This past week I’ve been in Hoffman Estates dog-sitting Bronson.  The weather has been ABSOLUTELY gorgeous and it feels like summer.  I love it.  Right near my sister and brother-in-law’s place is a forest preserve and every time I drive by it I think, “I should take Bronson over there and go for a walk.”

Well, on Saturday Adam came out here and we decided a hike in the forest preserve would be a great way to spend the day.  It was beautiful, sunny, and Bronson was ready to go.

Thus began a long 8ish miles.  I’m not going to say it was a bad hike or a particularly difficult hike, just… unexpected.  A few things I learned during those 8 or so miles.

1. Even though you’re going to a forest preserve and you can see tons of trees, none of those trees will be along the path and you will be walking in blazing prairie for 99.9% of the hike. You will only put sunscreen on about 1/3 of the way into the hike and you will regret it.
2. You will check the trail map beforehand and see that there will be water stops along the trail.  That map is a liar.  There will be one stop with water at the very beginning and you will run out of water right when you need it most.
3. It’s nice to spend time in nature… even if it’s bordered by major roads/highways most of the time.
4. You will walk by a TON of animal poop.  Your dog will want to sniff/eat it all.
5. Speaking of your dog, who is dark brown, he will be extremely hot because of said lack of trees and water.  You will feel like the worst dog aunt ever.
6. Despite panting like crazy, your dog will still want to run and chase the deer you just saw cross the path.  You will have to convince him that deer does NOT want to play with him.  He won’t believe you.
7. When you have about 1 mile left in your walk, you will come upon a mini lake/pond thing.  Because your water has been gone for the last three miles and you’re worried your dog will get heat exhaustion, you’ll let him sit in that pond even if it’s gross.*
8. Despite being unprepared, you will remember you like spending your summer outdoors and will be excited to do it again soon.

*Don’t worry Jo and Andy, Bronson got a bath when we got home.  He does not smell like pond.

I may have gotten burned, had a little (ok a lot) of heat exhaustion, and feel sore in every part of my body but I actually liked being out in nature all day.

I also liked taking a cold shower, laying on the couch, watching Netflix, and eating popcorn for the rest of the evening. 🙂

Balance my friends.  Balance.  Happy Monday!