Ready. Set. Go.

Yes!  Let's go!

Out to the Fields

A see-your-breath morning means time to get out into the fields.

Byam and Elk

Iowa once had a huge population of elk, so we headed over to see a few live elk near our campsite.  We stopped at the improved viewing area to watch the few elk and new sculpture before walking down to the playground with the really cool hollowed out log to run through.

No No No - Not Another Photo

Nice weekend hanging out in the Airstream, but Byam refused to have a good picture taken.

Low Flying

Stopping for a night at a city park, Byam enjoyed her time watching the low flying geese.

On the way to visit our friends Ed & Eileen, we experienced a crop-dusting plane flying low.

Checking out State Parks - Lake Anita

After a short evening drive, we stopped to check out a new-to-us state park at Lake Anita. 
While we only stayed overnight, we want to come back time someday to explore the park.

Camping at a State Park

When traveling west, we often leave late after work and spend our first night close to home.  Just to get a good nights sleep in the soaking-humid 90*+ heat, we many times stop at a  campground within a mile of the interstate.  These campgrounds are convenient, but not especially nice - yet usually are pricey.  In anticipation of our next trip west, we decided to check State Parks that are a bit further off the main roads.

This weekend was enjoyed at Prairie Rose State Park which is built around a man-made lake which was drained a couple years ago and has since refilled.  Byam enjoyed her wade/swim in the water, and S caught a few small panfish.  Our site looks huge, as nobody was camping at the group camp site down the hill toward the lake.

Ground Squirrel #497

When I started this project, it was just to minimize the ground squirrel's tunnel-holes.  Nothing more than a little feeling of comfort and safety for our dog.  The ground squirrels can be seen climbing trees, but it is their underground access that I don't like.  (That and the ground squirrels dig up my potted plants.)  Those little tunnels are entered and exited by holes in the lawn that are just the size that can trip up a running dog.  Torn knee tendons are painful, expensive, and can change a dog's life.

So 10 years ago I started relocating ground squirrels.  Moving them to wild areas about town and into the countryside.  My neighbor had been using a Have-A-Hart to catch her ground squirrels, and I borrowed hers.  After 3 weeks of relocating 2-3 ground squirrels each day, I also purchased a relocation device.  And we started counting.   My neighbor moved away 8 years ago, leaving me to carry on.

Byam is looking at ground squirrel # 497.
Seriously, I don't live on an acreage, just a lot in town.
And no ground squirrel was harmed during the photography or relocation program.

Tongue. Tongue. Tongue.

Sometimes Byam is all tongue!

We had a great day at the lake.  Byam was enjoying our walks around the campground and,really wanted to get into the water.  She does not like to jump in - she likes to carefully walk into water.  For her, knowing the water depth is important.  I wish I'd had the camera when we were on the dock.  She leaned over the edge beyond the point of no return.  Then her eyes got  huge and our time on the dock ended with a wet dog.

Finally. Got to Swim.

About a half hour after her swim in the river at the campground., Byam's run in the field ended with a bath in the Airstream's shower.

Dry Dog ...Again

North Bear Creek in the past was known for snakes, so Byam stayed safely home in the Airstream.

But once we got back to the campground, Byam was ready to go for a run.

Summer is Here - Long Weekend is our Official Start to Summer!

Byam spent the weekend on a trout fishing trip.  She was such a good girl to stay out of the water.

Even when she begged.

Water Water Water - Brittany Fun!

Byam had a great weekend finding water to play in - she just loves to dig in shallow water.

Puddle #1

Puddle #2

The river with Byam.

1 second later, the river without Byam.

Our campsite 7 at Ledges State Park.

Workin' for a Livin'

Just outside the Jeep door, Byam starts to work the tall grass.

Success! 

Yes it was a male pheasant that got her to stop in her tracks.

Only Byam and my camera were ready. 

 





On Point

S is out right now with their gun dog club on a hunt! 
So I'm sure Byam is running at this moment, or making her tiny little whimper that she makes only when she really Really REALLY wants something!

No Dogs on Beach - No Lifeguard

Maybe not having a lifeguard is a good reason to keep dogs off the beach.  Iowa is not yet a dog tourist friendly state.

Camping with my Airstream Friends

We had a nice time, seeing our Airstream friends.  Big "hi" to Don!  Thanks for laughing at your surprise ending to your nap!!

State Park Fun - Dirty Dirty Fun!

A weekend away with camping is a great time for a run.  Amazingly we kept our little Brittany out of the lake, as she was having great fun just stretching out her legs.

The trail back to our campsite was shady, cool, but a bit muddy.

After checking out places that might hide a bird or rabbit, Byam was covered with burrs.  It took 45 minutes to get her fur combed out and ready for a bath.  Our Airstream is really convenient for a dog bath, with it's shallow basin, and hand shower head.

 

Tri State Camper Rally - Many Vintage Trailers! This year hosted by Mandie and Cynthia - Aloha!

 Even without our grass skirts - I guess we are all too cool?

 The movie "Blue Hawaii" with Elvis Presley was enjoyed with popcorn.

This is Nacho - he has his own Airstream Blog!
ontheroadwithnacho.blogspot.com

Scott County Park

Just a few of our friends' Airstream trailers.  Great park with lots of spaces, and also space between the trailers!  We had a couple nice campfires, and a tour of the US Adventures RV.  The farmers' market was quite nice and busy.