The Contessa Of Davis Or Queen of the House

A history of the life of a Miniature Australian Sheperd......as seen through her eyes.....

* Note.....HP & WP refer to Husband Person and Wife Person







Sunday, May 27, 2012

I'm back!

Hi All, it's me the seafaring pooch with an attitude. I try real hard to post something every month about just what is happening.  Things around here have been buzzing....uh guess that means we have all been very very busy. Too cold for bees just yet.   HP has been gone quite a bit and WP has been too but from what I overheard just yesterday they will be stuck pretty darned close to home for the remainder of the summer.
So here's just what has been happening.  We just got back from our vacation.  Yep I actually got to go this time, along with my big sis, Annie and brother Charlie.  It was our turn to go boating and boy did we ever have a good time.  You all know about the boat HP bought last year.  Here it is:
We were ready to set sail for out very first C Dory adventure....oops that's right we don't have sails we have Hondas.   We had arrived in Anacortes, Washington the night before.  This trip we were actually going someplace.  HP and WP had been invited last December to attend the Annual C Brat Gathering at Friday Harbor.   It's a 3 day event that is open to all owners of the same kind of boat.   It's a big deal out here in Washington and boats came from all over the US.  But first we had to get there.
HP contacted another boat owner in the general area and made arrangement to follow his boat to our destination.  David and his boat Anna Leigh were our guides for the day.
 And off we went...a wee bit faster than HP was used to but we did just fine.   Annie got a tad scared when the boat started hitting the wakes but after a while she did fine.
She gets to ride in the cushie spot in the v berth.  Lucky Dog!
So we finally get to Friday Harbor, we started out in the clouds and ended up in pure sunshine for 3 whole days. It was a grand gathering with 43 boats in the slips adjacent to ours and guess what, a lot of them had dogs along.  We won the prize for having the most though.  One boat had 2 Aussies, just like me aboard. And there was a dog named Teddie that did special tricks....show off!
There were lots and lost of people at this place too and we had to walk a very long way to go potty but we were all very good and held it until we got the chance.  Salty isn't very well equipped to camp on yet.   It was one of HP's reasons for wanting to attend this get-to-gether.  He wanted to see how others got along staying on their boats.   HP booked a room at this fancy place on top of the hill in Friday Harbor.  WP wasn't very happy about it.  It was just too too fancy..they had white fluffy robes for HP and WP and stainless steel water and food dishes for us pups and also a duvet for us to sleep on.  WP said never again next year we will be camping on the boat like everyone else! The walk just to turn in for the night was a workout.
Anyway the get together was real fun and very informative...

Friday Harbor is a hopping place. There were seaplanes and ferries and lots of things going on all the time....

But it is a very  beautiful place and everyone is so friendly.  People would stop us everyday for lots of pets and scratches.  Some grinned at the idea of all three of us being on the boat at one time..One lady even when she stopped by Salty that it was a compliment to HP and WP that we had all been there all weekend and most didn't know we had that many pooches on the boat.  We got complimented on being so good!  I only got in trouble once for jumping off the boat...
My favorite spot was sitting on the cooler in the back...I could see everything going on and you all know I keep my eye on EVERYTHING!
On Saturday HP took us all for a long boat ride....we left everyone in the marina and set out on our first real excursion to Jones Island.   It was a really cool place and for the first time in two days we were allowed off leash to romp and just be dogs...

So back to Friday Harbor and a huge potluck.   I got to go to dinner with WP that night but Charlie and Annie had to stay and guard Salty.  You see there is this harbor seal that cruises the marina.  Her name is Popeye because she is blind in one eye.  She visits each boat, cruises by and slaps the water if there is something she feels isn't right.  Guess she doesn't like big black dogs because when I was at my lookout she just swam by and stared at me.  WP didn't get any pictures because she was so fast.  
We were were all on H Dock and there were 43 C Dory boats.  It was a long walk to get to actual grass but it was worth it!







So that was our big trip this past week.   We are all home now and WP is grumbling (big time) about the crumby cold weather.  The farrier was suppose to show up today to put shoes on the horses....that can mean only one thing......HORSE BACK time!    Yeah.   I love going with the horses.
That will mean more adventures to blog about..so until next time..
Stay off the funiture and don't pee on the floor!
Your friend and mine...

Tess
with a little help from WP!

Saturday, April 28, 2012

It's Been a while....

    Hi it's me and I am one cool pup! But, I am a busy pup.  I have to keep track of everyone and everything around here and it is exhausting. Time for a vacation, don't ya think?  Somewhere in the sun....I am ready and looking pretty cool here.

  I know it's been quite a while since I posted so I will try my very best to bring you up to the moment on what's been going on around here.  I have been spending a lot of time with HP..Lots of hiking, well, and sleeping too.  HP has spent most of the winter with his nose glued to boating books.  He grumbles a lot about having to read manuals.  But when he gets too grumbly he takes us all and we for a day hike. One of my favorite things to do.
   I am a bit worried about my sister, Annie.  That Arthur Rightus is really making her sore.  She has a hard time getting around after a long day in the mountains,  I overheard WP and HP talking that she won't be able to go with the horses much this year and they are planning a horse packing trip in August and will have to get a puppy sitter for her.  Man I hate to see her hurt so much.  HP took her to see Dr Andy and had her checked over.  He told HP that she should go for hikes to keep Arthur Rightus in check...you know " a body in motion, stays in motion". She's 10 this year and showing grey hairs.  I love my big sis. If I ever get my teeth into that Arthur I will tear him limb from limb...I don't like him!
 It's spring and we have lots of new baby cows here too.  HP won't let us pups go out to the field any more.  We sort of like to eat calf poop and it makes us very stinky at night.  But I get to ride with him in the front seat of the truck most of the time.  This week WP gave me a ride on her 4 wheeler.  She went real slow and held on to me real tight.  I tried to ride behind her but without her holding me I got scared and jumped off.  Thank goodness the grass was soft and she wasn't going very fast. I had to walk home.
   So WP hasn't been home much the last 6 weeks.  These quilt retreat things are getting to be a real habit with her.  She went to one the first of April at Double Arrow Ranch.   I heard there were 26 women, all with those sewing thingys and tons of fabric. She was grumbling about not having a lot of room to sew. And someone wore army boots?  Huh? But she did just get back from her 2nd one last week.. This one she raves about, Ghost Rails Inn in Alberton.  Did someone say ghosts?  I don't like ghosts,  I bark at shadows and scary stuff. She did make some really nice things though and told HP she laughed so hard she peed her pants.  Do you suppose she got in trouble for that?
    WP also made another trip to that Ogden place.. And this new Hadley person has taken a real front seat in her life. That's all she talks about. Hadley this and Hadley that and guess what Hadley did today.  I sure liked Hadley when I met her in January and can't wait until we can play together. She smells really nice.  I heard all about my cousin, Jackson too.  He has grown quite a bit and is quite handsome.  He looks like a polar bear.  WP loves going over to see Hadley. Here is one of her Easter photos...

   HP is gone right now....he is in Washington. I sure miss him.  WP does not allow me to bark when we go out to get the mail and the paper.  He lets me do anything I want to, including getting on the bed and the furniture when WP isn't looking.  She's getting a bit testy lately about this stuff but put one of her nice new quilts on the bed. This one....

Anyway, HP went to Anacortes, Washington to get the boat ready for our big trip next month.  And we all get to go.. We are going to the annual C-Brat gathering at Friday Harbor in the San Juan Islands.  This is a 3 day all C-Dory event .  We will boat to that harbour place and meet a whole lot of other boat owners.  And we get to sleep on the boat too....well at least 2 nights.  I did hear WP and Hp say that they will be leaving their boat in Washington for the summer.  There's too much going on with haying and having horses to try and fit boating in as well. I sort of enjoy going with the horses too and can understand why they will just leave Salty there.  We can still drive over and go boating if we want to. This what the place looks like...

   I had a very big job this week.  I help WP in the garden..yep, I stood guard and made sure she did it right.  It sure was hot out there.  I had to park myself under the wagon just to stay cool.  She moved her garden spot and has been working hard to get it ready for planting.  So now the garden is in the old donkey field.  A new fence was put in place with horse panels to keep Thomas, the bull, who is temporarily residing in that field out of the new garden spot.  So far Thomas has been behaving himself but I had to stand guard just in case he wanted to join us.
 WP is a very active person...she hates to just sit around and doesn't do much sitting. This past month she taught herself how to make Artisan Bread.   I don't know what Artisan bread is, but we can't have any. But boy does the house smell good on bread days and it looks like this.
     WP did it again too.....had a fender bender with her new car....Yep this time she backed out of the driveway right into HP's blue truck.  He sort of left it parked in front of the garage door.   He apologized but WP was still mad because her car got banged, but it was kind of her fault too.   Pretty dumb there WP. You DO have a back up camera on your new car, ya know.  Why didn't you use it?  Oops I had better keep my mouth shut or I will be in trouble with her.

     So that's all the info I have for now.   WP couldn't sleep so she helped me write this...she was up at 3:30am and started her laundry.  Maybe we can both take a nice long nap this afternoon.....YAWN....until next time

It's Tess

Thursday, February 2, 2012

What Happened to January?

Hi fans,
   I know it's been a while since I've been on here but since I can't type well I have to wait for WP to help me out. And she's been busy.
    This is not the time of year to be a medium long haired pup.  Since the weather has been a wee bit on the mild side that means lots of mud.  WP does not like it when I come in from a day hike with HP with mud between my toes and caked on my belly.  She gets downright testy. I try my best to sneak in but I think she has eyes in the back of her head because I usually end up in the utility sink, up to my ears in sudsy water. But on the good side that means she lets me snuggle in on the bed at night.  Comfy! I really kind of like my baths and love love the blow dry afterwards!
    Well I had my annual vet check up last month too....Geez I don't like shots but it was time to get renewed...Dr Bovard is real nice and he's pretty gentle about the whole deal.  I got three of them and HP got lectured about my weight....so it's back on the old diet.  I think that's about normal for everyone this time of year...I needs to lose 5 pounds about 20% of my total body weight, I am bit on the porky side.  I did learn a new trick this month but WP caught on real fast.  I need  to learn how to open the kitchen cupboard quietly.  I was starving and found out I could nose my way in and help myself to the garbage.  I got caught red pawed and was reprimanded verbally.  My bad!
   WP spent a lot of time last month in house cleaning mode too.  I sure wish someone would turn off her "clean" button. I don't care too much for that thing that sucks up all the hair that I took so much time to grow.  It makes a lot of noise and is scary..but it was all for a very good reason because I finally got to meet that new short person in the family.
  Hadley came for a visit and I got to smell her. I even got in one good taste when no one thought I was interested..  She smells funny at times and sure didn't make a lot of noise....she tasted okay. Hate to say it but I was just a tad disappointed.  I thought I was going to get to run around, chase balls and play tug-o-war.  I was even ready to share my favorite toys. WP said they were too stinky for a baby to play with so she put them mostly away. This Hadley person just did a lot of laying around looking cute. Yeah she was really cute.  Okay I will give her some time to grow up but she had better be in the mood to play or I will trade her in for a puppy.
    After the family left WP was running around getting us packed up for our trip to Seattle.  HP likes going to the boat show there.  He hadn't been in quite a few years so decided to go.  I went the last time too and it's a bit boring for the three of us pups...we have to just sit in the car all day and get to go for short walks twice a day.  There really isn't any place for us to really get out and stretch but HP tries real hard top get us good exercise before we go and also again when we get home...guess it's better to be with the family than sitting in some kennel somewhere with a bunch of strangers.  We get our kennel cough shots but still won't stay in one...Anyway thew show was at the CenturyLink stadium where the Seahawks play.  I would really like to see that one day but pups aren't allowed inside. I heard from WP and HP that a plastic cup of beer cost $9.50 and a bottled of water was $3.75.  HP did buy a boat though..Here's a picture of it...it's the one in the center...tee hee. It will come in handy to get us to shore for potty breaks when we go boating.  Now we just have to learn how to get off and one with out getting out tootsies wet.
Boy I can hardly wait to go boating again....I am going to be the easy one to deal with.  HP will have his hands full with Charlie and Annie.
WP and HP chatted all the way home about the fun time they had this trip.  Met a lot of people that own the same kind of boats and made plans for meeting up with some of them in May at a "gathering".  Dogs are invited to this one.  That means I will have to brush up on my nautical terms.  "Ruff" water and stowing stuff in the bow wow...oops I mean bow.  Port...starboard, bow, stern.  Guess I had better start studying.  I sure don't want to seem like a ranch dog in front of all those other sea dogs.
WP got a new fancy camera for her birthday so I am sure she will be taking lots more pictures of us in the very near future.  Guess that's it for now...will try and post again this month to let you know just what we have our paws into.
Hey if you guys like my posts check out the link on the bottom and subscribe via email....
Catch you later and I promise not to try not jump on you....well I did say try
Tess

Friday, December 16, 2011

I've been good...I've been good.....really!

I know it's almost Christmas....WP put twinkly lights up outside about 2 weeks ago....that can only mean one thing.....Santa Paws is coming.   Oh how I just love it...I always get a new squeaky and boy do I ever need a new one..Charlie slobbered all over my rabbit and it stinks! I hoped he gets ZIP this year because of it...  He just can't seem to keep his paws off my toys.
There's something rather odd around here though.  The tree looks a bit weird. It's silver with white lights and doesn't smell like our summer camping trips. In fact it doesn't smell at all and it's teeny tiny. Anyone know what artificial means?  WP mentioned nostalgia of being a kid in Texas and having a bigger one like it with a color wheel light.  I don't think I like it but WP says it's a lot less work.  She's been a bit busy lately doing something bizarre or is that Bazaar?   Anyway she made a bunch of thingies with her sew machine and then went to a schoolhouse and set up a table to sell it.  Guess she made money.  She came home happy, anyway.
    So back to the tree thing....I hope Charlie minds his manners around it.  Not that he pees in the house but that huge tail of his could swat this poor pathetic thing into the next county if he's not careful.   Like I said he hasn't been very good lately....naw I'm just kidding. He's my bro and I love him.  Annie is a totally different story.  She's been so good you don't even know she's here.   WP put her dog bed in her sewing room and that's where she is most of the time....what a couch potato! She has been hanging around some new guy named Arthur Itis and something makes her walk funny at times...WP thinks she will be banned from day hikes soon because this Arthur person hurts her too bad.   If this Arthur person comes here and hurts her anymore I'll bite him!
   This week was Picture Week.   WP tries pretty hard to get me to sit still to take some quality photos for her Christmas memory book.  All three of us learned at an early age to sit and stay where she puts us.  That's why most of our pictures together are pretty good. It takes patience and a whole lot of chicken stripss to get the outcome she wants...so here are the shots from the past few years...That's why I say I have been really really good....
I don't think I have changed a lot over the years, just gotten cuter. And much more mature!

Hey I heard something this morning too.  HP was talking about Seattle again..It sounds like we may be going again in the near future.  Yippee, I think get to stay in a hotel this time....HP is looking for a dinghy, whatever that is.   There is a huge Boat Show in Seattle the end of January. But a dinghy store? Doesn't sound like anything I would want, cuz I'm a girl.. Maybe Charlie needs a new one?  Oops just found out it is a rubber raft to keep on the boat so HP can get us pups to shore to do our business while we are boating.  We are NOT allowed to pee on the boat. HP and WP have been to this boat show many times.  I remember hearing stories about huge yachts there where you have to remove your shoes to even get to see the insides.  Yeah we will go but we have to stay in the car....but at least we get to go...
So right now is the boring part of the year....  we mainly stay inside and hang out by the woodstove.  So warm and relaxing and my favorite place to be.  HP is doing some reading, studying all the manuals for the electronics on the boat..He wants to be ready for next spring when we can get back out on the water. WP sews a lot.  She has lots of fabric stashed for several projects that just have to get finished before summer arrives.
I am sure hoping in the near future I get to meet that new short person, Hadley.  I really love kids and I know she and I will get a long just fine.  I plan to smother those cute cheeks with tons of kisses and also play with my cousin Jackson....he's a goldendoodle, and quite handsome I may add...I don't get to see him a lot..
Here is a picture of him...
So I guess I had better get busy..  I still have all my Christmas shopping to do,  Oh right I don't carry a purse so guess I can't shop.   Okay I guess I will just have to think hard about what to do for HP and WP for Christmas this year..I promise I won't leave any presents in the house, if you know what I mean.  I am way better than that.  I just thought of the perfect gift for them.....I promise not to leave my toys strewn all over the house and for the next three months I promise not to shed........(too much).
So to all my fans who follow my blog, why not leave me a comment so I know you've been here...I love having followers but don't know it unless you tell me.
At this time I want to wish you all a very wonderful Christmas .  I need to go.  I have to figure some way to sneak some biscuits out for Santa Paws and his reinpups...gotta be prepare.  See you next year!!

Tess

Thursday, November 17, 2011

So what's the deal here?

    I haven't posted much lately because this household has been totally bonkers.   WP hasn't been home much and from what I overheard it something about her being a new grandmother.  Whooppeee that means there will be a little person for me to play with soon.  I have such short legs, it's a bit hard for me to lick faces on HP and WP.  But I heard the new baby's name is Hadley, a short person, oh yeah, let the fun begin.   I can see in my very near future being able to grab cookies out of little chubby hands and someone to chase after me.  I think I can tackle a kid but I refuse to share my toys, though, so this Hadley person had better bring her own.  I don't think she will like the way my toys taste because Charlie slobbers all over them...
   So the other thing happening is trying to figure out just who is driving into our yard.   I think WP is a bit crazy in the head...she went to a place called Ogden-land and came home driving some sort New Insect. It looked more like a squashed Volkswagen to me. HP thought she was crazy and told her she would never be able to go anywhere if it snowed hard. But then yesterday she came home with another car. A Subaru Outback...cool a new muttwagen.  This one looks more to my liking, oh yeah, I know I get to ride in this one. Okay maybe later when the inside gets dirty. Did someone say mid-life crisis?  And what does broke mean?
 So no pictures today. I have to stay on my toes. HP looks like he may be going somewhere.  I need to be there, right by the door looking longlingly into his eyes with the pitiful "I want to go too" look.   Awh darn, never mind, looks like he's taking his gun for another walk today. I wonder if that gun-thing is allowed to chase deer, or does it get put on a leash too? I don't get to go and I even got a new haircut so the mud and leaves don't stick to my coat.  WP was a bit testy when she went to bed the other night....I like to sleep on her side and after a good hike with HP, I brought in a wee bit of mud on my tummy. So after I cozy into bed and then dry off the mud leaves a nice gritty feel on her side of bed and I left a few leaves and sticks there too......ruh roh....trouble with HP ..hence the new haircut!

Until next time.......no peeing in the house, and new haircut or not, stay off the pillows on the bed!
Tess

Saturday, October 8, 2011

SALTY DOG

Yep that's what I am...a seafaring pooch with salt between my toes.... I just got back from a huge vacation to Anacortes Washington.  Me and Annie and Charlie had a great time and we were all very good.....
     So HP needed to take his boat, Salty back to Washington for a couple of reasons.....first was he bought a new trailer.  The other trailer just wasn't what he liked and felt with all the long distance hauling he wanted one that supported Salty better.  Oh Yeah Salty is a 22 foot C- Dory.  I am getting pretty good at all this nautical stuff.   I listen alot.  The second reason is HP is leaving Salty at EQ Marine for winter storage....it's so cold here and poor Salty will freeze.  He will get it next spring and maybe we can spend some more time floating on the water.
    We left here early on a Thursday and drove hauling the boat to Issaquah Washington....try saying that with a dog bone in your teeth. We stayed the night because HP really grumbles driving through Seattle during rush hour......it was still dark when we got there. Got up early the next day and we got to Coronet Bay around 11:30am.....I grumbled because we had to just sit in the truck FOREVER while the new trailer was fitted to the boat...but there is a really cool park at the end of the raod and we got to get out and stretch a couple of times...WP was amazed at all the wild blackberries were everywhere.
  So the entire day was spent getting Salty's new trailer and everthing else organzied. But Saturday was a fun one.....HP and WP took their boat to something called a sling launch.   They put two huge straps under the boat and off it flies into the air and then lands gently in the water.   Carl the launch guy was really cool. 

  Us pups had to ride in the truck over to the parking lot until Salty was safely delivered to the slip.....this time we were moored next to a huge sailboat in slip 19 on "P" dock....by the way you cannot pee on "P" dock....that's a huge no-no.
    Three trips back and forth to the parking lot with gear, water and then us one at a time. But it is a very short walk so no big deal. But here is me and my sis, Annie, after we get settled into Salty sitting in it's place at Cap Sante Marina. Quite comfy in here...WP put a waterproof blankie down so we don't get anything wet..

So off we go in to the bay that day on a cruise to Skyline Marina on the other side of Fidalgo Island.   Oh yeah I should tell you all where we are consists of many islands...Fidalgo, Whidbey, Guemes, Lopez and many others all a part of what is known as the San Juans, just south of the Canadian Border off the coast of Washington.  It is very beautiful here. It is cooler but still sunny and the water is pretty calm.  HP is very happy the motors both started and things are running well.  We see lots of birds.
So the next morning we get up to fog......lots and lots of fog.  It is damp and the news says the fog should lift later in the morning.  HP alwyas takes us for a nice walk every morning down by the water.  It smells so different here.  The fog sort of lifts and we all  load onto the boat again for another cruise....this time we have to stay pretty close.  There is a marine radio aboard Salty and some guy keeps squawking about heavy fog banks just where we had plannned to cruise to today. Plans changed and we have to just stay close in.  The back side of Guemes Island is glass smooth and we had a good time just putting along. There are other boaters out too seeming to do just the same thing...enjoying the water..

On our way back to the marina we started to hear to hear the guy on the radio again.  HP was told the radio is very important while on the water....they will broadcast well in advance of any approaching storm to give you time to seek shelter....we heard it all the way back to Cap Sante....wind storm coming with lots of rough water and huge swells....dang we were land locked for two days and the wind blew HARD.
   So we did some land cruising....visited Bowman Bay at Deception Pass....here we are on the super long dock.....
and a view from the shore.

Charlie just had to go for a swim and Annie said the water tasted awful. This bay was calm the out farther there were huge whitecapsand no small boats on the water. So then we drove to the top of Mt Erie for a panoramic view of where we are.......spectacular!

So now we are at Wednesday....almost a week since we left our home in Montana.   And today the winds are clam and HP is ready to get out on the water once again.  Today no wind but it's raining.  But HP and WP decide to go for it. Salty actually has heat in the cabin and windshield washers so why not?  Off we go and once we get underway the water isn't all that bad.  HP has been wanting mto get over to James Island since he bought the boat and today is the day.  The water is good and we have just enough time... and we amke it!!  it is worht the trip....a small island one of the first parks in the long chain of San Juans.  Us pups get to get out and actually romp as there is no one there but us...we have time to get lunch and then have to head back
Cool place and here are some pictures of it....
And so we had a good trip.  Got back to the marina..Salty was loaded back the trailer and delivered to EQ and we headed home Thursday.  We left Anacortes at 10am and arrived back at our own yard at 9pm.....I am so glad to be home.  We had a good time and now I am so looking forwaqrd to next spring.....I like boating..it's fun!



Friday, September 9, 2011

Monture Campout...I have such a good life!



I want to go back.......we just got home from another great camping trip to Monture Creek near Ovando.... and I would really like to know who stole my mountains while we were gone.   The air here at home stinks sort of like the campfire HP did while we were camping out....but I want my mountains back. You can't see them for all the smoke in the air.....cough cough....but while we were gone we did have a good time.  Guess I did because I am exhausted. And the air didn't stink!
The campground was deserted.....we had it all to ourselves....it was really nice quiet and relaxing...except for those pesky squirrels......they are so obnoxious!

  The first night we took a short ride up the creek just to get out for a bit and stretch our legs, then back to the ARR VEE for supper and sleep time.  
But only after some down time with HP.....got a stick?...I will destroy it for you!  I did get in a wee bit of trouble....HP's horse Matt got his halter hung up on the hitch rail. He pulled back and ,well, I sort of helped him pull harder so he'd break it....and he did.......HP was NOT HAPPY with me.  Not a good idea to bite the heels of the horse. Here's Matt with the "spare" halter on...

Trails here are so beautiful.......waterfalls, mud holes and nice weather this time...but no deer to chase ( can't chase them even if they are there to chase)

We also had Barney along......WP sure likes this guy.....he's pretty good to me. Puts up with me under his feet and I can even surprise him from the side of the trail and he doesn't get mad or anything. Yep I like him just fine!

So the next day we went a long long ways.....all the way up to Burnt Cabin..(hmmmpf didn't look burnt to me)...one way it was about 8 1/2 miles.....that's a really long walk for these short little legs.  The cabin was freshly painted and has a brand new roof.   Ha, looks like I got to put the very first muddy pawprints on it.........muhahaha!!
  We hung out on the porch for a while before heading back.....Lot's easier going downhill.  WP was mentioning the huckleyberries were almost non exsistent.....just little dry green ones left on brown crispy bushes.  Bet the bears aren't happy.   Last time we went this way we found lots of the berries even though I don't like them very much. WP likes huckleyberries........here I am sitting on the cabin porch.....mud bath anyone??? 
 I am so dang cute!! And swimming another one of my favorite things...
Swimming is great when the trail is so dusty......and crowded...sometimes I feel like a Labrador sandwich..
This is  one of the favorite rides for WP but there are several really long straight stretches......BORING.... espcially when it's so hot.  But it is a very pretty ride. 

But after doing one 6 mile ride and then a 17 miler the next day we all felt the same way my big sister Annie felt.....
table leg huggin' tired!
Now to rest for a few days.......Yawn
When's the next ride???  HUH???