Day 17 - Finally home

 Wow, what a trip. This last day was hard. We were so close to home but it seemed to take forever. The scenery was beautiful of course especially when we stopped overlooking Prosser but we all just wanted to get home.

It felt great when we finally did and I could unpack some and see Blake again. It was a wonderful trip overall and I am so lucky to have gotten to make the journey and to play with my best boys at CPE Nationals and all along the journey.

Day 15 -16 - Heading North and West

 It was sadly time to leave the beautiful Moab, Utah but excited to head home.

The best stop was in Murray, Utah at a lovely park with so many pretty irises in bloom throughout.

The landscape was pretty on the driving days and Twin Falls, Idaho and Pendleton, Oregon were great stops on the trip. Especially Pendleton as it was great walking and exploring weather and the town is so unique.

Day 13 - Driving Colorado and Utah

 We arrived in Denver and didn't feel like exploring much in the evening but I had done some research so before driving to Moab, Utah since it was a shorter drive day went to explore the Rocky Mountain Arsenal and it was exactly what we all needed. A nice walk for Trapper who needs the movement and prairie dogs to stare at for the first time for Sparky. Oh and bunnies we all love bunnies and birds. 

The drive through Colorado and into Utah was beautiful with mountains, and flats and we had a great time. I was happy to get to Moab, Utah though and to our adorable vintage Apache Motel. It is such a beautiful spot and the dogs and I settled in for a day of vacation.

Day 11-12 - Driving IL-Colorado

The packing part was a little tricky getting everything back into the car topper and figuring out what made sense inside the car. It was hard to leave the home away from home of the Airbnb as well but the time had come. The first day was a long stormy drive from Springfield, IL across Missouri and to Kansas. I had driven part of this route on the way to IL, so I knew that stops and services were limited so I was prepared with lunch from the grocery store and a couple of must stop ideas. We had a couple of stops at the beginning that allowed for the dogs to run and roll which really carried through the rest of the day. Then there was the stop in Quiltown - Hamilton, Missouri. It was so cute and it was fun browsing the quilt shop.

Ended the day crossing the river into Kansas and enjoying BBQ in Kansas. 

The second day was driving across Kansas and to Denver Colorado. This was the longest driving day for the way home. It was so very windy. Apparently we were between some tornadoes and we were also close to some thunderstorms as well. The best part of the drive was stopping at this amazing souvenir shop with Wizard of Oz statues outside of it. Shopping was fun for sure, and it was a break from driving in the wind. Oh and the visitor center in Colby, Kansas was adorable.

 

Day 14 - Moab, Utah

We had a great day in Moab, Utah today. We started with a walk with the dogs at Mill Creek and since we were the only ones there they got to run around a bit. 

Then we went to Arches National Park. I was there as a kid but I didn't remember all of it and it was so much more meaningful this time I think. The dogs couldn't leave the parking lot but I kept them cool while I did the shortish trips to see things. 

Came back and had a nap then went to Moab Brewery for beer and so much good food. Then came back and took the dogs for a walk from Lion's Park to give them some activity. Stopped and visited some shops and picked up stickers, soap and a hat for my dad.

Tomorrow we continue the drive home and we'll spend the night in Twin Falls, ID.

CPE Agility Nationals Day 3

CPE Agility Nationals Day 3. Trapper was the very best boy and we had a perfect day. It was incredibly hot today getting up to over 90 degrees. Our first run was a tricky colors that required lots of control and he ran it perfectly. Next was standard and he was a little stressed on that run for some reason but we pulled it off with a Q. It took a long time to cool him off. We were in the very last group for Snooker and it was hot but the course was so much fun. A great way to end our nationals experience tomorrow we start our way home. Trapper won Agility High in Trial Standard for enthusiast level C 20 inch. 

Colors - https://youtu.be/fuAmO5rimT0 

Standard - https://youtu.be/ypkXpWLQAzg 

Snooker - https://youtu.be/eNMs9iGZ_rY

CPE Agility Nationals Day 2

We had a rough day today. Trapper and I were not in sync in our first run which was jackpot. Trapper didn't like my opening plan and decided to get creative (1 point short), and with my GoPro battery not charging I was thrown off a little, at the gamble he did the tunnel, wall jump and got on the teeter but he hopped off the side towards me, I should have sent him to the final jump but he was moving back to me and I didn't so handling error for me oops. Wildcard was in a ring we hadn't been too and it was hot by then over 80 with high humidity. He did everything in that Wildcard run but he dropped a bar on the panel, oops NQ. He was hot and weird after his run and I was hot and annoyed so not our best moments sigh. By Standard we were ready to run and we were in sync not super fast but we ran clean and I was so happy that we had a great run to end our day. My GoPro failed us on the video boo. We were all hot and I wanted to get back to the AC so I put them in the car and left the car running with the AC on while I went to get our Q ribbon. Turns out he was listed as a dropped bar which I knew he didn't have. I was frustrated and it turns out another lady had the same issue so I decided to take it to the score room who took it to the judge who didn't remember me and declined my request. As I was leaving I ran into Susan who had seen our run and the judge put her hand up in the dropped bar position after we were through the tire that didn't move and we were going into the gate box so she really meant to give a thumbs up. I went back to the score keeper and she fixed it for me. I am so happy that I fought it and that Susan saw it! 

Wildcard - https://youtu.be/ukGWpavwSy8

CPE Agility Nationals Day 1

CPE Agility Nationals Day 1. Trapper was the very best boy. We started off with Standard which I already posted about and he did a great job he paused in the weaves but didn't pop out and was slow on the teeter but he wasn't running in any pain and was happy to play. Our next run was FullHouse and he was ready to go! He did what I asked and we got our points and got out. Jumpers was my favorite course though, it was hot by then but he ran extremely smooth and quite fast, it was a joy to run with him. Excited to play with him again and so happy that he is running better then he has in a long time. 

Standard - https://youtu.be/xhFC7ycOV18 

 Full House - https://youtu.be/-LAlauhb0yE 

 Jumpers - https://youtu.be/30X7pYK0F9U

CPE Speedway Nationals Day 2

Speedway Nationals is officially done. Sparky  did so much better then I thought in the environment. He may not have been super speedy on every run but he completed them and he liked it best running his two rounds in each game back to back. I am glad we got to play. Tomorrow the attention turns to Trapper and agility and Sparky gets to be his best cheerleader self.

It isn't letting me upload videos on the phone app so I will try my computer tomorrow.

CPE Speedway Nationals Day 1

Phew what a great day, exhausting but great. Sparky completed all 6 games plus two "drag race" (FastCAT). People that don't know Sparky just called him chill but he struggled with the environment and being able to see all the dogs. He made some mistakes in his runs but I am super proud of him. He did it and he was really happy in the waiting moments and after playing the games. Leanne McKillip made it and she even released him in drag race and he just loves that game so much and Janet Mudge decorated and made our stall look so good I will take a picture of it tomorrow. Trapper got more comfortable in the environment and we finally found the perfect disc playing spot for his rewards and had to try it out. We are loving our little Airbnb yard and the big comfy couches.

Day 4 and 5 - So much driving

It all continues the same so much driving, rest stops, dogs running out rolling and repeat.  I will fill this in more later.

Wall Drug was a must stop and I got to meet up with Corey as well for some exploring and getting coffee on our longest driving day.

This statue is a must stop to view as she overlooks the Misouri River reminding us of where we come from as a nation. It is always so moving.

Corm Palace it was certainly a unique stop. My parents told stories of visiting it and on this trip I actually did.

Somewhere in Misouri about 4 hours from Springfield.

We did make it to Springfield, Illinois and got our stall set up and into the great Airbnb and a grocery store run.

Day 3 - To Rapid City, SD

 Started in Montana and ended in South Dakota but most of the day was spent driving through Wyoming. I forgot how hilly it is but the weather was lovely and we stopped quite a bit along the way. My favorites were the big rest stop in Sheridan, WY and relaxing and having lunch in the welcome center parking lot in Buffalo, WY.

We made it to South Dakota and finally to Rapid City. Staying in my same hotel from last time and it is really comfortable and this year I have a first floor Hooray!

We made plans and Corey with her dogs Moose and Lucy are also going to CPE Nationals and we have been staying in the same cities but not actually doing anything or driving together just checking in. Well, since this was a short driving day we met up at a Memorial park in Rapid City, SD and walked the dogs together. Then we went for Mexican food to chat and just have some people time. It was a really nice evening.  

Tomorrow is our longest drive of the trip and will end the day in Omaha, Nebraska my first time visiting that state.

Day 2 - To Billlings

 It was a pretty direct drive across Montana on Day 2. 

We started the day finding an awesome trail off of one of the "parking areas". The dogs took off and I didn't see where they were going at first but when I caught up I saw the trail down the steep hill to the river. I decided why not and went down (very slowly) after them and it was so worth it. We followed trails around a big rock and got all the way to the river. The dogs went swimming and were running around and playing on the sand. It was really quite joyful.

We stopped at several rest stops and parking areas and the dogs spent a lot of time running and rolling in fields. 

Ended the day hanging out with my Uncle Duane and Aunt Jackie. The dogs love their house and yard and truly take it over. It was nice to get to eat a real dinner (cooked by Jackie) and catch up.

Day 1 of the drive was great

Today was a great day. 

We took off earlier then I expected it was hard to leave Blake but that's to be expected. 

First stop was a walk at Lake Sammamish Park. We needed to get some movement in early because it felt like a lot this morning. 

We then set off feeling good and enjoying the sunny weather. Stopped at my favorite empty field in Ellensburg. It's nice because I can let them run and there is a water filled ditch around it and this time they even found enough grass for the first roll of the trip 

We stopped at the pretty overlook rest stop for a walk then loves and rolling in the grass of course.

In Idaho we stopped at a really big rest stop so they got to do even more rolling. Their absolute favorite so far I think because the cut grass stuck to then nicely.

Sparky teakettled to pee earlier then my plan but wet pulled off in Mullen and walked a little. Even I was a kid we used to come here for the best greasy burgers.

Ending the day at the Silver Dollar also a childhood throw back for food for me before the last 20 minute bit to the Little River Motel in St Regis. At a kid driving to MT to see family it was always the one we stayed in. So a lot of nostalgia today and I have been thinking about my mom a lot.

Packed and Ready to Set Off Tomorrow

Ok all packed and Trapper, Sparky and I had it tomorrow morning. Blake is going to stay with my Dad. Everything in the topper is for Nationals and I don't need it along the way. We have 5 days of driving to get there so we can take all the breaks that we need.

Nationals is going to be busy but I am really excited. Sparky is playing 2 days of Speedway (8 runs each day) then Trapper and I get to test ourselves with the agility courses. It isn't being live streamed this year but I will try and take my own videos.