick update on what we are doing to battle the elements here in NY and still enjoy an active lifestyle with the new pup!

Nap Time!

Snow Love!

So, the city of Albany is a huge mess after the snow storm. It is difficult to even get your car out or park it anywhere. We, of course, are taking the snow-opportunity to go skiing (Bromley this week... what a workout!).

Koda, however, is enjoying the backyard more than ever. He loves to just bully through the snow and shove his face into it.

Today, I brought him out to Albany's Washington Park, which is just a huge innundation of snow, and his favorite: insanely tall snow banks.

So I leave you with some pictures of the little man doing what he loves... having a good time!!

On a training side note: he is listening better and my patience is increasing! I am trying to only use positive reinforcement and we are currently working on his worst offence: pulling on the leash at the end of a walk, agrgh!

Crazy January!!

It seems that August and January are always my most busy months. I feel badly that I cannot get Koda out into the forests more, but it is so cold and difficult in this month, I wouldn't have been trying to push it too far anyway.

Chris and I climbed Wright Mountain in the Adirondacks last Monday (Chris' Birthday!) and it actually seemed more than do-able for Koda! The trail was packed down really well and it wasn't a very difficult winter trail. We climbed Wright in the summertime as well, and would also bring Koda then. However, 7 miles is still too long to risk him tiring out deep in the Adirondacks.

So! For now we are sticking to the city of Albany, do around 3 miles when we do our treks. I, myself, need better winter boots for the city, it's keeping me from staying out much longer.

Koda and I love going down to Buckingham Pond and exploring the pond itself and the surrounding neighborhoods. It's perfect dog-walking territory. He loves watching people ice-skate on the pond and absolutely wants to join in. We get lots of squirrel sightings, as well :D

As you can see, he is getting much bigger!! It really blows my mind. He leaves full-sized dog paw prints in the snow. He just had his 4 month birthday a few days ago... time flies!

A chunk of the Taconic Crest trail: Hopkins Forest!

So, January 2nd. Not my best of best days! We had just gotten back from a Philly New Years run and were a little worse for wear. Didn't eat or sleep the best and wore myself out!

However, keeping my promise to Koda, I made sure we got our butts out of the house to take him for a weekend hike. We chose a simple little chunk of trail in the Taconics that we had done before. We actually had taken this trail to the Snow Hole, which I highly recommend as a super easy day hike to a pretty awesome natural wonder. But I only had about 3 miles in me this day, so we didn't make it that far.

It was a nice, warm day and the snow was melting all around us. It wasn't too muddy at this point yet and neither cold enough to get icy, so the best of both worlds!

Koda saw we were not at full energy, even though he was, but we all still had fun.

The first bit of the trail we did doesn't have the best landscape views, but the forest is beautiful. However, if you get in a few miles, there are overlooks (which we didn't make it to this day, whoops! I am sure Koda didn't mind!).

We met several dogs and other hikers enjoying the day and weather, it is really beautiful to get out and meet other people who love what you love!

Christman Preserve

Christman Preserve is a gorgeous local hike in Delanson, NY, less than an hour's drive from Albany! It can be a short hike or longer depending on the loops you choose to follow. There is a map posted at the beginning of the trail. Lots of information is included in the link I gave you, so I am just going to continue talking about the trail from Koda's POV. :D

This hike starts out in low brush, but soon gets to the beautiful creek (which is obviously iced over at this time of the year in Albany).

Koda had a ton of fun crossing the frozen creek. I had made Chris test it out before I risked getting the pup dunked in frozen water (good job, Chris!) Koda is definitely an explorer and doesn't have much fear when it comes to natural obstacles!

My favorite part of Christman Preserve, however, is the waterfalls, which are stunning in the spring, but frozen in time as they are right now, they are doubly as beautiful.

Koda wasn't too impressed, however, by the majestic landscape and just wanted to go play. "Less pictures, more romping!!" I can just hear him chiding me, hehe.

Koda got to explore a lot of different things on the trail, including a lean-to and lots of bridges.

One warning: The trail to get to the lean-to can be steep and icy and so, a little treacherous. However, this was an early snowfall and no ice had formed in mid-December. Chris and I have been to the preserve in deep winter (without the pup!) and had a tough time navigating it safely. It is easy enough to avoid the trail to the waterfall if need be, but wow, it's so beautiful, it is hard to resist!

As per usual, this hike ended with the little guy all tuckered out. Two miles seems to be about his limit. He was just shy of being three months old at the time of this hike and wanted to stop walking about 50 feet from the car! I urged him on and he was fine, but I am aware of his limits. We continue to go on long daily walks to get his endurance up!

Obligatory sleepy in the car picture:

(Sidenote: Chris owns an Element which has been touted as very dog-friendly, and I would have to concur! It's a great car for Koda and I can see him growing into it very well in the coming years. It is easily cleaned after his muddy paws get everywhere and has lots of space for our gear and Koda's!)

Albany Pine Bush!

I am very lucky to live in Albany and have a really great preserve just minutes from my house. The Albany Pine Bush includes thousands of acres of protected land throughout the area, easily accesible and easily walkable! They have maps at all the trailheads, you can go for a quick fifteen minute jaunt or head out for half a day exploration. I really love it.

Plus, it is a beautiful gem right in the city. When I get onto the trail, I quickly forget that I am so nearby neighborhoods and highways! The pine barrens are really a unique ecosystem, very different from the deciduous forests I usually love so much, and walking on sand dunes is fun for me and Koda!

I am glad to have this option to bring him to, so that Koda doesn't have to always have to walk on pavement when we are stuck in the city for the week. But right now, everything has a thin covering of snow, making it doubly as beautiful.

Koda has gone on several 2 mile walks this week, doing great! He is still full of energy and he is getting stronger day by day. He is shaped like a little barrel and I have a feeling he is going to be quite the powerhouse. Chris remarked that he seems like he was built to be a sled dog! Not that I am going to hitch him up to a sled or anything, but we will do what we can to make sure Koda feels like he is strong and has a purpose!

So, pictures of Koda in the Pine Bush, which is more fun!

He tentatively takes the lead sometimes on our walks, but continuously looks back to make sure I am right there behind him. He was to be independent, but seems a little scared to make the jump 100% just yet! He isn't even 3 months old yet, though, so he has lots of time to progress.

I am feeling good about our week with Koda. He is getting stronger and learning manners more and more. Nipping is still, but less of a problem now. It is easier to calm him down when he gets over-excited. And he isn't destroying the house! He got his little teeth into an ornament off the Christmas tree and a checkbook cover, but all in all, not too bad. I attribute that to keeping him busy and exhausted :D

Chris and I are going skiing on Saturday, but Sunday, I have plans to take Koda to a really fun preserve just outside of Albany that has cool trails and a waterfall (which I assume is frozen by now!). Details to follow!