Hi Guys! Mum told me I get a pup cup if I tell you what makes the Great Burn so special. This is great deal because talking about all the good parts of the Burn is so easy. But first, let me introduce myself. My name is Nala, and my Mum is Ranger Joelle — she says I am Best Dog. This is silly because of course I am Best Dog, I am Nala dog. Mum takes me to place she calls “Great Burn,” and I love it here! I know the day will be good when Mum puts backpack in car and says “load up!” Sometimes, I’m so excited, I get the zoomies before hopping in.

The worst part is the bumpy roads. I think Mum hits every bump on purpose. Road is so curvy that sometimes my belly hurts. But then! the ride is all worth it because when Mum stops the car we are in place with so many trees and waters and awesome smells. So many smells! And the best part? No people. People are scary to Nala dog and I like to keep my distance. Any day in Great Burn is better than any day in city.

Trailhead is so good because exciting smells. I’ve marked all of them as mine already, so don’t go thinking otherwise. Once Mum finally stops puttering at the car, I get so excited to see where trail will go.

Mum walks SO slow, so I assist her with my powerful legs. I will pull her up and down mountains forever if it means I get to spend my days exploring Great Burn. She tells me “Woah Nala” which I know means she’s impressed by my strength, so I make sure to pull harder.

Great Burn trails are overwhelming with all the sniffs. Have you ever seem all the different plants and flowers out here? Heck, even the rocks are special. Just when I think I’ve sniffed them all, I’m following another new scent. After wandering through all plants and around all tree trunks, Mum tries to pull me away, tells me “Focus!” Um, excuse me Mum, do you even see all these plants?! No need to go any further, we could stay here and explore this mini forest all day.

After a while, I know she misses me pulling, so I get back to it. It gets so hot! And life is hard for a big black dog in the heat. But, the Great Burn always has my back with so much water. Endless swim spots. Sometimes, when I pull Mum up a hill all day, the trail ends at a giant puddle and Mum lets me swim so long. I tell her to swim too. Best swimming buddy.

When I cool off, I remember to focus again and get back to my sniffing job. So many sniffs! One day, I found 7 different smells of poop! Mum said something about bear, moose, elk, marten, wolf, grouse, and mountain goat. Whatever they were, I snacked on all of them and even rolled in two piles. Mum said “bad dog!” and then I felt bad because I knew she was sad I ate all poop without sharing.

Anyways, I couldn’t be happier or luckier dog to spend time in Great Burn. Only thing that would make it better if I goat to chase and play with the big white deer with horns. Mum says they’re mountain goats… whatever they are, I just want to make friends. I am always on rope around these guys because Mum is party pooper… I guess I’ll just have to go back to sniffing.

Well, I hope it is time for bed soon. Great Burn is special, but Great Burn makes Nala dog tired. It’s dark and cold, but tonight Mum insists on watching the “Northern Lights.” I keep trying to tell her light doesn’t come out til morning time, but she keeps pointing at the green in the sky. Maybe light is different here in Great Burn. Who knows, anything can happen in a place as special as this.

Yep, okay, that’s all. Please take care of Great Burn so Mum and I can keep adventuring. Now, who’s ready for pup cup?

— Nala Dog, Best Dog