May 28, 2011

White Dog and her Army, as predicted were pacing around the bed and loudly clearing their throats at sunrise.We weren't scheduled to leave until 9:30, we were packed, and a slow cuddling wakeup in the early morning glow seemed like a nice start to the vacation weekend.

By 7am the pups could not stand it any longer and insisted that we arise and run to the grocery for the ice needed for the cooler. We did that (the store was just opening) and then readied coffee. "What's THAT for?" White Dog squealed. "When Gregg and Candace get here," Steve answered. "Oh no, we are LEAVING when Dragon and Senge get here; you humans are not going to sit around sipping java!" "We are having coffee unless you want dad to fall asleep at the wheel as we are going up the twisty mountain road and plunge us into an endless gorge!" I crabbily responded (no coffee yet...this is what happens).

"Yikes!" YoYoMa whimpered, ""Let dad have his coffee, we can wait!"

FINALLY loaded and on the road the White Dog Army watched out windows and napped a bit. We stopped to stretch legs a couple of times. And then we hit the switchback road...about 50 miles up, down and around the mountains, filled with rapid switchbacks, steep inclines, edge gripping spirals...every bit as much fun as an amusement park ride. NONE of the WDA closed their eyes in rest or seemed comfortable for this part of the trip. Several times the WHITE Dog Army looked positively GREEN!

When we forded the stream, climbed the last ridge and stopped at the house, a cheer went up. Every one rushed inside (it was nearly 100 degreesF) and checked for boobytraps or assassins. Once the premises were cleared, the White Dog ordered the Army into relax mode. And this is how the rest of the day was spent: