Holly Recreation Area

July 7, 2022

Holly, MI

It’s been a while since Gob’s last true hike. And he is definitely ready for it. My plan is to hit the trail early. Like 8 AM. Both to avoid people but also because it’s supposed to be HOT today. But to nobody’s surprise, we roll up to the trailhead at 11 AM. Because neither of us like mornings. And it’s already quite toasty out. I apply copious amounts of sunscreen and pack water for our 7-mile hike. But even with our preparation, Gob begins to slow down after a few miles. He is stopping to lay in the shade when I pause for pictures. And he is overjoyed when he finally finds a small creek to cool off in. We complete the first of our two loops and contemplate calling it quits.

But our next loop takes us around a lake, and I know Gob wants to take a dip. With every step we take, Gob looks as me with eyes that say, “Are we there yet?” And I tell him “Soon”. And finally, I’m telling the truth. He can smell the water and picks up the pace. All but pulling me down the final hill and into the water with him. I let him soak for a few minutes, but then the bugs start to, well, bug me. So I convince him to continue down the trail. I have to at least attempt the full loop. Poor old Gob is ready to be done though. He drags behind me like the pitiful old man dog he is. I let him take one more soak, as we turn back to hike the final mile back to our car.