Day 4
We finish unpacking and apologize to our neighbours. They all seem cool, thankfully and say that our aircraft sounding air pumps and headlight pointing into their tent at 1am was fine. We don't really believe that, but they are very nice.
Off to the race meet in Delaware to pet whippets and gather buccal swabs. The petting of the whippets is very important to the study. It helps keep the researcher sane after extreme fatigue from the day before. Everyone at the event lets us sample our whippets. The whippets all come from a diverse area. There are a couple there that were born in Australia, one from France, a few from recently imported European lines, as well as some from the US but born as far away as California.
Drying the samples completely in this humidity might be difficult. I hope they are dry enough!
After we were done, had taken much “whippet spit”, admired whippets and snuggled itty bitty whippet puppies we took off to the beach. Darien had made friends at the race meet, which not only ensured he had a good time and kept out of my hair, they also told him of a nice beach that dogs were allowed to go to. The beach was very close on Delaware bay. The water was extremely warm and salty. The dogs LOVED it. Dekka of course was in there as soon as she could. Kat was enthusiastic to swim for the first time and even Smudge offered to go in on his own. Dekka has learnt how to fetch rocks from the bottom. She doesn't come up with the same rock, but she comes up a rock, which is impressive to me. She will even put her head under water whilst swimming to try to grab a ball that is being tricky.
On our way back we hit a pet store just to see what is in a US pet store vs ours. A few different lines of products, nothing major. We were surprised that things were the same price or even more than at home. We then returned to the state park and went for a walk on the park trials down to Chesapeake Bay. Some lovely views, I hope to upload the pics soon and will post them. Dekka fearlessly lept into the waves to get a stick and fought her way back up slippery and steep rocks so I could through it again. The water wasn't quite as warm, but that was really a good thing.
Back at the campsite Laura took off to find a pay phone to call her dad and let him know how things were going. In that time I found a tick. On me. AHHHHHH! The tick tool is in the back of the car... I had to be saved by the neighbours. Their family was very interested in tick removal as it was as much a novelty to them as it was to me. The tick was situated in the back of my knee, so here I was standing there with all these very nice non english speaking asians with their heads right near my butt staring at my leg. Glad to be an educational assistant! The tick was removed and was very tiny. Still ewwwwww. Darien had one too, but by the time he found it the car, and the tick tool, were back.
Off to go shower and to inspect myself vvvverrrrryyyy closely for more ewwww AHHHHH ticks. Tomorrow we are off to another whippet event to collect more whippet spit.
Monday, July 4, 2011
Day four
Day 4
We finish unpacking and apologize to our neighbours. They all seem cool, thankfully and say that our aircraft sounding air pumps and headlight pointing into their tent at 1am was fine. We don't really believe that, but they are very nice.
Off to the race meet in Delaware to pet whippets and gather buccal swabs. The petting of the whippets is very important to the study. It helps keep the researcher sane after extreme fatigue from the day before. Everyone at the event lets us sample our whippets. The whippets all come from a diverse area. There are a couple there that were born in Australia, one from France, a few from recently imported European lines, as well as some from the US but born as far away as California.
Drying the samples completely in this humidity might be difficult. I hope they are dry enough!
After we were done, had taken much “whippet spit”, admired whippets and snuggled itty bitty whippet puppies we took off to the beach. Darien had made friends at the race meet, which not only ensured he had a good time and kept out of my hair, they also told him of a nice beach that dogs were allowed to go to. The beach was very close on Delaware bay. The water was extremely warm and salty. The dogs LOVED it. Dekka of course was in there as soon as she could. Kat was enthusiastic to swim for the first time and even Smudge offered to go in on his own. Dekka has learnt how to fetch rocks from the bottom. She doesn't come up with the same rock, but she comes up a rock, which is impressive to me. She will even put her head under water whilst swimming to try to grab a ball that is being tricky.
On our way back we hit a pet store just to see what is in a US pet store vs ours. A few different lines of products, nothing major. We were surprised that things were the same price or even more than at home. We then returned to the state park and went for a walk on the park trials down to Chesapeake Bay. Some lovely views, I hope to upload the pics soon and will post them. Dekka fearlessly lept into the waves to get a stick and fought her way back up slippery and steep rocks so I could through it again. The water wasn't quite as warm, but that was really a good thing.
Back at the campsite Laura took off to find a pay phone to call her dad and let him know how things were going. In that time I found a tick. On me. AHHHHHH! The tick tool is in the back of the car... I had to be saved by the neighbours. Their family was very interested in tick removal as it was as much a novelty to them as it was to me. The tick was situated in the back of my knee, so here I was standing there with all these very nice non english speaking asians with their heads right near my butt staring at my leg. Glad to be an educational assistant! The tick was removed and was very tiny. Still ewwwwww. Darien had one too, but by the time he found it the car, and the tick tool, were back.
Off to go shower and to inspect myself vvvverrrrryyyy closely for more ewwww AHHHHH ticks. Tomorrow we are off to another whippet event to collect more whippet spit.
We finish unpacking and apologize to our neighbours. They all seem cool, thankfully and say that our aircraft sounding air pumps and headlight pointing into their tent at 1am was fine. We don't really believe that, but they are very nice.
Off to the race meet in Delaware to pet whippets and gather buccal swabs. The petting of the whippets is very important to the study. It helps keep the researcher sane after extreme fatigue from the day before. Everyone at the event lets us sample our whippets. The whippets all come from a diverse area. There are a couple there that were born in Australia, one from France, a few from recently imported European lines, as well as some from the US but born as far away as California.
Drying the samples completely in this humidity might be difficult. I hope they are dry enough!
After we were done, had taken much “whippet spit”, admired whippets and snuggled itty bitty whippet puppies we took off to the beach. Darien had made friends at the race meet, which not only ensured he had a good time and kept out of my hair, they also told him of a nice beach that dogs were allowed to go to. The beach was very close on Delaware bay. The water was extremely warm and salty. The dogs LOVED it. Dekka of course was in there as soon as she could. Kat was enthusiastic to swim for the first time and even Smudge offered to go in on his own. Dekka has learnt how to fetch rocks from the bottom. She doesn't come up with the same rock, but she comes up a rock, which is impressive to me. She will even put her head under water whilst swimming to try to grab a ball that is being tricky.
On our way back we hit a pet store just to see what is in a US pet store vs ours. A few different lines of products, nothing major. We were surprised that things were the same price or even more than at home. We then returned to the state park and went for a walk on the park trials down to Chesapeake Bay. Some lovely views, I hope to upload the pics soon and will post them. Dekka fearlessly lept into the waves to get a stick and fought her way back up slippery and steep rocks so I could through it again. The water wasn't quite as warm, but that was really a good thing.
Back at the campsite Laura took off to find a pay phone to call her dad and let him know how things were going. In that time I found a tick. On me. AHHHHHH! The tick tool is in the back of the car... I had to be saved by the neighbours. Their family was very interested in tick removal as it was as much a novelty to them as it was to me. The tick was situated in the back of my knee, so here I was standing there with all these very nice non english speaking asians with their heads right near my butt staring at my leg. Glad to be an educational assistant! The tick was removed and was very tiny. Still ewwwwww. Darien had one too, but by the time he found it the car, and the tick tool, were back.
Off to go shower and to inspect myself vvvverrrrryyyy closely for more ewwww AHHHHH ticks. Tomorrow we are off to another whippet event to collect more whippet spit.
Day three the long haul
Day 3
Wow what a day!! Over 700km and over 15 hours of driving. All to be stood up by a breeder. Oh well, we did get to see New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland. Oh and we were on the look out for a loose baboon spotted on the hwy we were on just outside of NYC, sadly we didn't get a glimpse.
The day started well enough. Took us longer to pack up then planned. Then we drove out to MA, very pretty with hills all covered in forest. We get to where we are supposed to meet... eeeeh no breeder. Dang. So then we head to Clean Run to visit their actual store and pick up some things. I have wanted an aluminet shade cloth tarp thing for years now. With shipping its never seemed worth it, but since I was in the area...
Then down to push through to our camp site. The drive was much longer than the GPS said. There was a lot of construction and lowered speed limits. Traffic through NYC wasn't bad, no where near Toronto bad and we were going through there just after 6pm.
New Jersey had the most expensive toll road to end all toll roads. Just over 23 dollars!! The worst part was we sat there for 45 minutes (no exaggeration, we noted the time) to go through the toll so we could pay. People here honk a lot. Then to add insult to injury it cost 6 dollars to cross the bridge out of Jersey. My little car and trailer did not do 6 dollars worth of wear and tear on that bridge.
Even with out this delay we were running late. Laura called the camp grounds on my cell phone to tell them we were still coming. Happily there is a self check in option if you come in late.
We arrived at about 12:30pm There were more deer strolling around than I have seen in my life. They aren't the least bit afraid of the car and just stood there staring at us wondering what our problem was. We also saw 2 baby foxes cross the camp road as we came in.
So tired, we just tossed up the tent. No fly, no nothing. We did pump up the air matresses which sounded like aircraft in the very very still and silent night. MD has no cricket or frog sounds, I have never heard such a silent night in the summer. After having been on the road since 6:40 am we just fell into bed and slept. Tomorrow we are to hit a race meet and get some 'whippet spit' as my mom says.
Wow what a day!! Over 700km and over 15 hours of driving. All to be stood up by a breeder. Oh well, we did get to see New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland. Oh and we were on the look out for a loose baboon spotted on the hwy we were on just outside of NYC, sadly we didn't get a glimpse.
The day started well enough. Took us longer to pack up then planned. Then we drove out to MA, very pretty with hills all covered in forest. We get to where we are supposed to meet... eeeeh no breeder. Dang. So then we head to Clean Run to visit their actual store and pick up some things. I have wanted an aluminet shade cloth tarp thing for years now. With shipping its never seemed worth it, but since I was in the area...
Then down to push through to our camp site. The drive was much longer than the GPS said. There was a lot of construction and lowered speed limits. Traffic through NYC wasn't bad, no where near Toronto bad and we were going through there just after 6pm.
New Jersey had the most expensive toll road to end all toll roads. Just over 23 dollars!! The worst part was we sat there for 45 minutes (no exaggeration, we noted the time) to go through the toll so we could pay. People here honk a lot. Then to add insult to injury it cost 6 dollars to cross the bridge out of Jersey. My little car and trailer did not do 6 dollars worth of wear and tear on that bridge.
Even with out this delay we were running late. Laura called the camp grounds on my cell phone to tell them we were still coming. Happily there is a self check in option if you come in late.
We arrived at about 12:30pm There were more deer strolling around than I have seen in my life. They aren't the least bit afraid of the car and just stood there staring at us wondering what our problem was. We also saw 2 baby foxes cross the camp road as we came in.
So tired, we just tossed up the tent. No fly, no nothing. We did pump up the air matresses which sounded like aircraft in the very very still and silent night. MD has no cricket or frog sounds, I have never heard such a silent night in the summer. After having been on the road since 6:40 am we just fell into bed and slept. Tomorrow we are to hit a race meet and get some 'whippet spit' as my mom says.
Day two
So no peanut buttered tree, though it seems we simply missed this ritual. The kids however were loud. The most interesting spectacle that occurred was between our neighbours (the ones with the loud kids) and people a few spots down. They had an unending supply of kids and adults who talked to them just like the people on the Jerry Springer show.
So the Jerry Springer show had a few episodes. It started just with adults trash talking the kids, waiving hands around and in general being all dramatic. We leave for a bit. (Darien managed to break his brand new sandals.) When we come back the Sheriff's car is there as is the park police. Most provinces in Canada don't get their own police, yet the parks get their own special police force. Not sure why, other than the specific case with the Jerry Springer campers. This camp ground is incredibly small to need its own police force.
So drive in to see the Sheriff, the park police, a couple of park rangers and the adults from both camps. We can't tell what they are saying, but their body language is full of crossed arms, hands on hips, and some indignant hand waiving. Later we hear the issue involved the kids of one family talking trash to the other. But really its was just dramatic and like reality TV. Seems this family gets kicked out of the park almost yearly.
The park also has the most 'non fun' swimming area of all time. They could have saved time and just put a sign saying NO FUN out in front of the swim area.
On a more typical tourisity note, we went for an amazing amazing walk with the dogs. Darien will do a photo blog in the next day or so, but until then check out these pics.
Tomorrow we are up bright and early to meet a breeder in Massachusetts. Then head down to Maryland to camp near Chesapeake Bay.
So the Jerry Springer show had a few episodes. It started just with adults trash talking the kids, waiving hands around and in general being all dramatic. We leave for a bit. (Darien managed to break his brand new sandals.) When we come back the Sheriff's car is there as is the park police. Most provinces in Canada don't get their own police, yet the parks get their own special police force. Not sure why, other than the specific case with the Jerry Springer campers. This camp ground is incredibly small to need its own police force.
So drive in to see the Sheriff, the park police, a couple of park rangers and the adults from both camps. We can't tell what they are saying, but their body language is full of crossed arms, hands on hips, and some indignant hand waiving. Later we hear the issue involved the kids of one family talking trash to the other. But really its was just dramatic and like reality TV. Seems this family gets kicked out of the park almost yearly.
The park also has the most 'non fun' swimming area of all time. They could have saved time and just put a sign saying NO FUN out in front of the swim area.
On a more typical tourisity note, we went for an amazing amazing walk with the dogs. Darien will do a photo blog in the next day or so, but until then check out these pics.
Tomorrow we are up bright and early to meet a breeder in Massachusetts. Then head down to Maryland to camp near Chesapeake Bay.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Day One!
DAY ONE (yesterday.. I imagine I will be a day behind for most posts)
Started out nice and early. We successfully played trailer tetris and got all of our stuff in the trailer, 3 tents, bedding, pillows, chairs, coolers, tubs of food and clothing. In the car was my sample stuff, electronic stuff, the 3 dogs, and 3 people.
The border crossing fellow was extremely cranky. I wish I had the luxury of saying what was in my head.
Me: (*hands over passports and the notarized letter from Mark stating that Darien is allowed to cross the border with us.)
Cranky: So have any of you been arrested? (*hands back the notarized letter, and scrutinizes the passports)
Me:No.
Cranky: Alcohol or tobacco?
Me: No
Cranky: Where are you from
Me: *motioning to Darien and I. Indian River
Laura: Whitby.
A few more random questions about where we live and what we do. The fact we are students seems weird to him.
Cranky: Have any of you ever been arrested?
Me: No (umm Not since the last time you asked...)
Cranky: Do you have a letter stating its fine for (points at Darien) to go with you.
Me: Yes, its that letter I handed you with the passports that you handed back (Gee are you dumb?)
Cranky then wanted to see the letter from Professor White stating what I was doing sample wise. I had figured I would need the letter if Canada customs found them weird. Nope this guy hadn't found the sample kits, he just thought anyone travelling for academic research was suspect.
Cranky (*looking suspiciously at the letter) Where is Trent University? (said with utter disdain)
Me: Peterborough.
Cranky: Have any of you ever been arrested?
Me: No (seriously, is the stress of your job getting to you? Do you need to go sit down?)
Cranky: Alcohol or tobacco?
Me: No. (pretty sure you asked that one too, haven't been anywhere to buy any since you asked 5 min ago)
etc etc...
He finally let us go through and we could relax and get on with our trip. We made excellent time and arrived at Thompson Lake State park in NY by about 2. Darien has found a friend who is up from Florida. They fast became 'like bros' and were running around the camp ground together. Most of the campers are seasonal and are quite friendly. MANY dogs at this camp ground.
The shower facilities (even with the suspected risk of impetigo) get 8.5 stars out of 10. The water is hot, almost hot enough for me. High pressure and free.
Its been a long day and we are in bed, seems we get to look forward to shrieking kids at 5am and a peanut buttered tree (not sure, will post tomorrow)
Started out nice and early. We successfully played trailer tetris and got all of our stuff in the trailer, 3 tents, bedding, pillows, chairs, coolers, tubs of food and clothing. In the car was my sample stuff, electronic stuff, the 3 dogs, and 3 people.
The border crossing fellow was extremely cranky. I wish I had the luxury of saying what was in my head.
Me: (*hands over passports and the notarized letter from Mark stating that Darien is allowed to cross the border with us.)
Cranky: So have any of you been arrested? (*hands back the notarized letter, and scrutinizes the passports)
Me:No.
Cranky: Alcohol or tobacco?
Me: No
Cranky: Where are you from
Me: *motioning to Darien and I. Indian River
Laura: Whitby.
A few more random questions about where we live and what we do. The fact we are students seems weird to him.
Cranky: Have any of you ever been arrested?
Me: No (umm Not since the last time you asked...)
Cranky: Do you have a letter stating its fine for (points at Darien) to go with you.
Me: Yes, its that letter I handed you with the passports that you handed back (Gee are you dumb?)
Cranky then wanted to see the letter from Professor White stating what I was doing sample wise. I had figured I would need the letter if Canada customs found them weird. Nope this guy hadn't found the sample kits, he just thought anyone travelling for academic research was suspect.
Cranky (*looking suspiciously at the letter) Where is Trent University? (said with utter disdain)
Me: Peterborough.
Cranky: Have any of you ever been arrested?
Me: No (seriously, is the stress of your job getting to you? Do you need to go sit down?)
Cranky: Alcohol or tobacco?
Me: No. (pretty sure you asked that one too, haven't been anywhere to buy any since you asked 5 min ago)
etc etc...
He finally let us go through and we could relax and get on with our trip. We made excellent time and arrived at Thompson Lake State park in NY by about 2. Darien has found a friend who is up from Florida. They fast became 'like bros' and were running around the camp ground together. Most of the campers are seasonal and are quite friendly. MANY dogs at this camp ground.
The shower facilities (even with the suspected risk of impetigo) get 8.5 stars out of 10. The water is hot, almost hot enough for me. High pressure and free.
Its been a long day and we are in bed, seems we get to look forward to shrieking kids at 5am and a peanut buttered tree (not sure, will post tomorrow)
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Almost ready to go!
Getting ready to go, this time next week I will be in a tent in another country. Whoot. I hope everything fits in the trailer, I have been messing with the rubbermaid tubs and calling it trailer tetris with tubs. It has a nice alliteration to it :)
Still have to get a form signed by a notary public to prove I am not trying to abscond with my child. Also have to get the car fixed up. Most things are packed. Entries to the JRTCA trial we are hitting have been sent off.
I also need to clean my house (CLEAN ALL THE THINGS.. wait no its clean all the things?) as I am having a house sitter come and watch the beasties whilst I am gone.
Still have to get a form signed by a notary public to prove I am not trying to abscond with my child. Also have to get the car fixed up. Most things are packed. Entries to the JRTCA trial we are hitting have been sent off.
I also need to clean my house (CLEAN ALL THE THINGS.. wait no its clean all the things?) as I am having a house sitter come and watch the beasties whilst I am gone.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
EPIC thesis trip!
Its starting to come together.
I have the samples kits (at twice the price I had planned on)
I have whippet breeders/owners lined up to visit.
I have passports and travel insurance.
I have a tent (and this one stays up.. bonus) see pic
Dogs have proof of rabies.
Still need a trailer hitch put on the car. Yes I am towing a trailer with my kia rio.
we leave 2 weeks tomorrow!
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