Sophie and Winston Go Camping

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

I took Sophie and Winston camping last week for the first time. I was bit nervous about it but it went smoothly all things considered. When I arrived at the camp site I had to tether them to a tree so I could put up my tent and unpack the car. They were not pleased to be bound as they really wanted to explore!

I bought a tent that had a seperate area for the doodles which I figured would help if they got muddy so I could keep my side clean. this didn't work out all that well because Sophie did not like being enclosed in the tent. She paced back and forth the first night and eventually I had to open the zipper to let her in. She finally settled down and we fell asleep wrapped up in each other's limbs, her head on my arm (she never snuggles so this was kind of nice). However, I didn't close the zipper properly in the dark so got visited by a pesky mosquito. I didn't want to move and wake her up so I was pretty stiff in the morning and didn't get much sleep. Oh the things we do for our doodles.

There were a bunch of kiddies with us and my brother seemed to think the dogs would be great entertainment for the kids. The downside is that I spent a good chunk of my time supervising while they got to relax and unwind. I sorted out more than my fair share of fights over who's turn it is to throw the frisbee while the others sat around oblivous to all the commotion, reading their books, poking the camp fire, etc.. The doodles loved all the attention for the most part though and I have to say that I'm very proud of how patient they were. Even though there were times when I could tell they had enough, and eventually had to shoe the kids away, the dogs were calm and patient and never let the kids get to them.

Thanks to my niece, Sophie is now a big fan of catching bubbles. I'm surprised her mouth didn't get all soapy!

We fit in some fun swimming time off the rocky shore - the only part where dogs were allowed. But it was hard to keep the doodles away from all the dead seagulls! yuck! But once we broke out the frisbee they forgot all about the seagull graveyard off to the side. Unfortunately, I had to be the one to wade in in my clothes to fish the frisbee off the bottom of the lake when it sank. (no picutres of me in my wet clothes!).

At night by the campfire the doodles were so sleepy from all the activity, which included a raccoon visit to our kitchen tent which got the doodles very excited (thank goodness they were on leash!).

Winston suffered a grave injustice at the hands of his uncle.

The second night went much more smoothly. The doodles slept well until the sun came up and Sophie noticed a chipmunk through the mesh window of the tent. Not realizing she couldn't go straight through, she bounded with full might into the mesh and bounced back - luckily the tent was firmly pegged down. Silly doodle. I think with a little practice the doodles will be regular camping pros and I really can't wait to try it again. My sister-in-law said she hopes we come back next year because the dogs are so great with keeping the kids entertained (and giving her a break :). I think next time we'll get our own site a little ways off, to create just a little distance between us and those playful human puppies so we can schedule some downtime for ourselves ;o)

[F, Calla & Luca]

It sounds like fun for you. I am always glad to be where there is indoor plumbing and electricity at night.

[Donna K & Quincy]

Glad to hear the camping went well. Sophie and Winston are such good doodles to be the entertainment committee for the kiddies.

[Camilla and Darwin]

Looks like a blast! Congrats to you and the doodles for making it work so well!

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

I am not a camper, but you made it sound pretty darn inviting!  Sophie and Winston adjusted very well and definitely had friends to play with immediately.  I love the way these dogs take over our sleeping areas and we just let it happen.  The love of a dog:)  Your pictures are really nice, especially the one with all the kids hugging the Doodle. Thanks for sharing your successful camping trip!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Ahhh.... the sweet smell of success.. Congratulations on the successful camping venture.