We took most of our retired guys (Mercury, Chronos, Griffin, Spock) and threw in Juno and Gaea just for kicks. Kathy came along with us and took her two dogs Remy and Salty. Traveling with eight dogs is one over the limit that I usually travel with (any more and they tend to get into trouble) but Juno was giving me such a sad face when we were leaving that I had to take her too...
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The gang hang out by the pond wondering why the waterfowl wont come to them. Chronos has never experienced a pond (hes only been in ankle deep water) and rushed head long into the water when he saw the ducks swimming way out. He was completely dunked in, totally surprised and immediately splashed and paddled his way back to shore!
Young willow pushing out new spring growth
Juno underestimated the boggy sections by the lake and fell completely into more than a few hidden water filled holes. She was soaked through! 
Spock wades out trying to get a closer look at the waterfowl in the distance
The moat that we soaked ourselves in up to our calves and had to do the same thing over again when the trail didn't look any better farther up ahead.This is typical summer scenery. It really helped keep us cool having shoes and socks wet though I felt like I was carrying mini swimming pools in my shoes most of the time.
Me and Mercury at the water's edge
Mercury and Kathy watch the other dogs run and play in the distance
Remy and Kathy share a peaceful moment
Griffin comes in for some love while Chronos tries to dry off in the distance after his surprise soaking____________________________
Over all the day and the hike were just what Kathy and I both needed. It was wonderful to take a break from work, walk the older guys and watch everyone have a great time. We walked about seven miles and about half way through Griffin started showing signs of fatigue but held up well the whole way.
There is something going on with his left rear leg but I cant quite figure it out. He runs okay, not for an extended period but can change gaits well, doesn't have a problem with me massaging the muscles there but when I was brushing out his winter coat a few days ago he will not let me get at the undercoat on that leg.
He can lay on it and gets up and down very well... I don't know what to make of it. Only time will tell... it may heal completely over the summer.
Our rest at the pond was wonderful but the writing is on the wall about the population growing in our area. We were out on a Tuesday, mid-day and ran into two dog walkers and too many children to count. This is a huge difference from how it was just a few years ago. Its further conformation that our family needs to head for the hills and find a nice quiet place to live and enjoy our peaceful lives.
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