Here's the Ocmulgee from Waterworks Park. My friend, Kathy, explored the park and found this wonderful sandy bank where you and your dogs can slide down and sit in the river and cool off when it's over 100 outside. She called me just as I got home from my trip to Dauset to mountain bike and her timing was perfect for I was hot, sweaty, glowing, smelly and just about to peel off my biking clothes and hop in the shower. Instead, I put on my swimsuit and downloaded pics from the ride and then Sparky and I drove over to the park to meet up with Kathy and her friend, Ann.

Here Ann is climbing up the bank at the end of our river sitting, with Kathy and the service dog she's fostering way down in the river. Years ago I had a relatively inexpensive Kodak point and shoot, film camera that was waterproof, but it died in the early 1990's and I miss it. I'd like it back, but in digital, please. No pictures in the river because my wee Sony is too much NOT waterproof.


Sparky, who loves the creek at the dog park, was a bit overwhelmed by the Ocmulgee River. She swam out to me and clung to my chest with her front paws. I ended up holding her for at least 30 minutes. Thankfully, wet dog isn't so awful when you're both soaking wet and the current is flowing all around.

For the next 20 minutes or so we sat side by side right below the bank. The water came up to her chest and she enjoyed it and I enjoyed not having to hold her. Sure, she doesn't weigh all her 50 pounds when she's being supported by the river, but she still has some heft. And bulk. I've already priced doggie life jackets. Sierra Trading Post, my go-to site, doesn't have any, while LLBean and Cabela's have the same one. LLBean's price is $5 lower, but they are currently out-of-stock and expected to get in on August 12th. LLBean also has the advantage of free shipping, but if Sparky and I return to the river before August, and the odds are good, she'll need that life jacket so I don't worry about her. She says she derives from Pointer stock, not a drop of Labrador or Golden Retriever in her, and it shows when she's in the river.

Here she is at the top of the bank as we were getting ready to leave.

She had such a good time and this evening she's pretty much pooped. On our evening walk, she lagged behind and didn't dart off much to explore. Sitting in the grass for her was the highlight of it all. Right now she's camped out on the bed watching me type, but we've been hanging out watching Cadel win the Tour de France.

I miss the Tour already and there's still a repeat of today's stage playing on the TV in the next room. Sure, the Vuelta is coming up, but it's just not the Tour. Nothing is, really.