[mels]

On those days when it is hot (90 and over) I skip the evening walk with my dog because it is too hot for both of us. I have brought her to the Salmon River in Colchester just next to the Airline Trail a few times, but it isn't very deep. I assume if we have a dry spell that it will only be deep enough for her to wade.

I live in Marlborough and the lake in town has a no-dogs policy and there is nowhere else in town to take her for some hot weather exercise. I am looking for somewhere that is a short drive, so finding somewhere in Glastonbury, Manchester, Colchester, Hebron, Bolton, or East Hampton would be ideal. I would be willing to go a little further out, like Vernon, but I am trying to keep it within a 15 minute drive if possible.

I have paddled in Holbrook Pond in Hebron but I am not sure about their dog policy. I also can't remember if it is swimmable or all weeds and other vegetation making swimming unpleasant.

I have tried online searches but have found nothing in the area. Anyone have any ideas?

[Trident]

What about Day Pond in Colchester off of Rte 149?

Off Route 2: take Exit 16 in Colchester. Follow Route 149S for 3 miles, and then take a hard right onto Peck Lane. Take a left onto Day Pond Road.

Gay City

From the South/New London area: Follow Route 85 north. Park entrance is 6.7miles past the intersection with Route 66.

I thought I'd provide this link as well. It's the CT Anglers guide. In it you'll find a list of lakes and ponds.

http://www.ct.gov/dep/lib/dep/fishin...de/anguide.pdf

[mels]

The problem with state parks (Day Pond and Gay City) is I would have to pay to get in just to bring my dog swimming. I am too cheap to pay $7 or whatever it is just so my dog can take a dip.

Thanks for the link though, I'll see if I can find somewhere in there.

[Trident]

I know, that's why I thought you might find a "non" State Park in the fishing guide. I understand, I had 5 dogs at one time living in Colchester.

[mels]

They do list one of my favorite places..though maybe I shouldn't get the word out since then more people will go there! It is about a 35 minute drive from my house which is why I don't go more often (especially after work I don't feel like driving more), but Powers Lake in East Lyme is a great place for anyone living in the area. Many people bring there dogs there and it is a good place for fishing or paddling. The lake is totally undeveloped, except for the Yale Outdoor property. There never seems to be a ton of people there, which is what I like.