At least half of our camping trip to Algonquin in 2016 was really hot, so we got up early to hit the trails. The sun was up but it was still cool enough to hike Pine Pines Trail before lunch.

The hottest and sunniest part of the trail is the parking lot and the steps down to the trail head.

Maya was already in her harness and we had lots of water and snacks in the backpack.

The goal was a slow and steady pace for Maya, with a couple of breaks along the way. I obviously had my camera with me, which is always a great way to experience the trail and take our time looking for mushrooms, wildflowers and wildlife.

While I framed up shots and took several different perspectives, Maya would take a rest, have a drink or maybe get a few nice treats.

There was a lot of shade on this trail, which is nice on hot and cool days. It was also a fairly easy hike, without any step sections or too many steps.

These leisurely walks allow both Chitra and I to really take in our surroundings. Chitra is learning to identify trees, so she often stops to look at bark and leaves. Along this trail there were some magnificent white pines, which is one of her favourites.Check out the weather the day before to plan your day if you have a dog, especially a senior dog. Some days may be too hot even early in the morning, but quite often, if you are willing to get up at the crack of dawn, you can fit in a nice hike before the heat of the day begins. Depending on the time of year, and the location, sometimes early evening hikes are an option, but be sure to pack flashlights just in case you are still on the trail when the sun goes down.