Trout Lake State Forest - Part 2

The dogs and I had hiked to a picnic area on Trout Lake and were on our way back to the trail head when I saw another water access and led the dogs downhill to get there (see Part 1, posted yesterday):

They were more than happy to get their feet wet again:

It was cool down there by the water:

But it was time to get back on the trail and continue heading toward our car. I stopped to photograph these tiny, orange mushrooms:

We walked back uphill to continue on the trail, but I couldn't find it. I stayed calm and searched the area, learning that we were on a peninsula (so I couldn't get too lost). I circled and explored, looking for the trail and was just beginning to worry when we heard splashing and playing up ahead. I figured it was a family who'd landed their boat at the picnic spot, so we headed toward the sound. When we arrived, Seamus had already been out in the water, making friends with the family:


Daphne had yelped just before we got there and began limping. When we arrived, she too swam out to greet the family:

Daphne was still limping, so I examined the pads of her foot - but saw nothing. Then we began to worry that she might have broken a bone. The father of the family, an animal lover, checked her also. I examined her one more time, and this time found a short porcupine quill stuck in her foot, above the pads. I held her while the father yanked it out. All was well again and we could resume our hike back to the car. I said good bye and thanked the family:

It was easy to find the trail this time, and I promised myself I'd stay on it. We were on our way home:

But then we came to a fork in the trail...................................Sorry, I really did find the fork and couldn't resist the corny joke. I picked up the fork and brought it back as trash:

More tiny, orange and scarlet mushrooms:

This was comfortable, easy walking, though both Seamus and I were tired. It was a pleasant walk:

The dogs got yet another cool drink from a mountain stream and we continued on our way back to our parked car. I was tired, so quit taking photos. I figured I already had more than enough anyway: