I come home from running errands....

...and find this in my computer chair. Who could be the guilty keyboard-culprit?

Non-the-less, both Nova and Honey were mighty interested in the home depot bags I set down. Filled with scrumptious hardware goodies to make a tire jump and pause table (PVC pipe and plywood are outside)! I'll be posting pictures of the new equiptment once it's cool enough outside to finish constructing them!

Let's go boating!

Couple days ago the family invited us out on the lake. We had a great time cruising around with the furry children and I think they enjoyed it too! Despite Ivy being such a water hound, I think being in the middle of such a great expanse of water still worries her. She did chill pretty well though, and had a blast flinging herself off the boat to reach us while we were out swimming.

There's a nifty sandbar out in the middle of the lake where the water's no more than four feet. On this sandbar grows an 'ole knarly cypress tree. In the middle of the lake. A tree. It's a pretty peculiar thing to see. Because of the low water, boaters often gather 'round the area to drop anchor, wade, cook out or just relax. Speaking of anchors. Apparently my father isn't too good with knots--as we lost ours! It took a bit of spreading out and wading around to find it. Which was quite fortunate that we did, as we figured it was good as gone. There's been more than once that someone's found a lonely anchor under the waters around the tree.

Javyn made such a face in all the pictures, though I know she must have liked cooling off in the water. Swimming around? Not so much. She's more of a "take-a-dip" kinda dog I think. Though she may grow to like it more with continued exposure to boating and being out on the lake.

Evening started to fall. It's really nice out on Wappapello Lake at dusk, pretty sunsets and cool air. After all that swimming, the dogs were pretty pooped and just wanted to sprawl on deck. After turning up the motor, Ivy decided it was probably safer to crawl into my lap. xD

A satisfying day.

Okay, so here's the plan...

Since my place of employment is particularly busy on the 4th of July weekend, I've been basically working my tail off. Feed Ivy, feed self, sleep, work, repeat. I'm glad it's over now!!! To celebrate, I'm planning a special hiking trip. Guess where we're going: Surprise!

From what I read in a copy of Missouri Conservationist the old Turner Mill water wheel still sits in the spring stream and it looks like an awesome place to visit! I can't wait to get Ivy out an about some more, I know she's missed our hikes. ;)

Expect some new pictures soon, for now, here's a something of Ivy that show's off her interesting tri-factoring:

Sam A. Baker State Park

Both my mother and I had off work yesterday and so we took the chance to escape into the wilds. Our destination, after a short debate, was Sam A. Baker State Park. As several reviews around the web state: "With the ancient St. Francois Mountains, the unspoiled natural landscape and the cool waters of the St. Francois River and Big Creek, Sam A. Baker State Park has something for everyone. Whether getting away for a day of relaxation or spending considerably more time exploring the region, it's certainly worth the trip." and this certainly rings true.

Now we've been here hiking several times. Mudlick trail is open to hiking, backpacking and horse-back riding. It's a very quiet, peaceful place. This time though, we decided to hit the water at Big Creek, which runs through the park.

The dogs had a blast and I was proud of my fearless otterdog for paying attention to commands even though she was so engrossed in her element. The current was brisker in the deepest part, a narrow strip down the center of the creek, still for us it was only around knee height. Poor Ivy, the shorty she is, had to be rescued once when she tried so swim across current and started to drift down stream instead. Javyn merely stood planted in the deepest spots, enjoying the water gurgling past. She also had a love for laying down in it with a distant, foggy-eyed expression.

The water was so clear and clean and despite summer being in full swing, there weren't very many people around. I just love the quietness of this park. Sam A. Baker is definately one of my favorite places to be. Great for the dogs and only 45 min. away!

Trim, wash n' blow dry...

Loud, obnoxious blow dryer...


The finished product.


Chill'n with my soulmate.

The Cemetery Trail

Earlier, in the fall (of '09) my mother and I decided to revisit one of our favorite hiking trails. The Allison Cemetery Trail winds it's way along the edge of Wappapello Lake and on a point which sticks out into the lake is an old civil war cemetery with quite a bit of history. It was a family plot that was there before the lake was constructed. I'll have to try an dig up some more info on it. It's a fairly easy hike, a bit hilly but the trail's not too rocky.

So, my mother took Javyn the GSD and I, Ivy. We gathered up the dog packs and the camera and took off. The dogs had a blast and we shot quite a few good pictures, including the header of my blog--although Ivy was already quite wet from a dip in the lake.