Adventures with Aspen: First Camping Trip

Finally I am able to post pictures from our camping trip last weekend.  This was Aspen's very first camping trip.  We couldn't take him last year because of his illness.  I will post an update on Aspen's health in my next post but back to the camping trip. We had a good time but it was pretty chilly surprisingly even for a big puffy berner. I also must admit we were a little unprepared.  We brought a mat for Aspen to sleep on in the tent but we failed to bring something for him to lay on outside.  A blanket/towel was a poor choice.  If anyone Has any idea's of a water proof mat for outside I'd love to hear about it.  When it's so cold it's important to keep your dog dry.  We made it work but I think we could have been a little more dog prepared.

This is Friday when we first arrived.  Aspen and Ray are both sporting their packs.  We did chose not to have Aspen carry water in his pack but he did hike all his food, treats, poop bags to the camp site.  The remainder of the trip he just carried his treats and poop bags.  

Oh I forgot to mention we ran into another berner owner when we checked in.  Aspen had to stay in the car when we went into the check in building :-( A man came up to us and asked if that was our dog in the car. He said he also had a berner. They have 5 year old Murry who we hope to meet at play pals in June!!  Info on play pals can be found at http://www.twincitiesbmd.org/events.php.

One of the things I love about camping is food.  Aspen also enjoyed the food.  He got thoroughly spoiled this weekend... Here is Aspen eying the meal.

And yes he did get some.  We DO NOT feed him like this all the time but it's camping and having a little something that maybe isn't the best for you is okay on occasion.  He is actually on seconds here... sigh.

I was a little worried about tenting but things worked out great.  He didn't love being in the tent but when we both went in he was more then willing to join us.

Some sight seeing...

Aspen enjoying the falls in Tettegouche State Park.

Ray and Aspen enjoying the falls.

Aspen and I at the same falls.

As you can see Aspen was at ease hanging out by the water.  He was also very fearless on this trip.  Ray being more of a dare devil then me would walk out onto rocks and Aspen was right behind him.  This trip really showed us what a true working dog Aspen is.  He hiked tirelessly and was happy doing it.

Here is Aspen on the trail.  This was seconds before he decided to chase an otter!!  Aspen has awesome recall though and in mid chase he stopped and came back. Impressive I think :-)

Here was our campsite. 

Aspen begging lol  How can you say No!!!

This seems to be a favorite for people when they go up North.  So we had to follow suit and take a photo in the big chair.

Here is us packing up.  Aspen didn't have much to bring back to the car because he ate all his treats and food.

Here is our last stop before heading home.  We had a great trip and I hope you enjoy our photos.  Make sure to check out Ray's site for more photos http://starinphotography.photoshelter.com/  

Camping Trip

Once school is out and it gets a bit warmer we have planned a camping trip to Tettegouche State Park with Aspen.  We love hiking around and incidentally so does he.  What would a hiking trip be without a pack to carry poop bags, water, treats.... Here is Aspen sporting his new Palisades Pack  from REI.  It has two water blatters and plenty of space for the rest of his stuff.  One of my berner friends from the club also has this pack for one of her berners.  She said it's good :-)  She was also kind enough to send me some info on hiking with your dog and I thought I'd share a bit.  When you get your pack you need to let your dog get use to it.  Don't let the first time you put the pack on your dog be the hiking trip. Make sure that the pack fits snug but not too snug. Also any bit of weight needs to be built up to.  We will start training once the weather gets decent around herd. Might I add isn't he cute???   

We are going the we 13th, 14th and 15th of May.  This will be Aspen's very first camping trip.  We tried to go last year but it was just too warm out. That is certainly something to keep in mind when out and about in the summer... they don't do well in extreme heat.  May should be just right though... with cool nights.  He is going to be sleeping in the tent with us so wish us luck and check back for more photos of our trip!!