It happened today. We accomplished something that few others can say that they've done. But we did it. Today we visited Richmond Virginia and the State Capitol Building there, and with this visit, Imke and I have now visited all 48 State Capitol Buildings in the Continental U.S.
I can honestly say that just 7 years ago, if you had told me that I would accomplish this feat, I never would have believed you. Even when it was suggested that I should consider writing a book to share our journeys way back then, I never really thought we would ever make it to 48 States. I figured we'd make an effort to travel to as many as possible, but no way would we travel the entire Continental U.S. As we added a few States with each vacation and we began to make progress toward the goal; it became more and more real. The thought of putting together a book about Imke and her friends who have traveled around this country with her was the driving force that kept me going. Well, that and the joy of a good road trip! And today, we finally realized that goal. Just little 'ol me and my trusty travel pal, Imke
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| We made it! |
This is a journey that started with Jake and Imke, one picture, and one friend's suggestion. It wasn't a great picture. As a matter of fact, Imke didn't even look at the camera. And those were her younger days when I didn't dare let her off leash in a place like this. Too many people and squirrels to distract her from listening. So there she is with leash dangling and looking backwards. But this was the first and it includes Jake, so it's special.
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| Imke and Jake-Kentucky State Capitol, Frankfort KY |
And today, we ended that journey with Maddie by our side. Maddie, who has has been along for 45 of our Capitol visits and has become quite the good little State traveler in her own regard. After years of traveling and lots of practice, I can finally trust both Maddie and Imke to stand somewhat patiently and leash-less while I take their picture. But as you can tell from this picture, some things never change...and Imke can still be easily distracted.
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Imke and Maddie-Virginia State Capitol, Richmond VA
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But she can also still be a very good and patient subject. Of course she is sitting in her typical pose. And once she's in this pose and knows that I want her to stay, she'll sit there for a long time while I move around trying photos at different angles and waiting for people to move out of our picture. She's such a good girl!
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| Capitol #48 Richmond VA |
As we stood there in front of this building, I wanted to jump up and down with excitement, but instead I just gave the girls a big hug...and then I realized I should capture a group photo to remember this moment. Just at the right moment a group tour came along and so I told them about our accomplishment and asked if one of them would take a picture. It was raining, I was wearing a cheap poncho I bought (because somehow I forgot to bring my jacket along on this trip), Maddie wouldn't look at the camera, and the top of the building got cut off, but here we are. Our moment captured for eternity. I think it's perfect!
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| Virginia State Capitol Building, Richmond VA October 12 2017 |
I couldn't be prouder of these girls and our shared success. I have so many great memories of all of our travels and have enjoyed so many of our stops. Someday I'll share more of those memories. For now I will just say-It has been a great journey. Thanks for the suggestion Janie!
**As a side note, both of the girls have been to all 48 States of the Continental US and ,very briefly, through Washington DC. Maddie just wasn't on one of our Capitol tours so she's missing Missouri, Iowa, and Wisconsin. But I bet we'll get her to those on some future travels because you know we aren't going to stop moving!
