Camping!

Yesterday we went camping! We went to a state park that is only about 30 minutes from out house - the last time we all went camping together, we went to this same place. Dad knows this park and this campground really well so he always gets us awesome campsites. He has two favorite spots - the one we camped in last time and the one we got this time. I think I like yesterday's site the best.


Here is the view from our campsite! There is a path on the left side down to the water and it is the perfect kayak launch spot.

Some fishermen were nice enough to take our photo:

After our paddle we went to a little beach so that I could practice my swimming and run around a little.

Here's the path to the lake:

Mom and me hanging out:

We had beautiful weather and this morning the sun came up over the lake and it was chilly - temps in the 50s.

A misty photo - guess we have mist in Ohio too - LOL!

The view of our campsite from the lake:

After breakfast, we packed everything up and stopped at the big beach. Dogs aren't technically allowed, but there was no one around!

Here is a short video of my water antics!

Our one night of camping was very fun but very tiring! I kept thinking, "When are we getting in the car and going home?" Mom and I didn't sleep very well in the tent. There was a full moon and we kept hearing noises - probably raccoons. I didn't bark at all but I was very restless. Needless to say, I will sleep well tonight! Camping is tough work!

Gotta zoom!

Ricky

Kayaking!

Dad, mom and I went kayaking today!! It is the first time this summer - dad badly sprained his ankle back in June and he hasn't been able to take us out until now! It was really fun! I got so excited when I saw mom and dad getting all of out gear together and packing up the truck. It was a beautiful day for it too!

Here we are just starting out:

I'm looking out over the water:
We stopped for lunch and swimming on a little island:
Dad is out in the water trying to coax me in but I'm not too sure:
Oh no! He got me:
Guess I'll have to swim for it:
I am not a good swimmer (maybe Sizzle could teach me?):
I do lots and lots of splashing:
I'm coming mom:
Whew! Finally made it back to shore and we were ready to take off again! I sit on mom's lap and dad paddles us wherever we go!
Here's a view from our way back:
Pretty cool, huh? I sure hope we get to go again soon!

Gotta zoom!

Ricky

Beautiful weather!

We have been having absolutely beautiful weather here in Ohio the past few days - low humidity, highs around 80 degrees and lows around 60. Not usual for August but I am loving it! I have much more energy for walks and for agility practice - wish it would stay like this forever!

I had such a busy week last week that I never shared any photos from our kayaking trip last Monday. We went to another nearby reservoir (not the same one where we went camping) and kayaked.

Over the weekend mom found out that her mother-in-law (so my other grandma) and her Border Collie Kyle were invited to the National Obedience Invitationals for the second time. They went in 2006 and placed in the top 8 dogs in the country! Here is a video of Catherine and Kyle from the 2006 competition -

Catherine also has her own website - Canine Competitive Obedience Toolbox that has a ton of information and also great videos of her and Kyle! So now we know two people and their dogs that will be going to Nationals in December! Awesome! Kyle was mom's inspiration to get me! So thanks, Kyle!

Gotta zoom!

Ricky

Kayaking!

Mom, Dad and I just got home from a little kayaking trip - our first one of the summer! When mom and dad got married a few years ago, they got a tandem kayak as a wedding present. Dad is a real good kayaker - he does all of the paddling, BTW, and mom gets to ride around like Cleopatra, Queen of the Nile! Any way, last summer when I was a young pup, mom and dad introduced me to kayaking and I have always loved it! Today we went to a river that is near our house and took a short trip. You need a lot of gear when kayaking:
Me in my cool life jacket:
Waiting by the river for dad to put in:
Still waiting:
Finally, we're off:

We had beautiful weather and saw turtles, herons, a water snake, and lots of pretty damselflies.

Gotta zoom!

Ricky