The Trip to Dodge City

Today we left Wichita and headed West to Dodge City.  It was a sunny day and by the time we arrived in Dodge City the temperatures had climbed into the 80s.  We, as Michigan girls, were happy for the warm temperatures, but we certainly aren't used to them at this point. 

The first stop of the day was the Original Pizza Hut Museum, which is on the campus of Wichita State University.  It is the original building in which the very first Pizza Hut was opened and contains memorabilia from over the years.  It's not as exciting as a visit to the Original KFC in Kentucky, but it was worth a stop.  If nothing else, I got to see the beautiful campus.

We then headed out on the road toward Dodge City with one planned point of interest along the way.  Our travels took us through some small towns and down some old country roads.  We were lucky enough to have our travels take us down the Wildlife and Wetlands Scenic Byway through the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge.  There were some beautiful views along the way.

Our next stop was the Pawnee Rock State Historic Site.  This was a significant landmark along the Santa Fe Trail.  The girls enjoyed the chance to stretch their legs and sniff around a new area.  I enjoyed learning a little about the history of the area.

As I stood at the top of this rock outcropping, I tried to imagine the wagon trains driving through that area all those years ago. In the distance in the picture below you can see the traffic on US Route 56 which follows the route of the old Santa Fe Trail. 

After exploring the site, it was the perfect time and place for another quick picnic lunch before I made the girls pose for a picture and then continued on our way to Dodge City.

Part of the fun of a road trip is finding interesting or unique points of interest along the way.  I wish I had time to stop at every single historic marker, but I'd never get anywhere if I did that.  I did however get lucky and have a slow-down due to road construction which allowed me to stop in Garfield, Kansas which was named after President James Garfield and has an interesting little history.

As we continued on our travels, we entered an area where there were wind turbines for as far as the eye could see.  I was interested by the "scenic overlook" which looked fairly newly built as a place to stop for a view of them. 

Finally we arrived in Dodge City.  As you drive into town, there is a scenic overlook which overlooks this cattle yard.  I've never seen so many cattle in one spot.  And you can just imagine the smell!

I tried to get both girls out for a picture, but Maddie decided she'd rather stay in the Jeep.  At least Peaches sat nicely for me!

I was excited to get to Dodge City.  I had plans to follow the walking tour I had found and, after a quick stop at the Chamber of Commerce to pick up a map, we headed out to explore the town.  I expected much more from a historic stand-point and was kind of disappointed with the stop here.  

While it was nice to get the girls out for a good walk around town, it wasn't at all what I was expecting.  There are a few interesting statues and a handful of historical markers around town, but I just expected so much more. 

I was able to get a couple of cute pictures of the girls while we were walking around town: one with Wyatt Earp and one with Doc Holliday.  They were so good for these pictures with lots of traffic and other distractions, I was pretty proud of them. 

While Dodge City was a disappointment, I did find some really tasty Mexican food here and I was happy to spend the day on the road with the girls once again.  Tomorrow we have several interesting stops as we finish our journey West and begin to journey North and then East into some new areas.  I can't wait to see what adventures the day will hold for us.

From Kansas City to Wichita

Yesterday we woke up in Kansas City excited about the adventures we had to look forward to during our week in Kansas.  While I do plan to spend some time in the Kansas City area later this week, it wouldn't feel like we were really on vacation if we didn't hit the road to explore more than one new area.  So off we went. 

We left Kansas City to head West into Kansas for the next few days.  I had done lots of research and found several points of interest both natural and historic throughout the State, and I was interested to get out and see them.  It was a beautiful, sunny day with temps eventually reaching into the upper 50s/low 60s.  The perfect weather for hitting the road and for getting some hiking in along the way.

Our first stop was the Marais des Cygnes Massacre Site-the site of what is considered to be the last significant act of violence in "Bleeding Kansas" leading up to the Civil war.  This wasn't a planned stop, but was a point of interest that I saw a sign for on the highway and decided to explore.  Since I hadn't done any research on this site, I had no idea what to expect, but I as a Civil War history buff, I was excited to visit this piece of history.

It is off the beaten path a bit, but it was definitely worth the stop.  It is was a short visit, but a somber reminder of one of the saddest pieces of our history.  While the site is wooded and beautiful, it is always a humbling experience to stand somewhere and know that at that very location someone lost their life for what they believed to be right.

We left the massacre site to head on to our next stop-the Mine Creek Battlefield.  As we drove away from the Marais des Cygnes site, we were pleasantly surprised by this gem-a marker at the Kansas/Missouri State line that also was the entrance gate to a cemetery.  So we stopped for the photo op.

With a quick stop, we were off toward Mine Creek.  This was the site of the most significant battle of the Civil War to occur in Kansas.  The site is small, but the self-guided walking tour is dog friendly, so it was a great spot to stop with the girls to get them a little exercise as I took in the information about the battle that occurred here.

Many people may not find much of interest here in this big open field, but the history of the area and knowing that here, at this very spot, young men went into battle and several lost their lives, it is just a good reminder of all that our nation has been through to get where we are today. 

After our walk around the battlefield, it was time for lunch.  I was happy that I brought a cooler along for this trip and could pull out a little picnic lunch right there before continuing along on our journey.

Our next stop for the day was the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve.  While much of this area is not open to hiking with dogs due to the cattle and bison that roam freely in the grasslands, there are a couple of good hikes that do allow dogs, so I figured it was worth the trip to see. 

While most people think of Kansas as flat and boring; a state to drive through without stopping, I am finding it to be much more.  The rolling hills of the grassland prairie area was beautiful and we thoroughly enjoyed our stop. 

I'm not sure the pictures of this place do justice to the beauty it holds.  I just wish I could have seen more.  The girls even stopped for a picture...and this is nothing short of amazing knowing all of the critters and smells out there in those grasslands.  I think you can tell by Peaches reaction that this stop was a big hit!

After a good roll in the grass and a big drink of water, it was time to get back in the Jeep to finish our journey to Wichita.  The girls were tired and happy so the next leg of the trip was a quiet one.

We arrived in Wichita and checked in to our hotel just before dinner time.  The girls had been busy all day and had worked up quite an appetite, so I fed them dinner a little early while I did some research on where I should go to eat.  But before I ate dinner myself, I had one more stop to make in Wichita-the Keeper of the Plains and Veteran's Memorial Park.

We drove the few miles from our hotel into downtown Wichita and parked just across the river from the Keeper of the Plains.  The park was busier than I had expected-apparently this weekend was graduation weekend for some school in the area and there were people in caps and gowns everywhere. 

Busy areas like this can be a challenge with Peaches, but she did a pretty good job and was well rewarded along the river walk with lots of geese to tease her.  She even found a couple of goose nests full of eggs...and one with mama too!

We had a nice walk along the river before heading back to the Jeep.  The girls were so tired that they quickly fell asleep so I even had the chance to enjoy dinner in the restaurant, instead of my typical take-out while I'm on vacation.  It had been an excellent day and we had thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.  I can't wait to see what we can find for ourselves today!

At the end of the day, this is the true sign of a good vacation. 

As We Adventure On

Six years ago this week, Imke and I embarked on a trip that would change the course of our lives together.  While we had traveled together her entire life, this trip was the first time that we embarked on a multi-state tour of historic sites and Capitol Buildings together.   All of our previous trips had included Jake and all of our future journeys would include Maddie, but that one adventure was just the two of us on the road.  Just me and my girl.  Jake had died six months earlier, and at that point, Maddie was not ready for a long road trip-she was far too anxious to be a good traveler.  That trip was a whirlwind experience during which we reached 6 State Capitols and several Presidential sites.  That trip prepared us for all of the rest of the trips we took over the next several years, culminating in the two of us visiting 49 State Capitols together. 

Imke in Springfield, Illinois April 13, 2013

As we continued our travels over the years, Maddie joined us for all of the rest of our adventures (and on some occasions we had a foster dog along for the trips too).  As we traveled West, we had the chance to revisit some of the Capitols we had previously visited without Maddie.  Even with all of our travels, there were still three Capitols that Maddie had not had a chance to visit.  We had driven through Iowa on our way home from our trip to the Oregon coast a few years ago, but the weather was so bad with pouring rain that we decided not to stop in Des Moines on that trip. So when we reached Alaska last summer, while Imke had been to 49 Capitols, Maddie had only been to 46 (although she had been to 49 States).  

Today, we embarked on our first multi-state road trip without Imke.  Sadly, it is the first of many that I will now do without her.  But life must go on and she is always with me in spirit.  As we left home this morning, heading to Kansas City, I knew we would be traveling through Iowa, but I didn't realize that we'd have the opportunity for Maddie to add another Capitol to her list.  Although I wasn't sure how I would feel about revisiting a Capitol without Imke, I couldn't pass-up the opportunity to get the girls out for a walk, and we were literally driving right past the Capitol building.  So today, Maddie has officially visited 47 State Capitols.

It was a beautiful, sunny day and she stood so nicely for the picture.  I was pretty proud of her.  

I tried to get a picture with Peaches as well, but she had a sudden onset case of the zoomies.  I think this picture is a perfect representation of my two girls now.  Sweet old Maddie and the crazy youngster, Peaches.  And while I didn't know how I would feel about making this stop, I'm so glad we made it.  These stops are a big part of who we are and it was nice to get out and enjoy a nice walk in the sun with my girls.  

After a nice walk, the girls were happy to snuggle up in the back of the Jeep for the rest of our drive to Kansas City.  

We are now settled in our hotel room in Kansas City for the night after a long day on the road.  Tomorrow we head into Kansas for some fun sight-seeing and hiking over the next few days.  I'm looking forward to spending some quality time with the girls and making some happy memories together because spending time with them and giving them a great life full of adventure, well, that's what life is all about for me.  

  

A week with Roxy

This last week we've had a temporary guest, Roxanne, who's foster family is away on vacation for the week.  When she came to us last Friday, she was a nervous girl with a lack of confidence and a decent amount of fear of new things.  Her leash walking skills were horrible and she needed a lot of coaxing to go in or outside.  But we've spent the last week trying to help build her confidence and expose her to new places and new things.  She will leave my home a little more confident, a little less afraid, and hopefully a little more ready for a home of her own.  Seeing her progress and knowing that the girls and I played even a small part in that just makes me smile. 

Last weekend, we traveled to Middleville to take a walk on the North Country Trail and spend some time in the woods.  It was a beautiful spring day in the woods and all of the girls enjoyed the chance to sniff around in the leaves.

At the end of our walk, I had some really happy and tired dogs.  It was a great day!

Throughout the week we took some time to walk around downtown Lansing and a couple of different routes around our house and, with each walk, she was less and less fearful of the traffic around us.  Tonight all of our practice led to the biggest success yet- four motorcycles drove right by us and she kept on walking without a worry, without a flinch.  What a happy moment that was!

Peaches

She has also taken some lessons from Peaches on the best ways to snuggle.  There is nothing better in the life of a German Shorthaired Pointer than a day spent running around the yard, playing ball, and taking a nice walk, and then ending the day snuggled up with their people.  Roxy has spent lots of time doing all of those things this week. 

Roxy

Even Maddie warmed up to the crazy, wiggly youngster.  She even spent some time snuggled up on the couch with her.

Tonight is Roxy's last night with us.  Tomorrow the girls and I will be leaving on our next big adventure, and Roxy will go into boarding for a couple of days until her foster family is back from their vacation.  We spent the night running errands and enjoying some time in the yard.  We had a nice walk and some special treats, and now the girls are all settled in for the night.  I've promised Roxy one more walk in the morning before we drop her off for boarding and then we'll be off for a week of fun.  

I'm so glad we had the chance to spend some time with this sweet girl this week.  It was a great experience and a good reminder of what a little love, time, and patience can do.  It's amazing what a difference one week can make.  

Fun with friends, both old and new.

Good morning!  I hope you are all enjoying a peaceful Sunday morning.  After this past week, a peaceful Sunday morning is just what I need.  It's been a stressful week at work; one of those weeks that makes me want to win the lottery, pack up the Jeep, and hit the road....and just leave everything that isn't important behind me.  Thankfully at the end of every one of those stressful days, I get to come home to two stubby-tailed wiggly butts who are always happy to see me and who help me remember what is really important in life.

The week started out well with a visit to Grand Rapids on Sunday afternoon to attend the "Corgis on Ice" event at the Grand Rapids Griffins hockey game with my friends Mike and Amy and their Corgi, Doug.  We've had some adventures in the past with Doug and she's a sweet little girl and I was excited to see them all.  Doug was pretty happy to be out making new friends!

It was a fun time and I was excited to meet some new four-legged friends like Vixen.  She sat so nicely the whole game!  While this was a dog-friendly event, I knew that this wouldn't be a good place for Peaches with her leash reactivity issues or Maddie with her anxiety, so they got to stay home.  It was nice to get out with friends and fellow dog-lovers and enjoy something new.  Plus I enjoyed a great dinner while in Grand Rapids. Plus I may have even been inspired at looking into trying to organize some GSP friendly gatherings...Why should Corgis have all of he fun?

The rest of the week was pretty uneventful for us.  After each stressful day at work, I came home to my nightly routine of eating dinner, walking the dogs, and sitting down to relax for the night.  And each night Peaches made sure I knew that she loved me!

Tuesday...

Wednesday...

And Thursday...

And I was thankful every night that she was there to snuggle with me.  She is such a sweet girl!

Finally Friday arrived, and with it, a new adventure.  Friday was the day that I would be bringing current ISR foster dog, Roxanne, home with me for the week while her foster family is on vacation.  I met her foster family after work and headed home with Roxy in tow, ready for her to meet the girls.  Since Peaches came into my home, I'm always a bit on edge when bringing a new foster home.  Unlike Imke who had an easy-going personality when it came to meeting new dogs and having them join our home, Peaches is a little more high-strung and anxious when greeting new friends.  She gets so excited and she just wants to play with every new friend so badly that she doesn't always know how to control that excitement.  And when you bring a nervous, unsure, unconfident dog into your home, that can cause issues.

Luckily, Roxy handled Peaches' pushiness pretty well, and while she doesn't want to play with Peaches yet, she hasn't been overwhelmed by her persistence either.

We spent the first hour Roxy was here on Friday outside enjoying the sunshine and nicer temperatures.  The girls enjoyed pulling wood from the fire pit and wood pile and Peaches tried to show Roxy where the birds are hiding in her trees.  Why those darn birds continue to nest in my backyard is beyond me, and I know that in a few short weeks, I'll be picking up dead baby birds who will meet their demise when they try to spread their wings and learn to fly.  Just part of the natural selection that happens every year in the backyard of some bird dogs.

Poor Roxy didn't have much time to adjust to my house before I was off for dinner with friends to celebrate the upcoming wedding of my friends Katelyn and Sean.  While I felt horrible leaving so soon after she got here, it was nice to get out of the house for a bit.

Saturday morning, I headed out to the shelter for our Saturday morning dog walking club where I was lucky enough to get to walk Sugar Bear.  She is such a sweet girl and she did great on the walk.  Since most of the time I am leading these walks, it is a rare occurrence that I actually get to walk a dog any more, but it was a nice change of pace to be able to do just that.

While I had considered taking the girls on an adventure on Saturday, I decided it would be better to give Roxy some time to settle in at my house, get familiar with our routine, and just enjoy some time getting to know her better.  So we spent the day at home doing a combination of cleaning, playing, and relaxing.

It was sunny and warm, I had the windows open, and the girls were happy to go in and out, in and out, to their heart's content.  I sure do love Spring!  It was a great day to get some things done around the house, but it was also nice just to sit outside and soak-in some sun.

Peaches was also excited to play her favorite game of dragging the food dish of any foster around the house.  She is so silly.  She actually fell asleep lying on the couch with it in her mouth...and made us all jump when it crashed to the ground when she really relaxed and let it drop.

The girls had spent the day running around the yard, playing with me as a threw the tennis ball over and over, and napping periodically, but I wanted to make sure we got out for a walk too.  Since I hadn't taken Roxy on a walk with us yet, I decided it was best to stay in our neighborhood to see how things went.  Let's just say it wasn't the best walk I've ever taken!  Roxy clearly hasn't spent much time walking on a leash and she is terrified of new noises.  She jumps and tries to hide every time a car drives by...and I can't tell you how many times she nearly tripped me.  But we made it through and got two miles under our belts, so I can only hope it will get better from here.

.After a long day of fun in the yard and a good walk, it was time to settle in for the night.  It had been a really nice day at home and we had all enjoyed it.  While this isn't the best picture, it was nice to see all three girls snuggled up on their beds for the evening.  Clearly they had had a great day!