Happy Dogs In Fort Jackson State Forest - Part 1

Our return to winter weather had been hard to take, so when we finally had a sunny afternoon with temperatures in the 30s (F), I took the dogs out for a romp in the Fort Jackson State Forest. The road was only plowed a short distance, so I parked, let the dogs out and started walking:

Technically, we weren't yet in the State Forest. To our right was private land, and to our left was County Reforestation land. Nonetheless, it was wild and wonderful:

I didn't want to yell at the dogs, so I let them run ahead. I figured that they wouldn't leave the snowmobile-packed snow in the road and it was straight enough for me to keep an eye on them:

The woodlands were beautiful and the dogs were happy. I was snapping pictures like crazy:

When the dogs got too far ahead, I'd blow the silent whistle and they'd come running back (usually):

They found something fascinating just off the road but I didn't investigate. I kept walking, and soon they ran to catch up to me:

We had a lovely day, and the Beech trees added a bit of color to the woods:

The dogs ran and played. That's Seamus, way up ahead. The vet said that Seamus' heart was beginning to falter, so I didn't insist he come running back with the other dogs:

We were a happy crew:

They were all too far ahead again, so I blew the whistle and Jack came racing back to me:

Fergus was right behind him, followed by Daphne. Clover and Seamus stayed where they were:

This state forest is a gem and seldom used by local folks. We nearly always have it all to ourselves:

This was to be only a brief outing, but we were enjoying it so much that I just kept going. I'll post Part 2 tomorrow: