How to travel with your giant lab

Usually we don't take Jackson on 16 hour road trips to Jakson Hole, WY (wait, is his name a coincidence? Um, no). Usually we don't take such long road trips either. But since this time we decided to drive, our almost 10 year old 100 lbs lab wouldn't take "no" for an answer.

        So, here are some tips on how to travel with your pup: 
1. Buy a Subaru Outback. They are dog approved. I'm sure you've seen the cool commercials. 

2. Frequent breaks. That's the most my dog had a chance to pee in a 16 hour period. 

3.  If you're stopping somewhere for the night, invest in Rock Stars, Monsters and other highly caffeinated drinks as you most certainly will not get any sleep with a dog irritated by the unknown noises. I guess a whole day of rest in the car provided him with the energy to growl and jump off and on the bed ALL NIGHT LONG...

4. Whatever you're eating - your dog will make sure he's eating it, too. Otherwise you're risking you're shoulder to be drooled on. A LOT. Oh yeah, that reminds me, make sure that you have plenty of napkins. People with teething children - please know that that's child play (no pun intended) until you encounter a hungry overgrown Labrador. 

5. When you get to your destination you owe your pup a loooong walk. 

Leaving the mountains

It was hard leaving the mountains after Easter! Of course, the weather was the nicest on the day I left, even though it was cloudy and even snowing lightly all weekend. I was looking at the Tetons trying to save the picture in my memory so that I can recall it whenever I want!

This photo was actually taken last September when I climbed the "hill" - more like a mountain, behind LM and Rick's house. I thought it would be a nice morning activity, instead of running. I didn't realize it would take me a couple of hours, thanks to the soft soil and numerous sage brush bushes, which look small and conquerable from the distance. I struggled in my running shoes and swore I was never doing this again! But the view certainly was worth it. I keep this photo sometimes as a background on my blackberry to remember that world isn't flat everywhere!

Great Harvest

Right after visiting Utah I stayed with my in-laws in Jackson, WY where I admired the mountains, ran the trails until I was out of breath (which didn't take long - I blame it on the elevation!), and ate delicious and natural food. One of the places I visited was The Great Harvest on Center St, which is famous for the bakery and everyone knows I am a sucker for bread!

So many choices today!Upon entering the waitress gave me a free, huge piece of bread with natural almond butter on it. Tasty appetizer for me and a great way to advertise their bread!

The fruit bar reminded me of the one at the Mary's Kitchen Port in Traverse City, MI, where I once worked as a salad girl... Memories!
Tempting... Who could say no to taking one of these home?

Snowshoeing in the Mountains

Enough of the lounging around and munching on Christmas goodies! Snowshoeing seemed like a perfect opportunity to get fresh air. We drove to the other side of the Teton pass where we found beautiful snow, unlike on the slopes of Jackson or Teton village. Great weather, fluffy snow, fun company; that's all you need.

Sleeping Indian, Sleeping Knight

The Sleeping Indian mountain in Wyoming reminded me the Sleeping Knight, or Giewont, in Poland. The old legend says that when Poland is in danger the Knight will wake up and defend it. The old joke is, "so what is he still doing there sleeping?", as Poland has been attacked many times.
Giewont is first, followed by the Sleeping Indian. Similar, aren't they?

Pearl Street Meat and Fish Co, Jackson, WY

Today, Lynne Marie and I went out for lunch to a wonderful little shop, which not only included a deli, but all kinds of other products that you may not find elsewhere.

Admiring the delicatessen.
Home-made soups and breads. Famous chili was featured. After a long time of pondering what I should have for lunch I opted for a sandwich with one of my all time favorite foods - smoked salmon.
Cakes! Too bad I did not have room in my tummy for dessert...
Left upper corner - seaweed salad. The clerk offered a sample and it was delicious!

Christmas in Wyoming

We played games, ate delicious food, had visitors from the woods and certainly missed Aaron!