I had just sat down with a cup of coffee, trying to get my bearings on a recent morning. Our dog, Journey, loves to get up-close-and-personal in those instances. I know from experience he wants to get a whiff of morning breath (definitely a dog thing) before I drown that out with a few gulps of java.

If he has already had his breakfast, then I know that the attention is now his way of saying, “C’mon — time to get up and get moving!”

With Journey, the moving part can be just about anything — playing with a toy, a little fetch, chasing him around the yard, or even a morning walk.

This morning was tailor made for a walk. Since I hadn’t been over to Black Bay Park in a while, I loaded the pup in the truck and away we went.

Black Bay Park, part of the city of Post Falls’ park network, is located off E. Third Avenue, via North Bay Road. There is a nice, large parking lot down by the water, and the views of the Spokane River are always different, depending on the time of day and the season.

Journey and I set off to walk the water line, when I realized that we were pretty much the only ones in the park. Then I realized the Post Falls Festival was happening a few blocks to the west at Q’emiln Park, so no wonder we could hear nature so well.

Luckily for me, Journey is not much for water, so once we reach the edge, I don’t have to deal with a dog that is constantly splashing around, looking for whatever dogs look for in the water.

Nope, Journey, is content to just hang out beachside, taking in the view just like his human.

We walked the trail that goes from the parking lot down past the bay and comes to a point where a nice view (and a nice bench) lends itself to some postcard views. Soon we had taken it all in, and we were back on the move, heading west along the shore, where some novice rock-climbing skill comes into play.

There is a nice, paved loop that runs out to the west, so people with strollers or legs that are not-so-coordinated can still enjoy the park. But for me and Journey, the best path is the path of most resistance.

Although the shoreline of the park is only a few hundred feet long, the park itself covers 56 acres, stretching all the way back to Third Avenue, where the city has built tennis courts and a basketball court, and additional parking.

Journey and I traversed the many elevation changes, being careful on many of the areas where moss has crept over the massive rock features. The pup is pretty nimble, and many times I feel him altering from my path to something he either deems more interesting or less taxing. Either way, he’s always just a step behind or by my side.

We’d often have to stop and listen when we heard a sound — since Journey finds them so mesmerizing. Once we determine the source (or if we determine the source), we can then carry on. Encountering any wildlife usually leaves Journey speechless. And once we were back on the paved path, we came upon a few deer, just off to our left about 20 feet, grazing in a small little grassy area just above us.

I bent down and swooped up Journey so he could see. In this case, first he got real still, just taking it all in. Next, his nose went crazy, hoping a scent would clue him in to his next move. Finally, a low growl emerged, and he decided it was time to make sure they knew the ferociousness that resided within — and to keep their distance.

I sat him down, told him everything was OK, and we kept on moving. He kept an eye on the deer until we were well away, and soon he had other sights and smells to focus on.

Black Bay is a great place for families to do a quick little nature trip, and some ropes hang from trees near the water’s edge, ready to launch a hanger-on out into the river. There are shallow areas of the bay that are popular for kids during the summer, and cyclists are known to come down from the Centennial Trail for a quick loop (and maybe a rest in the shade). Fishing is also allowed, and hopefully the fishermen and swimmers are wary and respectful of each other.

Like all city parks, dogs are allowed on leashes, and there are a few benches and trash cans in the park.

Once back at the truck, Journey got a nice, long drink of water, and we moved back up the road to Third.

We surely had different things to look forward to when we got home. For Journey, a nice, long nap. For me, that second cup of coffee. For both of us, a nice, solitary memory down by the river.