2018 Dear Diary
Dear Diary,
May, 2019
A new month, another state or two, a few more lakes to drink from. Life is grand, well, except for one thing- I still can’t sleep through the night. My people have tried everything, and I try sooo hard to stay asleep, but I just can’t. I have a bright light so I can see around me, I have all kinds of tasty treats that are supposed to help me relax and sleep and long walks to tire me out, but I just can’t SLEEP at night.
I drank from the Colorado River!!
Ya know? The one that goes through the Grand Canyon! It was just a stream here – we’re near the “headwaters” whatever that is. It was cold, clear and fast!
And then we were at the Yampa River- it was bigger and really fast, so I had to be really careful. Did I mention we had SNOW? Can you believe it? In May? What the heck? And it was sooo cold that even my heavy winter jacket didn’t keep me warm. I guess I’m a real Southerner now…just saying.
That sleeping thing…ugh…still not good. My people keep trying- they gave me a yummy herbal treat that helped…some, but then it made me have to go…you know…go and go. So, that one was stopped. One night we didn’t have shore power and so I didn’t have my light on- it was a long, long night- just ask my person- he was as tired as I was come morning
This is me, sleeping, during the day…oops:-)
Rumor has it, I am visiting a vet next week. I so hope there is hope for me!
Oh boy! Drugs! (oh, did I write that out loud?) Trazodone, it’s called. Supposed to calm me at night and help me stay asleep. I went to this really nice vet’s office. And considering I was just a new guy just passing through, they treated me soooo nicely!
It works…kinda, sorta…at least my people still love me, even though I am such a pain these days…getting old is just tough, ya know?
your confused “sundowner”,
Rhylee
Dear Diary,
December, 2018
Texas…I remember this place- Burrs and espinas (I’m learning Spanish 😉 everywhere! OUCH! Why is there grass with spiny things on them? That is just ridiculous! I get them stuck in my foot pads and fur and then bring them home and move them around, and….oh…I guess I carry those seeds to new places…geesh, wish they would stick to something other than me though.
I went hiking! It’s been a while since we hiked up high over rocks and boulders. It was so much fun, but kind of hot and tiring. We were in something called the High Desert and then went even higher- it was a little tough breathing, but I did it! I know I’m getting older and all that, but I really like to hike- I get treats, water and shade at the top- so sweet! And then a nice long nap back at the camper.
Over to a lake and lots of deer around, but not much to do but sit in the sunshine, not that I am complaining 🙂 Then down to a beach area, then up to a beach area, then over to a beach area…I dunno what the heck my people are doing…one beach looks pretty much like another…
And I got a much needed haircut! Wow, does it feel good! Look at these before and after pics:
I know, shaggy, huh? Kinda hippy era…
Nothing like a well-groomed dog-about-town.
I think perhaps, my people have gotten a little lax…just saying. Anyway, I went to Fancy Paws, I was there twice last winter, and they really like me, maybe even love me! They gave me a holiday bandana- sharp lookin’, huh? (me, not the silly bandana, geesh)l
AND, I got Christmas presents! Woo Hoo- more salmon treats, and some crunchy chicken ones, too. And then they went and bought me minty fresh dog treats- so, they give me fishy food, then complain about my breath, go figure.
your always confused, but happy,
Rhylee
Dear Diary,
November, 2018
And we’re off- into the desert- WHY? I like the ocean…
We went to this picnic area and walked all around these HUGE rocks-
way cool and then up a mountain to look out at something called a Fault. I dunno… I met some nice people, as always- and then my people talked forever!
The one thing about this desert? It is NOT sand like the beach. It is pebbly, spiny, sharp and it sticks in my fur- I feel like I am carrying the earth on me! And then when I lay down, I feel all these lumps and bumps that just aren’t mine, ya know?
Speaking of bumps- boy did I have a rough day the other day. I was off-leash which is soooo much fun…until it’s not…We’re all out walking around the desert- up old mining roads, across the rocky hillsides and I was off leash! It was rough going I gotta tell ya, but I was doing okay, or so I thought. There were some pretty good smells out there, so with my nose to the ground, a rock popped up in front of me and tumbled me right over- I skunned the top of my nose. I was even bleeding! And my face was covered in dust. Can you imagine? The indignity of it all! geesh. As if that was not bad enough- I lolly-gagged at one point (twice actually) and I lost my people- I couldn’t see them- my eyes are so bad these days, I couldn’t smell them- the one part of me that does work well still and I could hear them, but it was all echo-y out there. I started running as fast as I could over that rocky rough terrain, and I ran right by them apparently! Finally I heard my people calling me and moving towards me. So I just booked it right back to them. PHEW! That was a close call- I don’t think I could have survived a night in the desert, just saying 🙂 I stick pretty close to my people now. (NO PICS of these events…thank goodness, at least I can salvage some dignity…maybe)
And the Arizona deserts are about the same, only now I get burrs in my fur and foot pads- OUCH!
Burr-fully confused,
Rhylee
Fall? 2018
Dear Diary,
More walking beaches, I love it! I get SO much attention- must be my good looks 🙂 We stay every place a few days or more, and I love that too! It is warm here, I crawl under the camper to get some cooling shade.
UGH! I had to get a bath 😦 I was really dirty for sure and lots of debris in my fur) So, my people got out the hose and bathed me right on our RV spot patio- almost embarrassing, but nobody was watching. The air is so dry here, I dried in no time at all. Of course, I’m not sure when they are going to let me back on the beach…just saying.
Notice there are NO pics of me this post? My people, whom I love dearly, are totally slacking off these days- kicked back and relaxing, maybe too much if you ask me! But then again, they’re not asking much of me either!
Happily confused,
Rhylee
Dear Diary,
October, 2018
Water, beaches and…rainy weather…and then warm sunny weather- YAY
I was forced to have a “spa morning”…yes, I was pretty dirty from all that Alaska mud and dust. And yes, I was getting pretty shaggy. But, leaving my people to go to the groomer is pretty stressful! However, since I had my little stroke thingy, my people have been pretty thoughtful. So, I got a wash and dry, and just had my face, ears and feet groomed- a bit less stressful than the whole deal. And the people there were soooo nice to me- I even got a goody bag of treats to take home with me. I guess I look kind of funny- shaved head and puffy body and legs! But I don’t care, it is cold here and I need my fur…and my jacket, most days.
Lots of walking on beaches…ocean beaches…with salt water- yuck! Sometimes the creek running into the ocean is fresh water though. AND, I have decided to wade deeper out into the ocean, even letting the waves come up to my belly! My people are shocked- have I lost my mind, or just being playful? I’ll never tell 🙂
We went to this big lake, but they wouldn’t let me go down to drink from it- no dogs allowed I guess, and the hike was 1500ft. down the hillside! I’m okay with missing that one:-) And…look over that edge…those are pinnacles- something to do with lava vents- I tried to get a closer look but, it was a LONG way down there, too!
happy, yet confused,
Rhylee
Dear Diary,
Boats, boats, and more boats…
The ferry boats are HUGE and I have to stay in the camper below decks the whole time- which is after waiting in line for 2 hours to even get on. One time, when the trip was really long, the Purser (what is that?) brought my people down so I could stretch my legs and…you know…pee, but there wasn’t any grass…but I really had to go…soooo…
One day, we went on a little boat and I got to walk around and watch my people fish- I even got to sniff the fish- it looked almost as big as me and mean! I did get to sit up and look out on the way home…
I slept mostly ’cause the boat rocked me asleep- quite lovely. Going fast was rough though; hard to stand up, and tough to lay down and sleep. The best part? I got crispy, crunchy salmon fish skin after dinner! Yummy! and good for my coat, too.
I think we are done with boats…for awhile…phew…that was pretty stressful, especially for an old dog like me:-)
And so now we drive and walk, and drive and have lunch, and drive and park for the night. Just the three of us…I sure do like things this way.
Happily confused,
Rhylee
Dear Diary,
Sept 9, 2018
Did I ever get a surprise today! I got out of the truck, took a few steps and promptly fell down. I got back up, but things just weren’t working right. It turns out, apparently, that in my old age, I have had a stroke- whatever that is. The good news is that it was minor and 4 days later I am almost back to normal. For a few days, I was leaning to port and walking like a drunken sailor, couldn’t find my sea legs no how. My head was tipped at a jaunty, but awkward, angle and my jaw didn’t work quite right. Shaking was next to impossible without going splat. My people tried not to laugh at me, but I guess I was a pretty funny sight.
My people were SO good to me- massages, gently walking, lots of “puppy on belay” support on the leash, and encouragement. Yesterday, the 12th, I actually went down the stairs of the camper (with help)! And my head is almost straight again 🙂 I”m getting my voice back, too. And I finally got my shake back; it felt so good to shake my whole body without falling down!
So, I guess I sure was lucky to weather this storm, and I am wondering how long I can get my people to pamper me 😉
confused in rehab,
Rhylee
Dear Diary,
Have you ever heard of the Haul Road? Well, I wish I hadn’t! I was hauled all over the inside of the truck on this road! WOW! Some of it was sooo smooth, other times I could barely hold on. I got so bored with it though, every now and again I would “Surf the Dalton” and sit up for a while
… a very short while.
We did cross the Artic Circle, whatever that is…I surely did NOT see a circle anywhere around where we stopped. However, it apparently is a big deal, and I even got a certificate to prove I was there!
SNOW?!?! are you kidding me? As if the mud was not enough misery, now it is snow- everywhere…geesh, isn’t it August still?
Been to some good creeks and rivers, too- South Koyukuk and Marion Creek- I smelled that one from way back on the trail and my people had to really work to get us to it.
My people did take me on some nice walks though- more blueberries, and another berry that looked like a blueberry, only the bush was taller and….they were BITTER, but I ate some anyway 🙂
And we hiked through this boulder field, just to get to another boulder- sometimes I just don’t understand my people.
I did sniff down some more blueberries out there 🙂 I was so tired that night that I slept until 9am the next morning!
snowily confused,
Rhylee
Dear Diary,
Boy, is this place boring! Denali Park…big deal…because all the wildlife doesn’t like critters like me, I can only walk in the campground…geesh. I did hear though, that something called a Grizzly might make a snack out of me, so maybe napping all day in the camper is not a bad thing 🙂 And, my people spoil me rotten when they do come back from wherever.
Hey, lookie here, we stayed in a campground named after me…but they spelled my name wrong…go figure 🙂
BLUEBERRIES! just like in Maine..wait, no that’s not quite true…they do grow wild and low to the ground, but they are TART, no wait that’s not quite true either, they are SOUR! People come out to pick them before the bears get them all.
My people found some and we tried them, since they were so sour, I got most of them. And then I rememebered how to pick berries all by myself- I’ve picked raspberries, wild strawberries and blueberries- it had been a while, but I finally got the hang of it again.
Have I mentioned that I really do not like gravel roads? Well, another couple of days of holding on for dear life! And I hear my people want to go on another gravel road way up north with big semi-trucks on it, too. I wonder if I can stay behind?
bumpily confused,
Rhylee
Dear Diary,
NEWS FLASH! August 6, 2018- This is a shout out for two really cool kids I met at Bishop Creek, Kenai. We all were walking along the sand bar between the river and the ocean. And we all had to leave, but is was so nice there. A little girl and a little boy wanted to meet me- I am SO personable…just saying:-) The boy was littlest and smiled at me, but wasn’t sure about petting me. The little girl asked if she could pet me and she was sooo gentle and smiley. When we got back to the parking lot and I was in my truck seat, they came over, and with their Dad holding them up, they fed me treats and petted me some more. They must have really liked me, huh? And I think I helped the little boy like dogs even more.
Now back to my regular reporting:
Fish guts everywhere! I couldn’t even get a decent drink of water! They clean the fish right there on the edge of the river and throw the skeletons right there in the shallow water! Yuck! Apparently, this is NOT a bear area. Hope, AK—don’t I know another Hope?
We went to a lovely quiet lake-of course it was up a long, bumpy gravel road, but no one else was here! 
They fished and I drank and drank from this mountain lake. So many streams, rivers and lakes to drink from around here!
UGH! I had to go get a hair cut…probably a good thing, as lots of plants up here have “thingies” that stick to my fur and feet, and it is either muddy or dusty everywhere. I don’t really like going to the groomer, however this lady was really nice- she gave me breaks and treats and was so gentle with the blowdryer. She even told my people that I was one of her best clients!
Why, oh why, do I get hoisted up and propped for pics like this?
Oh, did you read that sign…I can’t read it, but my people told me we have come a very, very long way!
Nice lakes and rivers around here, too. But I can never tell the salty ocean for sure, until I take a drink- yuck! Although you must agree that the backdrop is pretty spectacular!
yours in watery confusion,
Rhylee
Dear Diary,
July, 2018
Really? MORE bad roads? WHY? I ask why? Some place called Kennecott with glaciers, whatever they are- I can tell you that the water is wicked cold here, and good 🙂 So we get here, and then we have to walk like 3 miles just to check the place out- and guess what? More of those bridges with grates instead of boards. I tried to dig my heels in, but I lost- so over I went- crouched low- keep my center of gravity low just in case…in case of what though? And guess what again? There were TWO of these bridges! And you and I both know that means that I got to cross them both…again! I think I have stopped caring about open grate bridges…
I was some beat when we got home- the next day, they left to go up to the mine and I couldn’t go- I was so grateful and I slept the day away…aaaaahhhhhhh! And the NEXT day, they left again to go walk on something called a glacier- sounds like fun to me, but they were gone a really long time and were soooo tired when they got back- I was just fine that I had another day to snooze!
Valdez- more damp and dreary weather- so I get to sleep a lot- not a bad gig really! And another lake to sample- 
One day though I got to make a new friend and spend the day with her. My people went someplace on a boat and I stayed at the local vet’s for part of the day and with Mattie the rest of the day.
Mattie….mmmmmm, boy was she some nice to me! She works at the vet’s and hung out with me in between other visitors there. But when she got done work, she took me around town and we hiked a bit- I think she loves me….justsaying… but I was sure glad to see my people at the end of the day!
And I got to drink out of Solomon Gulch Stream- it runs into the harbor and I know I don’t like ocean water!
And now, my people are into something called fishing- they hold a big stick and throw a string with a silver thing on the end into the water. Why? Oh, I now know why- SALMON! I love salmon- cooked that is! And the salmon dog treats from here are made with local salmon from the fish hatchery. I am all in on this one! I just hung out-
And then we went and got ice cream!
Full and happy,
Rhylee
Dear Diary,
July 10-12, 2018
Really? MORE bad roads? WHY? I ask why? Some place called Kennecott with glaciers, whatever they are. And of course they try to get me to go someplace I really shouldn’t or couldn’t 
This is the lead up to a long, long walkway under the bridge and 200 ft above the river. WHY would I ever want to go out there?
I can tell you that the water is wicked cold here, and good 🙂 
So we get here, and then we have to walk like 3 miles just to check the place out- and guess what? More of those bridges with grates instead of boards. I tried to dig my heels in, but I lost-
so over I went- crouched low- keep my center of gravity low just in case…in case of what though? And guess what again? There were TWO of these bridges! And you and I both know that means that I got to cross them both…again! I think I have stopped caring about open grate bridges…
I was some beat when we got home- the next day, they left to go up to the mine and I couldn’t go- I was so grateful and I slept the day away…aaaaahhhhhhh! And the NEXT day, they left again to go walk on something called a glacier- sounds like fun to me, but they were gone a really long time and were soooo tired when they got back- I was just fine that I had another day to snooze!
still confused, but happy and well rested,
Rhylee
Dear Diary
July 2018
Drive and stop, drive and stop…where are we going, I ask?
Some campgrounds are pretty cool, but the roads to them have been kind of rough and bouncy! And today, look where they wanted me to walk? 
THAT is the Pelly River which flows into the Yukon River. And that is the river below us and it was a really, really long bridge. I don’t like see-through stairs or decks…so this is as far as they got me!
We hung out at a creek today- tasted good, but not much to do there, although my people played in the dirt for a couple of hours…I dunno…I get hollered at when I get all wet and dirty… just saying…After I drank and drank from this creek, my people started talking about heavy metals in the water…I hope it was just a joke about gold…
Oh what a road! Up and down, twisty and turny, bumpy and lumpy…Top of the World Highway- I dunno why, but that’s where we were…allllll day!
in confusion, your
Rhylee
Dear Diary,
Late June
Picture here, picture there…will it ever end? Why do they think I am so photogenic? Oh, because I am 🙂 But sometimes, I really have had enough of all this driving and i don’t want to see a thing!
At the falls- a really nice couple offered to take our pic, and then they talked so long that I laid down and took a nap!
Dawson Creek- Mile 0- big deal! I mean zero means nothing, nowhere, right? But a really nice college woman offered to take my pic here, so how could I refuse?
Rain like we haven’t seen in months! And cold! And windy! Man, going out to pee is a real drag. I haven’t even gotten to the lake to drink- and it is only 10 ft away! Why are we here, I ask, but no one answers…
Met a really nice Tourist Info person at that Signpost thingy
– she even wanted to read my blog! Musta been my sparkling personality, right?
Kinda confused, but having fun…I think,
Rhylee
(Had you noticed that my ghost writer 🙂 has been forgetting to put my footprint in? Hard to get good help these days…but she does feed me really good treats in the truck…so I guess I’ll keep her 🙂
Dear Diary,
Mid-June
Oh My! What a wonderful river to drink from!
However, getting to it was not so easy 😦
My people walked along a “pole bridge” – didn’t look good for 2 feet let alone my 4 feet. And I so wanted to get to that aqua, milky river! So, what’s a dog to do? She coaxed me from one side, he went to the other and tugged lightly on my leash…and so I took the plunge!
The COLD water was up to my chest, but I pushed across the creek with my head held high (trying to keep my ears dry, not so much trying to look tough 😉 and then the other side was to high for me to get out! So, he tugged and I crawled my way up the bank! BUT, it was so worth it- this river is awesome- glacier melt water! YUMMY! And have you remembered? If I had to cross that creek one way, I surely had to cross it again to get back home…
I went to a glacier today! But they wouldn’t let me go walk on it- I guess it isn’t safe to walk on, something about crevasses that can swallow you up!
I did get to drink the glacier water though- not bad, I think it is better at the campground after it has flowed 100km and been mixed with side creeks…not that I am an expert or anything, just saying…
And I got to go to the falls, too. Lots of people and not a very good view for me, until we hiked down and down, 
but…I couldn’t get to the water- it was way, way down.
As always, your dog on the run (usually a slow walk actually), however still and always confused,
Rhylee
Dear Diary,
Saskatchewan- more and more of the same- what the heck? Where are we going? But wait- we stopped at this cute little campground- I think it was really just a rest area off the road- and I got to walk around off leash- twice! Guess they figured there was no place to run- run? Me? I disdain running at all costs. I mean, really, what could there possibly ever be to run for? Although I do get up a good head of steam hiking down hill 🙂
Alberta- I snuck down to the creek on my own! It was really muddy and I almost slipped in- shhhh, don’t tell my people, okay? When they found me, I just looked totally cool and in control, but I was happy to see them!
This is what I go through all the time… well, some of the time…well, occassionally 🙂 I dunno- I don’t like riding in the truck, but I don’t want to be left behind. I don’t want to stay in the camper by myself, while they go off and have fun. Can’t we just sit still and be together?? Anyway, most mornings I willingly walk halfway to the truck, then I put the brakes on- bigtime and they have to cox me, until he has had enough and he scoops me up- and some days I get a great cuddle out of it before he throws me into my truck seat. Of course, I must look like I am not enjoying one minute of any of this- how’d I do?
Dear Diary,
Manitoba- cool name, huh? Kind of rolls off our tongue- your tongue, not mine 🙂 Some rough riding these past few days- bumpity bump for hours on end…so I put on my very saddest face and my people snack me all ride long- he is the bigger sucker of the two for my act 🙂
Big city, wooded campground, highways…history just keeps repeating itself…where are we going? Humm, perhaps it does not matter. It just is what it is and so long as I have my people, food, water and a comfy bed what more could a dog ask for? Well, sweet rivers to drink from- which seem to be plentiful out here!
Notice there are NO pics of me for this entry? That is how dull things are around here…or how lazy my people have become…your guess is as good as mine.
Dear Diary,
Someplace called Quebec, sometime in May…I dunno and I don’t really care, I am just happy to be back on the road with my people. Tasting some very nice water in creeks along the way, but not much else happening. This is me in the truck in my car seat…Comfy for the most park, but I still don’t like all the riding…just saying. However, when I look particularly pathetic, whomever is not driving will take pit on me and give me some treats 🙂 Always thinking, aren’t I? 
And now on to Ontario, which is apparently very, very wide, as we seem to be spending a lot of time on the road! And guess what? We camped at the ocean…no wait, it was not the ocean, even though it had waves…it was Lake Superior- looked like the ocean to me, but it sure didn’t taste like it!
This lake is superior! I got to hike up and down and over and through on this trail overlooking the ocea…oh wait…the LAKE! It’s a lake, not the ocean- I know ’cause I can drink from it! Some good! The hike had a ton of stairs though- who the heck puts stairs on trails? Well, this wasn’t the first time, and I am sure it will not be the last- lucky for me, my people love me soooo much, that one of them pushes my butt up and over every last step!
We met the crew that is building the steps – it is really steep in some places, I will admit- they are from a place called Saskatcha…something…I hear we are going there, too. Another hike took us to one of the beaches here- deep sand that shifted a lot- really hard to walk in, but not as bad as all the huge driftwood logs that I had to navigate over, around and sometime under- tricky stuff that. But what a view- well that is what my people said- looked like water to me- lots of water. 
They dragged me up and over some ledges on the shore and we just sat, and sat, and sat, and looked out to sea–noooo, out over The Lake 🙂 It was pretty nice, just saying.
May, 2018
Dear Diary,
Must be spring in Maine- black flies and ticks! UGH! But we have a screen house here at the lake for the days it is not windy. I gotta tell you, it’s been pretty quiet lately…not sure why, or what the heck is going on. We sat here for days on end- not that I am complaining mind you- just wondering. My people changed things around in the truck- my car seat is lower now and…different somehow…somthing about taking the “box” out and putting the bench seat back in…I dunno. But I am pretty sure it means we are hitting the road again!
Hey, I don’t think I told you (well, my person, hasn’t written much lately, right?) anyway- I have an admirer here at the campground. She’s not much to look at ( I know, that is not politically correct, but trust me on this…), but she adores me! I have tolerated Susie’s attentions; trying to be non-chalant (what the heck does that mean?) around her. I hear she stands at her fence and waits for me to come out of the camper- isn’t that stalking? Every now and again she sneaks away from Tim her person (he owns the campground, too- cool guy) and comes over here to see me. She’s a bulldog (now you see what I mean about looks?) with a huge underbite, but she is cute in her own way (aren’t we all?) I guess she’ll miss me when I hit the road again…but a dog has to do what a dog has to do.
Dear Diary,
April, 2018
Kentucky and Virginia and Pennsylvania
Everyplace around here has a great creek to drink from and wade in! However, that also seems to mean very twisty and turny roads that my tummy just doesn’t like…go figure. And it is kind of cold here, rainy, too. We slip in nice hikes between the rain- one day I got to go off leash – I suspect because there was NO place to run, even if I wanted to- up, up, up this logging road with a creek on one steep side and straight up the other side. Not like I would run away anyways- one, I can’t run very well (do they forget I am 91 years old!?) two, run to what? They got the food and shelter…I’m no dummy, ya know! And he usually brings treats to keep me close to his heels- lots of interesting smells on these hikes, too! And then I get a nice long nap, and lots of adoration from my people 🙂 What more could a dog want?
Okay, my people are soooo mean to me. They leave every day, sometimes twice to go to some old place called Williamsburg, and they don’t even bring me any treats! Geesh, I am sooooo bored of hanging out in this camper…well kind of, I just love my nice, quiet, undisturbed long naps….mmmmmmm. But one day, I really did get bored and so I looked around this place to see what I could find….there is not much left at my level- my people are smart that way. But, I find something just a bit out of reach. It didn’t smell like food, but heck I was bored! So, I stretched and reached and stretched some more and I got it! A box of tissue! YAY for me! What did I do with it? Well, I ate it, of course! Not the box, but some of the tissues in side- see what boredom will do to a dog? And then they came home, but they didn’t notice…for awhile- so they played with me and pampered me…and then later…it all came crashing down. They couldn’t find the tissue box where it normally is- that would be because I left it under the table, way under. And then it began- the looks, the fingers wagging at me, I suppose they were lecturing me, but I can’t hear, remember…and then they laughed…at ME! Something about not needing to wipe for a few days…I dunno, I don’t get it…
On the move, a lot…I am not happy- too much time bouncing around in that truck- ugh. But, I hear (well, I don’t hear, now do I?) that we are heading back to Maine! YIPPEE! I can see my old friends!
One more thing…I was almost attacked by a moose- Bennington, VT. Check this pic out- I barked and held my ground and it just froze.
Dear Diary,
April
Everyplace around here has a great creek to drink from and wade in! 
However, that also seems to mean very twisty and turny roads that my tummy just doesn’t like…go figure. And it is kind of cold here, rainy, too. We slip in nice hikes between the rain- one day I got to go off leash part of the way – I suspect because there was NO place to run, even if I wanted to- up, up, up this logging road with a creek on one steep side and straight up the other side. 
Not like I would run away anyways- one, I can’t run very well (do they forget I am 91 years old!?) two, run to what? They got the food and shelter…I’m no dummy, ya know! And he usually brings treats to keep me close to his heels- lots of interesting smells on these hikes, too! And then I get a nice long nap, and lots of adoration from my people 🙂 What more could a dog want?
Okay, my people are soooo mean to me. They leave every day, sometimes twice to go to some old place called Williamsburg, and they don’t even bring me any treats! Geesh, I am sooooo bored of hanging out in this camper…well kind of, I just love my nice, quiet, undisturbed long naps….mmmmmmm. But one day, I really did get bored and so I looked around this place to see what I could find….there is not much left at my level- my people are smart that way. But, I find something just a bit out of reach. It didn’t smell like food, but heck I was bored! So, I stretched and reached and stretched some more and I got it! A box of tissue! YAY for me! What did I do with it? Well, I ate it, of course! Not the box, but some of the tissues inside- see what boredom will do to a dog? And then they came home, but they didn’t notice…for awhile- so they played with me and pampered me…and then later…it all came crashing down. They couldn’t find the tissue box where it normally is- that would be because I left it under the table, way under. And then it began- the looks, the fingers wagging at me, I suppose they were lecturing me, but I can’t hear, remember…and then they laughed…at ME! Something about not needing to wipe for a few days…I dunno, I don’t get it…
Dear Diary,
March 2018
Jenny’s Creek…oh what lovely sweet water! We spent four days here and everyday, sometimes twice, 
I got to go to the creek and wade in and drink to my heart’s content!
And on to some places with more creeks and even waterfalls! Look at these pics:
If only I could share the great tastes of all these creeks with you…
Lots of hiking these days…and of course, I got in trouble…
geesh, it’s not like I can read, ya know 😉
On the move every few days now- not sure why or where we are going…Someplace called The Great Smokies…and what an adventure I had there… Once we get settled in and had lunch it is time to HIKE! YAY! So, take a look at this so called “bridge”…really?
I get across it- phew! WHAT? there is another one.And I get across that one. Then we hike pretty much straight up this trail, then straight down. Why? And guess what? I have to cross those “bridges” again! I tried to go around, but that stream was roaring. My people, they are good people, I know that, but really? He pulls, she tucks my legs onto the log and off we go- AARRRGHHHH! 
And then it happens- I slipped (duh, what four legged critter wouldn’t slip, I ask you?) and next thing I knew I was swinging from the end of my leash out over the rushing creek, below the log (thankfully there is no video or pics of this very humiliatiing event). He pulls me back up to log level, but I have no way of getting my feet back on the log (if I was the cussin’ type, this would be the place 😉 Finally, he gets me back on the log, but now I am in front- ain’t NO way I am moving forward. So, he scoots over and around me, she comes up behind me and guides me the rest of the way…and of course, have you remembered? There are TWO log bridges! TIme for a well deserved nap, don’t you think? I think I am fine physically, but not so sure psychologically…just saying…traumatized for sure!
Dear Diary,
March 15, 2018
I turned 13 today- which is 91 in people years! And I went for a hike in the hills here at FDR state park today. Not bad for an Old Man, huh? And I got a birthday cake; check out these pics:
Some of my favorite foods and a new one- Rice Cakes layered with peanut butter- that stuff is some sticky- then some Cheezits- food of the gods, right? and then something called a Puff Peppermint- that was some different- I never had one of those before- it melted in mouth before I could even munch it down! I sure am special to get that awesome treat, huh?
Oh, don’t send gifts, no room in this rig and we don’t stay long enough anyway to get mail. (but I’ll be back in Maine in May…just saying 😉
I guess being 91 doesn’t get my much respect though- we’re back to hiking- 2 miles through the woods, over hill and dale, up and down, around and about. But I did drink from this lovely stream 
spring-fed, crystal clear, so very sweet- must be why FDR liked it here so much 🙂 I really do like hiking, just don’t tell my people 😉
More forests, and crystal clear waters, too- so good! And a pretty hard hike up to a fire tower that I did not have to climb, thankfully, however I did have to go down several sets of open-grate stairs to an overlook…
I don’t like open stairs, especially metal ones, but I did it- for my people…and the view!I guess we could see Tennessee…I dunno…
Sometime recently…I don’t remember where- I’m having a senior moment, okay??? I was forced onto this contraption
and spun around…and around…really? I guess I liked it, ’cause the next morning I headed right over that way and got to spin again…and again 🙂
Dear Diary,
March, 2018
Talk about quiet…we’re in NOLA- whatever that is…and my people go off almost every day and leave me behind…all alone, by myself, with nothing to do…so sad, isn’t it? Poor, little ol’ me. NOT! Peace and quiet, endless naps! YIPPEE. I do get a bit hungry, so some days I don’t eat my breakfast until lunchtime…just planning ahead, a know?
Now were in Mississippi- walked a white sandy beach- big whoop- I can’t drink the water here either! geesh.
Back in the Bayou- those alligator thingies. I sure did get him to move fast the other day. We’d been out for a walk and there wasn’t any water to drink. They were looking at this pond- something about those alligators- I couldn’t see any. 
So, I slipped off the platform and headed to the edge of the pond for a drink. Boy, did my leash come up short quickly! He swung around the rail, grabbed me before I could even taste the water, and tossed me back on the deck. I think I got “spoken to”, but since I can’t hear…whatever!
Alabama and beaches again, and really nice people – everyone likes me here! 
We went to a Fort and of course, I had to pose…geesh and then some cute woman hollered out, “what a cute puppy”….
what can I say, I just had to sit up and look handsome.
Now it’s a place called Florida…whatever…
I have heard through the grapevine (you know who you are 😉 that my people are not posting to the blog for me frequently enough. WHY? I ask WHY? Oh…’cause my life is pretty much simple and quiet these days, which is fine with me! But, do stay tuned, because anything can happen at any time, and I am sure they will capture it on those little black boxes they carry around.
Florida now, and guess WHAT? Dogs are not allowed on the beaches! Are you kidding me? I guess it’s because some owners don’t clean up after their dogs, so now ALL of us are banned. Life is so not fair….oh wait…I don’t really like the beach 🙂 So, instead of the beach I got a “spa morning” at the groomers- I look SO good, just saying 🙂 And I don’t really want sand in my silky smooth fur anyway.
Dear Diary,
February 2018
We’re on the road…oh joy! I really like exploring new places, but the riding in the truck part is just no fun! Although, with my sad looks, I do get lots of treats:-) We’re back in the woods! Trees and grass, easier walking than all that sand!
Check these pics out- I went up three flights of those stairs (and down them)! Me, with my bad hips and leg! What can I say? They went, so I went. I wasn’t going to stay behind, that’s for sure!
Finally they figured it out…I’m going deaf…or I am deaf…not quite sure yet. Anyway, they were talking to me with their backs to me and I didn’t have a clue what they wanted. People…geesh…sometimes they are so clueless! I try to look right at them and make sure I can see them, and finally now they are getting it and making an effort to talk to me, not around me, and to use more hand signals. It is a bit scary sometimes when we’re out walking and I can’t see both of them…but I know they won’t leave me behind! And, as you must know by now, all the extra sympathy (ie treats and attention) is pretty darn sweet! just saying 🙂
And…back in the sand, now the swamp, now the woods…what the heck? And they keep talking about alligators, but what’s an alligator? And should I care? I’ll let ya know in a future post.
Dear Diary,
January, 2018
Wait, it’s already February (whatever that is) and my people have not posted to my blog…geesh! Although I must say it has been rather quiet here. We walk the beach or the neighborhood, we sit in the sun, I bark at every dog I see 🙂 (yeah, it makes them crazy 🙂 and I take really long naps…mmmmmm.
Here are a two pics of the “high points”. That is the RV park we stayed at for a month- and look it was sunny when that pic was taken! That sunshine was rare, let me tell you!
Can you believe they let me be the lifequard that day? I mean, I don’t even like getting my feet wet… but guess what? NO BODY was even swimming – it is too COLD! So, I guess, technically, I was trespassing, but I can’t read so, was I?
confused as always,
Rhylee
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