Life Adventures

It started off a little frustrating as we had asked for site 23 way back when making reservations.  I called to confirm before we arrived - something was nagging at me.  They had moved us to another site - one way too short for our rig.  We ended up getting site 10 instead, which was fine in size, but definitely not as good as site 23 or the couple sites beside it.  It appeared they were holding those sites for people staying longer. We returned to Shenandoah River State Park and in fact have booked a site there for our return in Dec and also both March and May next year.  The overlook was easier to experience without all the rain.  We also go lucky for Logan that weather was mild for this time of year - this particular morning it was in the low 60s. What really amazed us is that for years we've been coming here and going to Jim Barnett park near Winchester to walk the dogs in between runs.  When we had extra time, we'd rush to Sky Meadow State P...

Our first trip up to this area of PA. Immediately we noticed that people were very friendly.  We stayed at the Yogi Bear campground at ShangriLa.  It was a nice campground, plenty of walking area and really close to the agility trial site (about 1 mile away).  We stayed in site 114 and it was really easy to get in and out of.  It is a site close to the new waterpark they are building.  The campground is very family oriented with a lot of activities.  Our whole reason for going up there was to run in the agility trial, but we did manage to get away to a nearby park - Shikellamy State Park -  Marina Section.  There is also the overlook section, but the marina section was easier with the stroller.  From the reviews, the overlook section is preferred. The park has a nice walking/running/biking asphalt biking trail along the river.  There is a view of the overlook section as well as the iron bridge. 

High Bridge is reported to be among the longest recreational bridges in the U.S.  It sits 125 feet above the Appomattox river and is .455 miles long.  The view from the bridge is amazing.  Today was a temperate 75 degrees so the breeze on top of the bridge produced a subtle chill.  In cooler weather I’d definitely bring a jacket. The trail is relatively flat and easy to push a stroller along so it was perfect for Logan. The best place to access the trail to see the bridge is Camp Paradise Rd.  You should use the address 1681 Aspen Hill Rd, Rice VA.  The bridge is only .3 miles from the lot.  We, however, received flawed information and got on the trail in Farmville on Main Street.  On a day where we have more time, that would have been fine because there were many quaint shops and restaurants to explore.  One restaurant we passed was on the water. Maybe next time. 

The Winchester area has always been one we've struggled to enjoy as a destination.  It's a great venue for agility, but the lodging has been lackluster.  Normally we stay at Candy Hill with the RV, but we don't enjoy it.  The campground is an easy-in, easy-out, right off the interstate. That is the only positive.  Forget about late check-out - they nickel and dime you for every minute.  Once we left 15 minutes late, but didn't worry about it until a young kid started chasing our RV on foot to retrieve the $2.00 owed for being late.   As far as the campground amenities and aesthetics, there isn't much to speak of. This trip, we decided to try somewhere different - Skyline Ranch Resort.  It was a significant improvement in primarily location.  The views of the skyline are breathtaking.  We stayed in site 132 (the row 130-132 is easy to get set up and rather level, but there isn't any shade).  There is another row on the other si...

Gracie seems confident in new places and quickly warms up to other dogs and people.  She’s not as confident as Braddock but she gets better after a slow warmup period. Here are some pics of her at 5 months old: And a video of he exuberant self

Gracie has learned obstacle performance of the tunnel, table, plank, tire, and jumps.  Surprisingly, the table appears to be her favorite. We’ve done a modified speed circle starting with the crate on one end, the tunnel on the other end, and two jumps side-by-side in between so that she runs from the crate, over one jump, through the tunnel, and back over the other jump to crate.  We make sure to work both sides. I started the dogwalk ramp but she had some nervousness at times so we’ve gone back to the plank. However she seems to love to work, tries to get it right, pays attention, and likes the game.

We’ve been walking the woods on the property instead of heading to Poor Farm.  Cadia has been quite the mentor for Gracie.  She’s also been extremely tolerant of Grace’s jumping and biting at the ears and tail. Grace carries sticks in hopes that Cadia will chase her around.  Sometimes Cadia engages and other times she wants her space.  Gracie appears to respect the difference. Gracie shouting "Catch me Cadia"