Houston parkKuma’s Korner: Terry Hershey Park Trail

Told by Kuma & Written by Lorraine Bossé-Smith

Besides hiking and running, my humans enjoy bike riding. In fact, they even got a pull-along just for me so I could join them. We call it the Kuma Kart, and I ride around in style, turning heads wherever we go. Yes, I am a stunning Shiba Inu, and I love adventures. I think people expect to see a baby human, so when I pop my head out my sunroof, tongue hanging down, they are taken aback. Makes me laugh. Ooowwooof!

This particular day, we headed to the Terry Hershey Park Bike Trail, located along the banks of the Buffalo Bayou in western Houston. Apparently, the park is named after a founder of the Bayou Preservation Association. All I know is I saw and smelled all sorts of exciting things!

The trail provides miles and miles (more than ten!) of trail, from Barker Dam near State Highway 6 to the Texas Beltway 8 and the Sam Houston Tollway. This is where we parked our vehicle and got on the trail. Parking is free, and so is use of the trail. Restrooms are even available for humans along the way. I’m easy, but your humans will want to clean up and bring out whatever gifts you leave behind.

And speaking of, humans were out in full force this sunny day. The trail is open to walkers, runners and cyclists, although we saw more bicycles than anything else. I don’t sport the cycle attire. Not me, I go bare Shiba! We saw lots of wild colors and helmets zooming by. Families to more serious riders were out, along with walkers and runners.

Be prepared for sensory overload. Jasmine grows everywhere as does wild lantana, one of my mom’s favorite plants. Birds and squirrels abound. You’ll hear the car traffic for the first part, but the further into the trail you get, the quieter it will become. Because the trail is busy, pay attention, especially around corners. Pardon me a minute: “Hey mom, pedal faster would ya!?”

My humans and I have been to Memorial Park, but I must say that Terry Hershey Park rocks! It is way prettier with its winding trail along the bayou. And, it is right here in Houston! So whether you want to stroll, run or bike, check it out! Bring your camera and plenty of water.

Ride on dudes.

Kumaito (Kuma for short) is a multi-tan Shiba Inu, an ancient breed from Japan, who moved from the Rocky Mountains of Colorado to Friendswood, Texas. He enjoys running almost every day with his mom, chasing squirrels out of his yard, playing with toys, pestering his brother Edmond, eating, napping . . . well, Kuma loves about everything and everyone! His mom, Lorraine Bossé-Smith, was kind enough to help him tell his story. She is the author of seven published books, writes for magazines on assignment, has been seen on national television, and inspires people to live healthy, balanced lives through personal training, life coaching, and workshops. You can reach Kuma through Lorraine’s website: www.thetotalyou.biz. Be sure to visit Kuma Dog’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Kumathedog?ref=hl

You never know what he’ll be up to next!