Larch and Scupper on a sunrise stroll on Ocracoke Island.
Each summer we load up The Poopdeck (our mobile Weatherdeck) and head for the dunes of Ocracoke, North Carolina. We camp on the National Seashore in a tent with three sandy, perpetually wet Chesapeakes. This isn't everyone's idea of a good time, but we like to include our dogs in our vacations. After all, they are part of our family and we like to do the same things!
But, taking our dogs on the road in the summertime introduces additional work and responsibilities. We travel to a hot island that offers high temperatures, no shade, and extreme weather systems ranging from simple thunder and lightning storms to hurricanes. So, we take a lot of gear to protect the dogs in all kinds of weather and make their safety our first priority.
We have kennels in our "Poopdeck" where we can all take shelter during storms.
And we create a shady, fenced in area for the dog's to relax in during the heat of the day. Larch's is pictured on the left and Scupper is on the right.
We're about to wrap up our 2015 camping trip. As always, the dogs were great ambassadors for the breed and for well-behaved dogs in general. It's such a joy to have sociable, adaptable dogs that are able to load up and go wherever we go. It's bittersweet to think of packing up camp, but there is still lots of summer fun to be had at home in Maryland.
I tried to get a portrait of Larch in the evening light and she has the most serious expression on her face.
When I released Larch from the photo shoot above, she got the zoomies and returned to her normal, goofy self.
Our eldest dog, Eddy, isn't up to everything he was once able to do here, but he still enjoys a gentle walk in the calm, cool waters of Pamlico Sound.
Larch has only been a part of our pack for a short time as she just came from England in late May. But, she is very smitten with Thomas already.
Scupper and Larch hiked out to South Point with us. Though Scupper is now 11 and a half years old, she still can hike with the same stamina and enthusiasm as she did when young. It's a testament to the benefits of dog that is well put-together. Both of these girls are strong and fit and up to any adventure.
Happy summer, all...from our pack to yours!