Hiking Archives - Spencer the Goldendoodle

Beginning of the Mississippi River

March 1, 2016 by spencerthegoldendoodle 14 Comments

M-I-S-S-I-S-S-I-P-P-I!

Have you ever wondered where the Great Mississippi River begins? Well, this past weekend I had the opportunity to meet up with several other Minnesota Instagram dogs at Itasca State Park where the Mississippi River starts. Here is a sneak peak what is to come on Friday’s post where I will share more great scenic pictures and the pups I met. [Read more…]

Hard Time Focusing

October 7, 2015 by spencerthegoldendoodle 17 Comments

I guess my mom wanted to focus on the wheel and not me! Have you ever been enjoying the scenery so much you forget to focus on the image you want?

Don’t forget to enter for your chance to win: Caru Natural Stew One of Each of Their Four Flavors.

Today I’m joining the Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop hosted by BlogPaws.

Fort Ridgely Hike

September 11, 2015 by spencerthegoldendoodle 17 Comments

My humans and I hit the road for a “historic” hike at Fort Ridgely. We have camped at the state park connected to this historic site but I have never visited. So we jumped into our car and headed out for some fresh air and bonding time.

Here is some history about Fort Ridgely:

“Built in 1853 as a police station to keep peace as settlers poured into the former Dakota lands, it withstood several attacks in the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862 and became a training ground for Civil War recruits.”

To learn more visit the Minnesota Historical Society.

As we walked along the path my humans read the signs to me and explained what the rocks in the ground were.

My humans explained to me that the rock structures, we were seeing in the ground, were the foundation to the buildings at the fort. These structures were amazing to see and imaging what they were like when the buildings were on them.

Now time to pose in front of the monument.

I had so much fun visiting For Ridgely. Can’t wait to see where my adventures bring me next.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend, see you on Monday!

Today I’m joining the FitDog Friday Blog Hop hosted by SlimDoggy, My GBGV Life, and To Dog With Love

Geocaching Fun with Your Dog

June 19, 2015 by spencerthegoldendoodle 25 Comments

Today I’m sharing with you one of my latest adventures, Geocaching. I bet most of you have never hear of Geocaching before. If you are one of those people please watch this informational video to get you all caught up.

Alright, we are all on the same page now. I would also like to add a quick disclaimer: if you plan on geocaching the Minneopa State Park in Southern Minnesota, please do not continue to read.

***Spoiler Alert Ahead***

Now I can start my adventure.

My humans and I arrived at Minneopa State Park with their cell phones in hand. My dad entered the first set of coordinates that we got from geocaching.com. And we where off.

Our cell phones lead us behind a building. There they were staring us in the face, our next set of coordinates. After inputting them, we headed off following the little compass on our phones.

As we were following the compass we couldn’t help ourselves but to notice the beautiful scenery around us.

Then we came to a bench. We searched and searched and then underneath we found our second set of coordinates.

Once again, we inputted them and hit the trail.

This time the coordinates lead us over a creak and up a steep set of step.

Finally we get to the top of this hill. We took a moment to catch our breath as well as enjoy the gorgeous waterfall. This state park has two amazing waterfalls that draws people from near and far. Especially during winter when they freeze over.

After a few minutes appreciating our surroundings, we were off again.

Then I noticed a big log laying, in what seemed like the middle of nowhere.

So I started sniffing around and there was a hole in the back of the log. With the help from my mom we cleared the pile of sticks covering the hole and noticed a metal box.

We pulled the metal box and we all started celebrating.

WE FOUND IT!

We immediately open it and pull out the log box and sign it with our geocaching name.

Then we pulled out the treading cards to see which flower represents Minneopa State Park. Each of the stated parks in Minnesota have a different trading card for people to collect. This theme is “Call of the Wildflowers.”

We took one as a souvenir, got our usual photo as proof, close the metal ammo can up and place it back where we found it. We then recorded “found” on our geocaching account, bringing out total finds up to 472. Another successful fun and another great adventure.

We love geocaching! It is a great way to bring some excitement to your hike as well as getting people and animals moving. Geocaching is great for adults and kids alike, I mean, who doesn’t like to go treasure hunting.

Today I’m joining the FitDog Friday blog hop hosted by: SlimDoggy, My GBGV Life and To Dog With Love

Frolicking in the Woods

May 22, 2015 by spencerthegoldendoodle 10 Comments

This past week in Southern Minnesota it was on the cool side. Which made it great for frolicking in the woods.

One of my favorite places to hike is Minneopa State Park. This park has two gorgeous waterfalls, a couple of bridges, and lots of steps that go both up and down.

The best way to end a great hike is to play a wonderful game of fetch. My humans love using a stick, so if I loose it, they don’t have to go searching for it!

Hanging outside was a great way to start my Memorial weekend.

P.S. Great news, no ticks the entire time I was in the woods!!! 🙂

Enter or Not to Enter

May 20, 2015 by spencerthegoldendoodle 14 Comments

Enter or Not to Enter, that is the question.

These last two days my humans and I went camping at one of the local state park. I can’t wait to share all the adventures we went on, as well as giving you some tips and tricks camping with dogs. For now, have a wonderful Wordless Wednesday.

Spencer’s Pit Stops: Minneopa State Park

March 13, 2015 by spencerthegoldendoodle 12 Comments

Happy Friday!

This past week my humans and I went to one of the local state parks for a hike. We wanted to see if the waterfalls were open with the warm weather we’ve been having.

First, we came upon the upper waterfall. We looked and looked but were only able to fine three little areas where the falls that were open. Even the stream part was mostly frozen. But I wouldn’t recommend ice skating.

It sure was a peaceful day for a hike! There were many people out and about taking in the beautiful weather. What more could we ask for in March then sun days and temps in the 60’s.

As we were hiking, I was able to explore a little.

The lower falls was starting to separate. It was amazing how it was starting melting, yet was still frozen. I could have sat there all day soaking up the rays.

Stretching my legs, hearing the birds, smelling the fresh air, and feeling the melting snow beneath my paws was amazing.

Spring is definitely right around the corner and I look forward visiting more of Minnesota’s great state parks.