Guest Spot Post by Henry Fox Talbot (not that one). Talbot is a three year old Terrier mix who enjoys long walks, peanut butter treats, and is passionate about the conservation of our natural resources. This is his account of his recent trip to the Adirondacks, New York.
They took me with them! It was looking dicey this morning while they packed up half of the house into the back of the truck: duffel bags, coolers, food, blankets, tools, cameras
What about me!?!
I thought for sure they were going to leave me behind, so I made certain to stay constantly underfoot and give extra kisses to make it as difficult as possible. It was only at the last second and a particularly pathetic look on my part that I got the go-ahead. I think I broke a new record running from the front door to the truck before they could change their minds.
Eight hours in the car feels like 5 days in the car. True, I slept through most of it, but would a treat have killed them? Everything they packed and I couldn’t have any of the peanut butter bone things? Anyway, it was worth it. We’re here!
At the cabin!
In the woods!
I spit on my leash!
And everything smells great! Everything– wait. This doesn’t smell like me. And this definitely doesn’t smell like me and– okay, I got this. I got this– where’s my water?
People! Where’s my water!? I can’t do this by myself!
The guys have been working on the cabin all morning. It’s been nothing but whirling and banging! Yelling, and buzzing! You try sleeping in a construction zone– even my dreams featured dancing tool belts and talking table saws. I like to think I rose above it though, and gave moral support.
The lake is just like I remember. We had to walk about 10 minutes down the railroad bed and hang a right through the wild raspberry bushes, milkweed, and ferns and there it is– Rainbow Lake all to myself. I jumped in and waded in up to my chest which is about two feet from shore. Sometimes I wish I was taller.
To tell you the truth, I am not wild about canoes. They’re hot, there’s no shade, and every time I move around, everyone freaks out! Furthermore, ducks are a big tease. I do get to drink a lot from over the side of the canoe which is convenient, but still. It seems to make them happy though and bonus! All of the other boaters we pass are super excited to see me. I feel like a celebrity out here!
It’s a big one, Whiteface. 4,865 feet up to the top and the fifth highest mountain in New York.
Oh yeah!
We drove up 95% of it which I felt was cheating, but beggars can’t be choosers. I am told the view was spectacular, you can see into Canada on clear days. Unfortunately, I couldn’t see most of it for reasons that should be readily apparent. Note: Schedule a haircut next week.
Now we we’re talking. We hiked up Mount Saint Regis today (which is small but respectable) and I led the way. I always like to be first for the following reasons:
- I am much friendlier than my owners and first impressions are important.
- I like to think I am an effective guide. I set a reasonable pace, point out interesting or unusual vegetation, and allow for regular bathroom breaks.
- They are unbearably slow!!! I know they only walk on two legs, but come on!
Today, I met my match. We stopped by for dinner with some friends and I was making my preliminary inspections of their yard when she came charging out of the house. Her name is Bunni, but not like the good kind. She is tiny, loud, and bossy! I can’t sniff without her having an opinion on it. I think I am just going to hide out here until she forgets about me.
We left and are heading back home! We just crossed into Pennsylvania and already I'm thinking about the next time I can get back to the Dack. Until next time!