National Doodle Romp 2016 in Walla Walla?

[Adina P]

I've wanted to do this for a loooong time.  I think perhaps next year might finally be the time to try it out. 

My town, Walla Walla, Washington is way on the other side of the country from many of you.  But it's a quaint town with culture and a bazillion excellent wineries. 

So I was thinking...it might be fun to host the first annual Doodle Kisses National Doodle Romp here.  Super convenient for me, but would any of you travel for it?  After next year we can move it around to different locations.

How many of you would drive over with your doodle(s)?

How many of you would fly over doodle-less?

How many of you are thinking "No way, crazy lady!"?

If enough people are interested...I can get started planning.  I would most likely aim for May when the local wineries host their Spring Release or June when they do some other thing or another.  BUT that means it would be crowded and hotels booked long in advance.

We have the option of a dog park in College Place (the neighboring town) and there is a nice park next to it.  So we could meet at that park and then those that want to let their dogs off leash could meander over there.  The park has benches so we conceivably have a picnic or get catering. 

What sounds best to others?  Would you prefer a more out of the way park without an official dog park?  A hike/walk?  Take over downtown and visit wineries? 

2/19: UPDATE:  I was going with the tentative date of June 9/10 with the option to stay the whole weekend for those who want to, but no official plans for the weekend.  That seems to conflict with one member who REALLY wants to make it.  So now I'm looking at June 23/24.  The previous week is Spring Release weekend for local wineries and while that doesn't actually conflict with us, it might be really crowded.  Please argue with me over this if you need to.  I don't mind. 

[Helga, Nimbus, Sierra, Clooney]

Great ideas, Nancy! Love the kerchief idea! Especially if it had 1st national doodle romp Walla Walla on it.

[Vicky & Cassidy]

Weatherwise:  Rain in the Northwest is always an issue (having lived in Portland and Bend), but there are sites that can tell you whether it rained or not on a particular day in history.  No guarantee, of course, but it may be a deciding factor.

[Adina P]

WW is a desert, so not quite as rainy as the west side.

[Vicky & Cassidy]

There you go!  I would consider it a non-issue.

[Julie, Boomer, Milo & Casey]

I have ideas but they pull the doodle romp away from WW (sorry)!  But remain in WA. :-)     

Entertainment is not necessary as the dogs are entertainment enough.

For those traveling without a dog - is there an airport nearby?  

I wouldn't like a setting where the dogs remain on leash.  There would have to be a fenced area or property for them to play.  

I am east of Seattle and there are several dog friendly places (and campgrounds too).  I attend an annual doodle romp on a 35 acre private property with river access (for those doodles that enjoy swimming).  The owner closes a portion of his property to "paid members" and the doodles have the entire property to themselves.    We bring lawn chairs and hang out for the day by the water (or large grass fields - if doodles prefer not to swim).   I prefer that over a public dog park because you never know who/what is going to show up at a dog park.   I plan to host a smaller romp there this summer but would love to see the DK romp there too.    

[Julie, Boomer, Milo & Casey]

Let me add...if in WW, do you have access to or know someone with a large property that we could use for the romp?

[Adina P]

I'm really unable to travel with kids and dogs right now.  For the 1st Annual Doodle Romp, it really needs to be here.  If it goes well we can always move it around in future years :-)

[Malenie Piscetelli]

Sorry, Lucy and I won't be able to come. It's too far. We are in east coast.
Have a great time!!! Sounds fun!!!

[Ann Kendig]

We were talking about a Western trip today. Hopefully Duke will be all healed up from his ACL surgery and the other knee will stay in good shape. The late June date may work better for us. I haven't read the entire thread but has a date been decided?

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

YES! Ann, hoping to see you guys.

[Jennie Lynn Cecchini]

Hey Doodleers, I am still planning a Doodle road trip.  Either dates in June are good.  Everyone's ideas/suggestions are great.  Maybe someone would be willing to let us "borrow" their big backyard ... and then have a big picnic.  I do love the rompkerchief and Doodle parade ideas ... and the donations to help out.  : )

[Adina P]

I don't know anyone with a big fenced backyard who would be cool with a romp.  But we do have a dog park and all but the most leash reactive dogs will probably be fine with some leashed activities.  Maybe some pulling, etc to start but they'd be fine after a bit.