Domino mud diver and GSDs at large

Ever have one of those days where you're just not getting anything done? I seem to have those more often as the days grow longer...could it be spring fever?

I decided a few errands and a walk were better suited to the weather than sitting on a computer trying to decipher the maniacal language of tech support...(you guys at the planet...you know who you are).

The dogs were a bit like turbo charged super balls after being stuck inside in the rain, but at least these days its sort of like controlled chaos.

I would say they were in high spirits, but for pit bulls, that might be redundant to say the least.

I am pretty convinced Charm is the instigator of about 98% of the shenanigans.

But...today I was super proud of my dogs.

We were heading up the trail when Charm gave one small woof.

Careening down the trail were two huge german shepherds who ran into Charm and carried her with them to the edge of the cliff. Domino just stood in surprise. The owner was close behind, trying to get his dogs. Domino just proceeded with doggy greetings even though one of the shepherds was very out of control.

After many apologies, the owner got his dogs under control while my two stood and waited calmly. I almost had a heart attack envisioning Charm pushed over the edge.

I realized in all the time I have walked here, my dogs have never bothered a single dog. And it was Domino's calm demeanor that brought the energy down several notches.

So trespassers aside, I was very proud of my dogs and the trespasser acknowledged my dogs' good behavior. I think Domino thought he might have met potential playmates, but he listened pretty well.

So I was very proud of my dogs staying calm in a scary situation.

And maybe just a little proud that I didn't panic at the sight of stampeding german shepherds! And remembered to divert my attention from the colliding dogs. Beautiful dogs though. And very proud that my dogs returned to my side when they heard them up ahead. Sometimes all that training seems to pay off.

So I didn't even yell at Domino when he decided to take a mud bath, and for anyone who doubts that Domino can take mud baths...here's living proof!Note the wagging tail!!!

And the best part...when I got home I ordered them both into the shower (for the first time) and they dutifully marched in without complaint. My car, however...BIG SIGH!

Back in the Wisconsin Woods

It is so good to be home that I didn't even mind the grey skies. Puppies anxious to be out after a week at home were more than happy to enjoy one of those not too spectacular days in Wisconsin.

I have to admit, growing up in a part of the world where the sun was a rare thing...I do have a special connection to those grey misty days.

Though light in the forest was a precious commodity.

What a joy to see things emerging, the entire forest coming to life.

I was out of practice and forgot the dog treats but Charm and Domino seemed content to run back for a pat on the head and a "good dog" almost as frequently.

We startled two pairs of wood ducks on the lake...I managed to snap a picture of three before they whirred away.

I love the tone of the forest on dark days...it is so quiet because the sounds that usually drift through from town are gone because no one ventures out but me and the dogs.

The jingle of dog tags on the trail and the occasional splashing of Domino or Charm in the lake is the only sound.

The light isn't there to guide me from picture to picture so I have to be more creative.

The evergreen trees were brown with thousands of little buds, their own peculiar way of flowering.

Watching my step along the rocks where crevices drop in between, I spent some time leaning out to try to snap the flowering branches.

Stopping to check the progress of the lilacs.

And tiny green leaves beginning to appear everywhere.

With plenty of the dry and brown still in control of the landscape.

And the tiniest of flowers seeming to be the boldest.

We had spotted the remains of a rabbit along the way and bird feathers abounded...it seems the owl has been a very busy hunter.

For the first time, ferns are taking hold on the edge of the lake and I hope they will continue undisturbed.

Today, for some reason, the sun brought out the colors of the stone along the upper lake.

I admonished Domino to stop barking at ground hogs in the boulders and went in search of the owl and finally spotted him directly over the trail and the remains of the rabbit. He seems to have gotten used to having his picture taken.

By then the forest was dark and full of shadows but I wanted to get one shot of the bushes beginning to bloom...

The first drops of rain began to fall as we headed home and the puppies, soaking wet from their swims still hate being in the rain...its a mystery to me how that happens. So dripping dogs soon were safe but very definitely soggy and on their way home with tails wagging.

PNW: Odds and Ends

Home at last and finally taken a moment to upload some of my fellow photographer's pictures of our trip through the Columbia Gorge.

We were so blessed to have the weather we did on this trip.

It is one of the spectacular scenic drives in the United States, especially if you stay on the Washington side of the gorge which has numerous pullouts and lends itself to meandering.

I think I could probably spend decades exploring there.

There is just an infinite number of things to see and absorb and I am so glad I was able to take a little time away to enjoy it.

There is nothing quite so green as the Pacific Northwest and beautiful days far outweigh the rain.

I think it is the first time I have been on the coast and not made an effort to visit the ocean, but the gorge is so worth seeing that I can leave the ocean until another time.

I did have a stunning view of Mt. Hood, where I spent college weekends skiing.

And like all days spent with the camera, it is the quest which is the best part.

And sometimes the pictures you work hardest at are the most elusive.

I did get a chance to spend some time at my brother's house and with my furry nephews, Buddy and Jack. Such brilliant dogs!

Marja picked me up at the airport after a long all night flight. I was so happy to see the puppies waiting in the car! I MISSED my puppies. On the way home we spotted a fire on the horizon.

So we took a detour and followed it and it was only a farmer burning his fields, not very common around here.

As nice as it is to travel, it is always wonderful to be home again. And so I am, with puppies at my feet.