photo album

Dakota, the new dog

Shelley's oldest daughter got a boston terrier puppy a year and a half ago hoping he would be a cute little cuddly lap dog like Athena... he didn't turn out that way! He turned out to be a big, athletic and independent dog. When Sara recently found a sweet little lap dog, her husband said she had to get rid of one of the dogs and she decided to take me up on the offer I made from the day she adopted Kota. I always said "if you ever decide to get rid of this dog..."

Athena and Kalispell are getting old and I have been worrying about them and the prospect of having to get another dog and go through the training. Athena is blind and completely deaf now so she can't go many places anymore. Kali is too big to fit into the either the FJ or the new hybrid when we have camping gear loaded. I didn't want a puppy but was worried I would get another "special needs" dog if I got another rescue. I love Kali and Athena but they have been difficult and very expensive with their problems, I'd really like a normal dog this time around. One that I didn't have to worry about it attacking other dogs (Athena before she went blind) or tearing the kitchen apart trying to get in the cupboards for food (Kali... STILL!) Doesn't have any weird allergies (both Kali and Athena). Well it seems my prayers were answered with little Kota.

Right before I left for the Rogue trip, I made the arrangements with Shelley's daughter Sara and agreed to take Kota. I would adopt him when I returned. He has turned out to be perfect. He travels well, is big enough to be like a real dog, but small enough to fit in the new hybrid escape along with the camping gear. He is sweet but not too needy and doesn't have any behavior or health problems. I'm really enjoying him.

Rafting

I have found the time to take a few rafting trips this season.

I've had several trips on the South Fork of the American. One trip pictured here was to take my friend Kristy and her boyfriend down in honor of her birthday. Kristy gets to "princess" in the front of the cat, her boyfriend paddled an IK down and it was his first time but he made a perfect clean run... he's a natural!

I was able to return to the Rogue and spent four days up there. It rained three of the days but was still amazing. the flow was a little higher this time and it made the trip easier especially in Blossom Bar and the coffee pot section (which gives me the willies anyway!) I got to take my new cataraft since I didn't need to take any passengers and only my personal gear. So I traveled light and fast in my sporty green boat. The people on this years trip were great and I met some new folks and reconnected with the old. I'm looking forward to next year already.

Santa Cruz

We camped near Santa Cruz and went into town to visit Nina.

Summer 2007

We are on holiday and have been taking our new dog along on our road trips. So far we have been to the Trinity River, Humbolt, Crescent City, and southern Oregon. We have visited the following rivers: Sacramento River at the Sundial Bridge in Redding (that was a cold swim!), Trinity River near Burnt Ranch, Mad River, Klamath River, The (beautiful) Smith river, Illinois River, and the Rogue River.