Two major events took place this past week — the summer solstice and the second birthday of our granddaughter, Lyla. What better way to celebrate both than to go for a walk in the park with Millie, the wonder retriever? After scrolling through all the potential hikes on the AllTrails app within a half hour’s drive of the home of our daughter and son-in-law, I chose Dumbarton Oaks Park in Georgetown, just north of Washington, D.C.
I had heard of it and I was curious to discover what there was to learn. As is sometimes the case here in the Mid-Atlantic region, summer came in like a fire-breathing dragon and the temperature on the day of our adventure was predicted to climb into the 90s, so we headed out in the morning, while it was still relatively cool. Lyla is fascinated with Millie, whom she calls, “Mimi.
” But then, she calls all the dogs she meets, “Mimi.” Me? I’m “Pops,” although it generally comes out sounding more like, “Pots.” No matter.
My heart melts with every utterance. Whenever Millie sees Lyla, she erupts into throes of tail-wagging ecstasy that often results in Lyla’s diaper-padded bottom hitting the floor. Undaunted, the determined toddler always picks herself up and takes it all in stride.
The entrance to the park is on R Street between 31st Street and Avon Place. Parking is on the street. With Millie’s leash in one hand and Lyla’s little hand wrapped around the little finger on my other hand, we entered the park.
We strolled past th.