Dog Camp and beyond

Hi All!
Nacho checking in.  It's been a while but not much was happening around our house for a couple weeks.  August 30, we took off after Mom and Dad left work for the day and we traveled to LaSalle, Illinois for the start of our trip to Vermont.

 

  We were supposed to meet up with Pamela but she got a late start from Colorado.  Mom said we would meet up with her along the route, which we did on our second stop in Ohio.  She really put the pedal to the metal! So onward we traveled to Stowe, Vermont, arriving about 1 p.m. on Sunday afternoon.

We checked into the campground

  and then hightailed it over to the Mountaineer Inn where "Camp Gone to the Dogs" is based.  Once we got registered, Dad with some assistance from Mom or Pamela set up our canopy, X-pen, kennel and table and chairs.  He was pretty busy making us a nice base for the week!!  KT, Mom and me joined Pamela, Ringo my dog Dad, Rocky, Ralpie and sister Velvet in the activities for the evening.  Lots of instructions about how the week would go, meeting the Trainers and other campers.

First thing every morning, bright and early at quarter to seven, we headed to camp.  We got a few minutes of walking around to stretch our legs and do our "duties", before Mom put us in the X-pen and she headed in to eat breakfast and visit with the other "parents".  She says all three meals per day were great.  No fear of going hungry!

First event each morning at 8 a.m. was beginner agility for me.  Wow, it was fun!!  I like going up the "A" frame, over the jumps, across the "walk", and through the chute and tunnels!  It is so great!  Mom said Dad is going to make me a course when we get home!  I would like doing that every day.  I only got in trouble a couple times when I got the "zooms" during class, but really it was because I was so happy Ralpie was with me.  :)

Next on the agenda was Obedience for KT and I got to rest. KT didn't like obedience that well (said it was boring).  Mom said she got a lot of insights into her (KT's) personality.   Next was puppy kindergarten, though neither of us are puppies, we (Mom) learned some good things to teach us that she says will help us mind her better.   Then we got a rest until after lunch.  Whew it is very busy at camp!

In the afternoons was "tricks" and "recall" where we learned to come in an emergency.  Mom said this was really important!  We had great treats during this class; all the leftovers of people food, so I can tell you they had great food! :)

Another favorite class was Lure class where I got to chase a bunny!!  KT thought it was boring and turned her nose up at all the excitement.  I got to run really fast and free! Love, love, love it!!  Mom didn't like the class because she said I got too "wound up".   Not sure what she means by that, but I only got to do it two days.  Bummer!

Well that is my opinion of camp, but I am sure if you talk to Mom she will have more to say!

We are now in Lake Placid, but heading to Canada tomorrow.  I'll check in again soon to tell you about the rest of the trip, but Mom said it's bedtime now.  Also she said she'll add pictures as soon as she gets them loaded on the computer.

Good night!
Kisses,
Nacho

Weekend at Trout Camp

KT checking in this week.  I told Nacho, my boy, he can't have all the fun and I can tell a good story also.  Well, Mom and Dad packed up the truck.  We didn't take the AS because Dad has an old, old 5er up at Trout Camp with a really nice deck built on it.  The trailer isn't bad for as old as it is, but the deck is the best part.  It's 20' long and about 10' wide with a red tin roof over it.  Mom likes the sounds on it when it rains!  Dad also built gates on the front and back entrances; he says its a giant doggie play pen. 

We all arrived about 4:30 Friday afternoon; Mom cleaned up the trailer and we played on the deck and helped Dad.  It was great after being cooped up in the truck for 3 hours.   Dad built a fire later and he roasted hotdogs while Mom fixed the sides inside.  Then they sat out by the fire and looked at the stars; watching for falling stars.  Nacho and I had to stay on the deck; they don't trust us not to go chasing rabbits and other creatures that are all around out there in the woods and pastures that are bordering the camp.

Saturday, friends from Cascade, IA drove up to spend the weekend.  They have a Spaniel, Mom can't remember the kind. Anyway, she is older than us but pretty active, she gave Nacho a run.  Her name was Molly. 

Dad and Pat went fishing and caught some trout; Dad even brought three home for Mary.  Mom and Peggy sat on the deck and talked.  Mom made new tie-outs for us to use at Doggie day camp and Peggy did cross -stitch, whatever that is.  Nacho and I played and slept and kept an eye out for all the critters.

The highlight of the evening was when Nacho, Molly and I went for a walk with Dad and Pat. Nacho, fast little man that he is, caught another mouse and then proceeded to carry it up to the deck to show Mom.  She was not pleased.  Dad and Pat hadn't even noticed (I did of course, but they didn't listen to me), that Nacho had caught it and was carrying it.  Mom saw he had something in his mouth and went to take it away and almost had it in her hand when she realized what it was............boy, did she yell!!!!  It was really dark on the deck, but seriously she knows what a pistol Nacho is and should have guessed!  She had a fit and wouldn't let him sit on her lap or anything!! She called him "Mouse Mouth" the rest of the weekend!  HaHa, I received all the loving and he, not so much.  :)

It was relaxing and peaceful at camp and we got lots of walks and also got to check out the creek, but Mom wouldn't let us get in!  Bummer!

Well, hope you enjoyed my story of the weekend.  I'm sure next time Nacho will insist that he tell it.
So long for now!
KT

P.S.  Mom said she'll have to get some pictures from Dad and post them later. 

Thomson, Illinois

Nacho here reporting live from.....home, didn't have time this weekend as Mom was too busy! Having fun!

We drove to Thomson Causeway, which is a COE facility with four camping loops.  The campground is right on the Mississippi River.  When we arrived, Kevin and Chris were just finishing setting up.  They had a much shorter drive from their home; ours was 3 hours.  It was almost dark and  we sat outside for just a bit because Mom said the Bugs were "eating her alive"'. I don't see how that could be, but what do I know, I'm just an Aussie.  :)  I sure do like RVing with Mom and Dad, because we get lots of walks and attention.  Much better than when they go to work.

They took their bikes and so did Chris and Kevin, so we had to stay behind while they went for bike rides each morning.  Mom was proud of herself!  They like their new bikes!!

The excitement for the weekend was a really bad storm went through the area with high winds and lots of rain.  We all sat in the truck by the river and watched it cross over.  By the time we went back to the trailers it was raining so hard we had to wait.  We all got soaked running in.   :)  No damage to the campground, but just a few miles down the road there was lots of damage.  Clinton, IA was hit hard and we saw lots of trees down as we traveled home on Sunday.

Grandpa and Grandma with Uncle Chad were supposed to come visit, but Mom warned them so they didn't come.  Brenda, Steve and Ethan were thinking about visiting also.

After the storm blew by and we let things dry out a bit, Dad got firewood and he and Kevin built a fire.  It was rather difficult because the wood wouldn't stay lit.  So Chris cooked supper (burgers,brats and hotdogs)  on their grill that came with their trailer.  As they were eating, Mom received a call from a close friend that she rarely gets to see.  They wanted to drive up to see us, so they came for a while, but we all got chased inside again by those pesky bugs!! It was nice to meet Lori and Wayne! Mom misses Lori a lot!!  

Well, they wanted to get up early to beat the heat for their bike ride, so going to bed early was good idea; I was tired!  :).

It was a nice weekend with Mom's brother and sister-in-law.  Hope we can go with them again soon!

This is the view of the marsh from the bike path.  It runs from the Quad-Cities to Savanna, IL. This area is between Fulton, IL and Thomson, IL. 

Our shared campsite, we are on the left with the AS.
 

 Lily pads in the inlet at the entrance to the causeway. 

Sunset over the Mississippi River!

The bikes!

The prairie grass along the bike path.  This area is a conservation area for turtles.  Chris LOVES turtles!!!

  

Midnight excitement

Mom says I sure know how to cause trouble.  I thought she would be proud of me! 

KT and I needed to do our business last night, must have been later than normal because Mom was asleep and Dad too!  Anyway, while I was doing my patrol, I found a mouse on the patio. KT and I made sure it was not able to move very quickly!!!  Mom heard the little "rat" squeaking and came running; think she thought I had a rabbit.  She yelled for Dad and they both came outside to take the little villian away from me.  I gave them a good chase around the yard; it was great fun!!!  But they cornered me in the front side yard and Dad took it away, Double Bummer!!!!!!

Mom HATES mice!!! Even though she was glad I killed it, she was pretty upset that I was carrying it around in my mouth and wouldn't let go!  It was fun, watching them running around chasing me in their PJs.  LOL!!!  Especially at midnight!  Could be why Mom was upset also.  Oh well, she still loves me!

Nacho

Bummer, staying home!

Nacho here checking in for our weekly review.  Mom and Dad said we have to stay home this weekend and do some catching up. After being gone camping for three weekends, we need to do household chores.  How boring!  At least they will be home with KT and me all day!  Yeah!  :) 
Nothing new to report because they just go to work every day.   Mom said only one month until vacation to VT with Pamela and my fur family.  Should be lots of fun!!!  Guess since she promised that, I won't complain about this weekend. 
Kisses to All!! 
Nacho

More pictures from Chuck Wagon Rally

 Bill and Carly's Scotty, the outside, note all the cute decorative items around it.

 The dining table with the Flamingo!

The frig and bed.  They went tiki hut style inside. 

KT promised more pictures yesterday, so I'm back today to deliver on her promise.  She rather took over yesterday, I was just playing and burning up some energy from being in a trailer instead of a house with a big back yard.  Gee, a guy can't have any fun! 

 Anyway, the Scotty trailer is first, next will be the inside of Mandi's Forester, she was one of the hostesses. 

This is the dinette in Mandie's trailer. 

This is the Winnebago with the cab-over, Dad told Mom she was wrong it is not a fifth wheel!   Anyway, it's cute!!! Lots more room than Mom thought.  Pictured is Norm and Julie. 

 The frig and couch area.

 The kitchen, dinette with cab-over above.  So cute!!!

 Mom thought you would enjoy seeing the insides of these vintage trailers as much as she did!  It was a great time. 

She also wanted to share the inside of the Prairie-style courthouse they visited on Friday with Scott and Kathy.  Scott's firm is overseeing the repairs and updates on it.  It's pretty neat for a courthouse!

 The main stairs up to the court rooms.  The whole inside is decorated with Terra Cotta and marble.

 Stained glass Rotunda.

 Close up of one of the pillars.

Stained glass light in the court room. 

We sure enjoyed our weekend.  Hope you enjoy the pictures we are sharing.   

Nacho is signing off.  Got to do a yard inspection.

ChuckWagon Rally - South Sioux City, NE

KT here, subbing for Nacho; he's too busy causing trouble to dictate this to Mom.   We packed up the Airstream (AS) on Wednesday night and were on the road by 10:30 Thursday morning for the 4 hour drive to S. Sioux City, NE to stay at the Scenic Park campground.  The cg was right on the Missouri river, though the view wasn't as pretty as it is in other parts of the country.  Mom likes the view in Montana.  :)

There were quite a few other AS at the park, 3 - 34' AS, ours, a 28' and then some other brands.  There was a little Winnebago fifth wheel from the early 60's, Mom can't remember the year.  A Scotty, and a couple Foresters. She thinks they were all from the 60's.  Also a new Teardrop! Cute but too small!  We need room to move around!

Potlucks each night with great food!  Our hosts Sue, Mandie and Cynthia along with brother Pierce, who did the meat grilling, put on an excellent evenings of food, entertainment and fun!  Thanks to all of you!!!  Each evening featured different entertainment; Thursday was bowling, which Mom and Dad won!!! Unbelievable as they aren't known for being good bowlers!  We got medals to hang and traveling trophies.  It was great fun!  Friday was the baked bean contest and Mom beat out 7 other recipes to take home the 1st place.  She likes her recipe, but was still surprised! Wow, two nights of victory!! Winning 1st place in the bean contest won them front row seating with popcorn, snow cones and candy at the movie.  Dad even picked it out earlier in the planning stages, "John Wayne, in Roster Cogburn". Saturday evening was another potluck with cow turd toss and the cowboy hat contest.   Super hot, but loads of fun!!!

The cowboy bean contest

 Hostess Cynthia, setting out some of the food.

 A few of the crowd, laughing and talking before dinner.

 Hostess Sue!!  She's a sweetie!

 Hostesses Mandie and Cynthia, calling us to supper at our Chuck Wagon Rally!

 Scott and Kathy went all out and even had a hat for their pup and stick horses to ride!  :)

Here's the whole gang for the cowboy hat competition.

During the day, Nacho and I had to stay in the trailer, though we didn't really complain because it was way too hot for our delicate little bodies.   Mom didn't want us to get heat stroke!!   We got to attend the fun activities in the evening after dinner, because we didn't want to be tempted by all the people food. 
One day Mom and Dad went into Sioux City with Kathy and Scott to see some local sights.  Another day, they went by themselves to try the Milwaukee Wiener Co. and see the Classic cars. 

Another great camping weekend!  KT here signing off for Nacho.  We still LOVE our 74!  We got nice compliments during the trailer open house on Saturday afternoon.  I'll post more pictures of them tomorrow.  It's late and we got to go to bed because Mom and Dad have to work in the morning!  Bummer!!!