In between the rain drops of a stormy section of our 2016 camping trip to Algonquin, we decided to try to hike at least part of Bat Lake Trail. We already knew that we wouldn’t be able to do the whole hike since it is a 5.5 km loop, which is longer than we could take Maya. So, we checked out the brochure and decided we would head clockwise up the trail for about a kilometre or so, have a snack and then head back.

Maya did some meditating before we started the hike. She likes to get into the right frame of mind, but mostly she was trying to be patient while we decided whether to start the hike by going left or right.

The look of impatience. Can you see the red spot on her nose? A week or two before this trip, or was it longer, she was in the backyard and came in with a bump on her nose. At the time we couldn’t tell whether she had hit it or if she had gotten stung. She fussed with it quite a bit the first evening but then forgot about it. It developed into a round, flat bump that made her look like she had a mole or something. Her fur grew on top of it and eventually under it until it fell off during our trip. What was left was new skin and a bald spot, which has since regrown. We still have no idea what caused it.

I am often behind during the hikes because I’m photographing the scenery and taking macro shots of mushrooms and wildflowers. Maya has always checked back to see where I was, often running back to me and then running ahead. Now, she still looks back but often trips over a rock or root in the process. I now try to stay ahead of her to prevent her from tripping. The beginning of the trail was quite flat and easy. It then came to a fairly steep, narrow section that we made it up just in time for it to start pouring rain. At the top of the hill we all put our rain jackets on and I put my good camera safely in the backpack.

Coming down the hill in the rain was quite treacherous. We have definitely been very happy with the harness we purchased for her and would highly recommend it to people who hike a lot with their dogs, especially older ones, smaller ones or those with injuries. Maya has learned that it is helpful and it has given her confidence to try things, like jumping over fallen logs and such.

The flash on my waterproof point and shoot caught the raindrops as they fell. Neat effect.

The hike was shorter than expected but it was still very nice. We were also blessed to see a rainbow at the end of the hike. Just across the road and over one of the many lakes there was a lovely double rainbow. Keep your eyes open for them!

Hiking in the rain gives you a completely different perspective because it makes you focus your attention in a uncommon way and it brings out the colours in the forest. Don’t let the rain stop you from hiking, just come prepared with the right gear.