Walks with Bear the Dog

and Other Adventures

About

Hi, I’m AJ — mom of three, lover of adventure, and proud human to one very enthusiastic hiking partner: our Australian Shepherd, Bear.

We adopted Bear when he was just a few months shy of his first birthday through Aussie Rescue of the Mid-Atlantic, and life has been full of motion ever since. He’s six now — a bundle of curiosity, energy, and endless affection — and the heart behind this blog.

Whether we’re exploring a hidden trail in Northern Virginia, wandering along the Potomac, or discovering unexpected beauty in a city park, Bear and I are always on the lookout for our next great walk.

This space, Walks With Bear, is where I share our favorite routes, hidden gems, and the little stories that unfold when you spend time outdoors — muddy paws, tail wags, quiet views, and all.

I’ve always believed that the best adventures don’t have to be far from home — sometimes, they’re just a few miles down a new trail.

And while most of these adventures include Bear’s happy paws, every now and then you’ll find a post about solo adventures — because sometimes, the best adventures are paws optional.

Hello,

I’m AJ

Mom of three, lover of adventure, and proud human to one very enthusiastic hiking partner – our Aussie – named Bear. Whether we’re exploring a hidden trail in Northern Virginia, wandering along the Potomac, or finding unexpected beauty in a city park, Bear and I are always on the lookout for our next great walk.

This blog is where I’ll share our favorite routes, little discoveries, and the moments of calm (and chaos) that come with hiking alongside a big, curious dog. I’ve always believed the best adventures don’t have to be far from home — sometimes, they’re just a few miles down a new trail.

And while most of these adventures include Bear’s happy paws, every now and then, I’ll post about solo adventures — because sometimes, the best walks are paws optional.