Gidget loves the idea of traveling in the car. The reality is something different. Her anxiety gets the best of her which makes taking her anywhere stressful for everyone in the car. Yet today, Hannah and I decided to take her with us on a late afternoon walk on the Pigeon Hill Shore Trail.

We survived the 15-minute drive and then she was off and running.

There was a time she listened better than she does now, so she was restricted to the leash.

The trail took us through the dark forest alleys into airy dappled light. I dawdled behind snapping pictures along the way.

I love the contrasting textures.

I’m fascinated by ferns. The leaflets mimic the shape of the fronds.

These Interrupted Ferns (I think!) were quite tall.

And the pattern when you study it from above is stunning.

A patch of bunchberry.

This woods trail leads to a pebble beach. Hannah literally took one step onto the beach and she found sea glass – three pieces within the first minute. She’s got a wicked good eye for it and finds the search soothing.

Me? This was my only find the entire outing.

Gidget scrambled across the rocks exploring, posing now and again.

She was quite worried about letting Hannah out of her sight as we wandered in different directions.

Getting Gidget to play to the camera can be a challenge; there were lots of distractions.

Not so challenging when I’m behind the camera.

We’re going to try to bring Gidget with us more this summer. She survived the car ride to Pennsylvania last month (with a little help of anti-anxiety meds). Maybe with a little more practice, she can have a summer of grand adventures.