Monday, August 6, 2018

The Beautiful Pacific Northwest

Today was one of those perfect summer days that you wish would go on forever.  I am so fortunate to live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, just an hour north of Portland, Oregon and two hours south of Seattle, Washington.  We can find ourselves at the beach in about an hour and a half or up to the mountain in about two.  Pretty darn perfect if you ask me.

Mom said we were going on an adventure today and while I watched her pack her water bottle and my water dish, my mind started wondering where we were headed.  I could hardly wait to get started. 

After buckling me safely in my car seat, we took off!  Our first stop was high up on the Kalama River.  Mom found a little trail that led us down to the water, not to the actual river but to a sweet little creek where we got to get our toes wet and filled our noses with all kinds of wild smells.  We were all by ourselves and just enjoyed the gurgling sound of the water and watched the little winged creatures skittering across the surface of the water.  It looked like they were having a grand time and I tried to strike up a conversation but they were just too busy having fun.  I get that because sometimes I'm too busy playing to hear Mom call my name.




Next we stopped by a new park we had heard about and were looking forward to exploring but were met with some not very friendly signs.  No Dogs Allowed.  I don't understand that.  I mean I understand they don't want any canines there but honestly, I've never seen a dog leave a mess anywhere near as bad as some people do.  I've never seen anyone from my tribe play with matches, spray paint or destroy public bathrooms or leave garbage all over.  I'd like to see a sign that says No Bad People Allowed instead. 



On our way back down the river we spotted the most adorable little baby deer.  She was playing in the dappled sunshine, just outside the gates of a home along the road.  She was jumping with joy and I wished I could join her but was told her momma, who was nearby, probably wouldn't approve.  We weren't able to get a picture of the baby but we did get one of her mom.  I have a special place in my little heart for deer so this was a wonderful treat.



I was itching to feel some sand under my paws so next we were off to the Mighty Columbia River.  I had discovered at an early age the difference in the feel of the sand between the river and the ocean.  Have you ever noticed?  The river sand is much courser against my paw-pads and the smell is completely different too.  Luckily I love both!  We walked, we visited with some other families and we enjoyed feeling the sun on our fur and the breeze tickling our ears. 

After some good long slurps of water and a couple of treats, it was time to head home.  I often wonder if my feline brother and sisters feel slighted because they never get to go.  They seem happy enough to sniff me when I return and listen intently while I wind tales of our travels.  Occasionally I embellish just a tad but mostly, my life is so good I don't even need to.   I'm thankful I'm a dog and not a cat.

As another pretty much perfect summer day comes to an end I hope you found time to enjoy it too.  If you didn't, tomorrow will be here shortly and you'll have another opportunity so make it count.

Loves & Licks,
Stella

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