Camping through the eyes of Sophie

What a wonderful weekend we had. We couldn't have asked for better weather. I will admit it got a little bit more chilly at night then we had expected. We were thinking it would get down in the low 50's, when actually the lows were in the mid 40's. A little chilly, but we realized that our sleeping bags work wonderful in the cool weather. We had also planned ahead and brought a couple extra blankets that worked great. But I don't think I will ever get used to going to the bathroom in the middle of the night in 45 degree weather. Yes there was a bathroom, but there was no heat and the toilet seat was mighty cold.

This was Sophie-dogs first camping trip. We weren't too sure how she would react or act, but she did so well. We had the best time with her along. We felt safer in the tent at night knowing that nothing would be able to come close without us knowing. For example: the first night we were one of the only campers in our part. There was a couple across the way, but they were in a camper. About 2:30am we heard 3 loud knocks. The dog sat up like, "don't worry girls I will protect you." We decided that it was probably someone out in a boat. That night we also heard what sounded like a huge pack of wild dogs just barking like crazy. About hearing a shot gun and then the barking stopping we came to the conclusion that someone was out coon hunting. (Thank God for the book "Where the Red Fern Grows" or I wouldn't have known what was going on) The second night there were more people in the campground so we all (the dog included) slept better.

We decided to share our pictures through the eyes of Sophie.

Here she is 1/2 way to the campsite. Obviously she is trying to tell us "I need to go to the bathroom NOW". One quick potty stop and we were on our way again.
Here Sophie is wondering where the hell we are going. Keep in mind the longest car ride she had been on before was 30 minutes. As she is looking out the window I am sure she is seeing her life flash before her eyes.

Here is our campfire the first night. By 7pm it was getting pretty chilly. Sophie was a little upset with the wind because it kept blowing smoke in her face. By the end of the trip she was part black and part ash.

"You want me to sleep where?" Once she found out that we were actually going to be sleeping outside she wasn't too thrilled. Having just shaved her 3 weeks ago she wondered if we were trying to kill her. One beach towel later and she was all cozy that night. We decided we are going to buy her a sweatshirt for the next time we go when it's cool. She is really not used to the cool weather.

Another first for Sophie: being tied to a tree. When let out on her own she turns into a Greyhound. We got a dog chain and tied it around a tree. It took her a while to get used to it and now has a mild case of whiplash from running not realizing she was tied down.

The ride home. Getting into the car to go home I swear she was smiling. Within one mile of driving off she was out like a light.

All in all it was a wonderful weekend. Last night we sat around the campfire from 4pm until 9pm. There was no wind and we just sat around and talked. It's one of my favorite grown up memories.