BOXER ADVENTURES

 We had to run a bunch or errands today so first we headed over to our favorite trail.  We thought the dogs would be exhausted but they were very excited as we were getting ready so of course they came with us. Fall has hit here and while I hate to see it knowing what it will bring, it was pretty beautiful on our run...

 We packed up and began the long trip home this morning. We crossed the border back into NY and stopped in Whitney Point to get gas. It was lunch time and we bought treats for all of us from Byrne Dairy.  For Marc and I it was coffee and for the dogs "pup cups".  We found a gorgeous park nearby and headed over to eat lunch near the water.      They were more than happy to sleep as we hit the home stretch.  Then we arrived home safe and sound.

 Today was very chilly!  So we were in no hurry to get up and around.  It is our last day at the cabin and we planned to take it easy anyway. About mid morning we traveled to a nearby town and took a leisurely walk on a rail trail. We ate lunch outside at the cabin's picnic table and afterwards sat outside - continuously moving our chairs and the dogs' bed so that we were in the sun. The cabins sit on one side of Lake Nokamixon and the marina, fishing pier and [picnic areas are on the other side of the lake.  It takes about 15 minutes to drive from the cabin, and I wanted to hit the paved bike path for my evening run. Booker ran with me while Marc and Sisko walked.  The bike path was pretty busy but it was a great run and we got in some beautiful views.  It was a fabulous way to end our stay.  After dinner, we built a huge fire to chase off the chill and relaxed.  The dogs were out cold.

 Overnight, rain and a cold front moved in.  When we got up it was still raining, but it was scheduled to move out mid morning. We first headed to the Promenade Mall - many of the stores are dog friendly. We went into L.L. Bean and the staff there LOVED the dogs. We then visited other stores like Old Navy, Bath and Body Works and Yankee Candle. By then, the skies cleared completely, and the sun was out although it was much cooler than the previous 2 days. We headed to Trexler Nature Preserve.  If you love nature this is a must see place. We hiked a challenging uphill climb....  And at the top were able to see a group of bison hanging out. We then began the much easier descent and saw some elk, stopped for a drink where the stream actually covered the road and had a little photoshoot!

 Neither Marc or I are big history buffs, but when I discovered that Valley Forge National Park was an hour away with all the history that took place there, we wanted to go. As a bonus, among the historic sites, there are walking trails and the National Park website made it clear they are VERY welcoming to dogs.  We were thrilled about this and headed south. We first climbed Mount Misery and explored the area. Then we walked along the Schuylkll River. When we had enough walking we took the self-guided car tour and explored around some historical areas. Back at the cabin, it had been another extremely warm day, but we still built a fire and hung out late - just relaxing.

 Today was unseasonably warm.  The high was 79 degrees.  We knew we would have to hike on a trail that was well shaded.  So we headed to High Rock Park to get in some mile and take in some amazing views. We then headed back to the cabin and chilled outside for a while in the beautiful weather. Another walk on one of the trails at the campground later and the boys were out for the night.  

 We left today for our annual trip to Pennsylvania.  This year we traveled to Nockamixon State Park which is only about an hour north of Philadelphia.  We have been here before but it has been many years. It is over a 4 1/2 hour trip. I got up first thing this morning and took the dogs on a quick run. They are really good in the car, but it doesn't hurt to tire them out a little for a long trip. It was so early we cast long shadows as we were finishing up. We had packed the car as much as we could the night before so we finished up packing and headed for the cabin. The boys were great. We stopped for lunch and then made the final push.   They dogs were happy to be out of the car and ran around smelling the smells as we unloaded the cr and brought everything into the cabin. They were definitely ready to stretch their legs and we took a sunset walk on one the trails.

 After 2 weeks of participating in the virtual dog walk, today was the main event - the Paws 4 Potter in person event. First was the costume contest.  They were - what else?  Boxers. They didn't win but got a lot of laughs and there were some awesome costumes there. There were a ton of other dogs there.  Booker was mostly good, but he remains very reactive to little dogs - especially yappy little dogs.   When I say reactive, he doesn't try to bite them, but he wants to jump on them - it's actually pretty weird.  So this was good practice - little dogs running everywhere but not allowed to chase or run towards them.   Then it was a 2 mile pack walk - walking with other dogs is always a great opportunity for all dogs to practice control and patience. A great time for  great cause!

 Booker was full of it tonight!  He acted like He's been cooped up and needed some entertainment.  He kept brining his toy over and demanding I play with him. So I gave both the dogs some treats to chew on.  That entertained him for a short time. And then he climbed up onto the couch and when I looked over....

 Sisko turns 9 this month.  I can't believe it.  I can clearly remember picking him up when he was just a baby. He has aways been raring to go.  When he was about 4 months old I went to take Archer o a longer run and he stood at the door trying to block us from leaving without him.  He was sure he could and would keep up with us. After a couple of months, we started doing a walk run protocol and then he became a stellar runner.  When Archer wouldn't run anymore he was my solo running buddy. But just recently he has started slowing down.  He can't run as fast and longer runs seem to tire him out.  I don't think it will be too long before he'll have to stick to short runs or maybe will only be able to go for walks. But tonight we got in a 10K and as long as I kept a slower pace he did great.  So I'll continue to watch him and make sure that he likes to run and feels good.