Yesterday Mohuh and I went to two different parks. The first one was Rancho San Rafael Regional Park in Reno. According the Washoe County Parks web site, this was supposed to be a dog-friendly park. What the site doesn't tell you about is the many restrictions for our canine friends. This year, the park has placed signs about photography restrictions - which is on the County website. If you area like me, I love taking photographs. That is okay the for amateur, but professionals, or groups, must get permits and pay fees now. The economy is hitting everyone hard.
First, let me tell you how beautiful the park is. If you want to bring your family, or just go by yourself, have fun. The arboretum is lovely: with multiple themed gardens to take up your afternoons. I have visited the park by myself, and seen ground squirrels, squirrels, rabbits, and birds galore.
Once we arrived, I was dismayed to see sign after sign with the 'no dogs allowed' all over the park. I drove to every parking lot looking for a spot to walk Moshuh. We did get out and walk on the paved paths - which I did find out was forbidden (sorry). It turns out, I think, the only area for our K9s is accessible from the city streets, in a meadow left in its natural condition. The County should really update the site to reflect this.
Wanting to get away for an afternoon, I put Mo back in the car and drove to Galena Park, in the Incline area. It is a beautiful forest area about twenty minutes from Reno off the Mt Rose highway. Before I go any further, I need to put a little warning out. Mt. rose, Incline, and Galena are home to many wild animals including bears, cougars, bobcats, snakes, and bobcats. Before enjoying the wilderness, know the potential problems. Go to the Dept of Wildlife's (NDOW) website, click on human-wildlife conflicts and read about what and what-not to do should you encounter a predator. Also, make sure both you and your K9 companion are fit enough for the hikes you chose. I have a link to NDOWs site on my web page.
Galena is beautiful year round. There is plenty of free parking, picnic tables, restrooms, and a visitors center. Dogs are allowed as long as they are leashed.
The creek was running strong still. Moshuh had a great time sniffing at the trees. I couldn't hear any cars or airplanes, which was very relaxing. A long, leisurely walk with plenty of breaks took up a couple of hours. We were fortunate to not come across any bears, but we did see plenty of tiny ground squirrels and birds. By the time we came home, Moshuh was one tired dog.
As always, stay safe out there!
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