Hiking mixed with a little training

I took the dogs over to Morgan Territory again for a hike after I left the Osteen Pumpkin Farm today. I decided to work a little on the commands for sledding/carting with them. Right now I'm getting them used to the words, "Gee" for right and "Ha" for left and "Hike" for them to "mush" so to speak.

Timber did most of the work when I had them help pull me up the hills, a few times Jade looked back to check something out but was jerked back to attention since they are attached together at their harnesses. I use one leash and then a "V" shaped attachment at the end that hooks to their collar or harness. I finally bought a new harness so they both have one now.

I also allowed them to run free off leash quite a bit. I'm really proud of how obedient they are when let off leash. They run far ahead of me, but when they loose sight of me, they turn around and run back to me to check in. If I whistle to them to return, they will come right back. I feel really fortunate to have such good dogs, many people with Huskies or Malamutes have trouble with recall and keeping their dogs from running off.

Since the rain last week, there was actually water in the ponds and creeks. They got so muddy and got right into the ponds in the dirty water! My car is filthy, well the blanket on the back seat mostly. I've been looking into getting a beat up truck or SUV for cheap to use when I take them out so I can save my little Civic from getting too much more beat up. Not to mention they are getting a little cramped in that backseat.

Jade is growing quickly and is about 47 pounds. She is almost as tall and long as Timber now. Timber is holding pretty steady and is about 69 pounds and he is pretty strong, yet still so gentle. I love my dogs, they are so much work, but give me so much in return.

A couple of dirty, wiped out dogs

Morgan Territory

A missed opportunity to go to the Tamele festival in Sacramento led to a great afternoon hike in Morgan Territory with my friend, Nikki, her dog Murphy and her neice Reagan and nephew Terry....and of course my pups Timber and Jade. The hot weather we've been having was forgiving and it was cool, perfect for a hike....and with the storm coming in I was able to get some beautiful photos of the landscape and cloud formations. The dogs of course, were in heaven running loose through the trails and exploring all the smells from cows, coyotes and mountain lions. The kids had a blast looking for cow bones and trying to keep up with the dogs...poor Murphy had to stay on leash though...a bloodhound has a one-track mind. Surprisingly, I wasn't sore the following days, depsite the hills and piggy-back ride I gave Reagan. :-) Good times, we all can't wait to go again!

Visions of Maui

I've finally taken the time to post some of my favorite pics from my week vacation in Maui. I was so sad to leave, I really feel at home there. I believe that is where I belong and will one day make it so I can move there.

I need to save up some cash before I can make it happen, then do the job search thing as well as get some blood work done on Timber and Chiara so we can wait out the 4 month quarantine period here at home in Cali...I was pleased to find out that this is the way the quarantine works, as opposed to my previous understanding that I leave them somewhere in a crate for 4 months on the island and merely get to visit them during that waiting period.

I understand that they are in need of teachers over there. Another plan is for me to get my sign language interpreter certification, which I heard yesterday during a teacher conference at DVC that I can attain through DVC. Since the island is saturated with photographers and videographers, making money at interperting, teaching and the possibility of working at a horse stable is my best bet. So, I am thinking that moving there may be possible with in the next year or so....more to come on that!

View from my hotel room

Luau on Easter Sunday

Secluded beach near Kihei

Beach in Kehei

My first time snorkeling..just outside our hotel...

Yep, that's my white ass floating above the water!

But this time my ass isn't white, my bathing suit is!! lol

The best vacation gift a gal could get....

Seeing the most beautiful creature of the ocean, Honu

I saw about 7 of them, but this was the last shot in my disposible camera...

...next time I will buy a waterproof encasing for my digital camera!
I'm crossing my fingers that the women that I snorkeled with got my e-mail from the front desk so they can send me the pics that they took of my swimming with my true love of the ocean!

Memories of the booze cruise...my last night in paradise.

Jimmy Buffett, eat your heart out!

Workin' Dog

I bought Timber a backpack and decided to give it a try yesterday at the Reservoir in Antioch. I loaded it up with a few hand towels, poop bags and two 16.9 fl oz water bottles, one on each side. He did well and the backpack fit nicely. We hiked/walked for 2 hours and went about 2.5 miles total. About 2/3 of the way through the trip, I was pulling him for once! He certainly got tired...and sweaty under that pack. As for me, my feet hurt like crazy! I thought for sure I was going to be hating life the next day, but I woke up with no aching feet or bones.

At this point, Timber was taking me for a walk and everytime he saw a bird, he had a burst of energy and yanked me in their direction. One day I think he may actually be successful in catching a bird, he's determined.

Timber met his first cow. He was fascinated by them when he saw them in the distance, so I took him up a road where this young cow was grazing near the fence for a closer look.
He was pretty calm most of the time, but when the cow moved slightly in our direction, Timber bounced backwards!

Staring out in the water looking for more birds.