BOXER ADVENTURES

 I can't believe Sisko is 9 years old!!  It feel like just a couple of years ago when we picked him up and he was just a little bugger! Yesterday I had a 10k race and dogs were not allowed.  The look of betrayal from the dogs as I dressed in my running clothes and left without them was terrible. So my plan today was to do a short run with both of them and run some errands.  I got them in the car and prepared to head to the regular paved trail we run.   But I looked at the birthday boy who much prefers off leash wooded trails and so I made a last minute call and headed to a state park a ways from us. It was chilly but so peaceful running through the woods.   The dogs had a blast and I ended up doing several miles more than planned.  I am not a trail runner and wiped out once.  When they noticed me laying on the ground they were delighted and made sure to tackle me and lick my face assuming it was a great game! We stopped for some grocerie...

 Unfortunately, it's that time of year.  It's starting to get dark early and it's going to be way worse when the clocks fall back! Tonight it was getting dark AND a storm was on the horizon.  I was lucky enough it win a lighted collar so I put that on Booker and wore my own Noxgear lighted vest for our run tonight. I would like to keep running after work but I hate the cold and the dark.  It also makes me nervous to run on our road since there is no shoulder on the road.   So for now we'll try to light ourselves up....

 Time has a way of just flying by. I remember picking Booker up as just a little tiny pup. I took a pic at the beach yesterday and it reminded me of one of his first walks...  

 It was SO warm today!  But holy cow - that wind!! We got to the beach early to get in a short run and then doubled back to Marc and walked several miles.  The dogs had an absolutely blast! It was so windy their ears were blowing back! They just ran and ran and splashed in the lake.  I caught Booker defying gravity!    

 This afternoon it was pretty nice out and we decided to go to the local village to check out the Halloween decorations. Sisko, as usual, was completely non-plussed.  However, Booker was more anxious about some of the decorations.  Check out some of these awesome and huge setups!

 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.