Smokin' in The Smokies

October 5, 2016

While we were in Cherokee last week, we took a day trip through the Smoky Mountains to Cades Cove.  We'd both been working a lot, so we decided to take a drive up to the Smokies to see if

the leaves are changing and check out Cades Cove, 

which everyone recommends. 

On a soft, sunny Autumn morning last week, we drove into the crisp air of the mountains.  Oh, sorry, I was getting all romantic and stuff.  I have to admit, it was pretty darned nice to take Zu for a walk then sip our hot tea and admire the raw splendor of the expansive scenery, if only for a morsel of memorable mindboggling amazing mammoth mountain moments.  Mmmm.

Ahem.

An early start allowed us to experience the Smokies smokin'.  

A few minutes of our day.  One for The Memory Banks.  

The Cherokees called the mountains Schaconage (Sha-Kon-O-Hey) which means "land of the blue smoke".  

I found this on Wikipedia:

"The name "Smoky" comes from the natural fog that often hangs over the range and presents as large smoke plumes from a distance. This fog is caused by the vegetation exhaling volatile organic compounds, chemicals that have a high vapor pressure and easily form vapors at normal temperature and pressure.^[6]"

Driving through The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there are many well-positioned scenic vista places to stop and take photos; they invite the traveler to pull over, take a deep breath and soak it all in.  Even for a blabbermouth like me, it's indescribable.  

Iiiii know.  You're Welcome.

Our goal for the day was to tackle toddle along an 11 mile drive through Cades Cove, a long-deserted farming community nestled in the mountain lowlands.  The National Park system bought these people out displaced the settlers decades ago.  In the mountains, a cove is a valley area.  We were looking for water, being from Maine. No cove as we know a cove.  

Jeepers, it's a long story about how The Park dispaced people. Another blog. However, as sad as it is that the inhabitants had to move on, in their memory, the Park has respectfully maintained many of the original buildings, which is important, ya'll.  And there is no charge to travel through the Park or any of the side trips or trails.  Kudos to the National Parks for making these beautiful, rare landscapes available to the public.

Anyway, we heard the drive was super slow, a bit of a slog.  About half way through we were wishing we'd packed a lunch.  Nose to nose traffic explains why this very special place, home to multiple varieties of wildlife including bear and elk, is a desirable destination.  Although it was busy the day we were there, it was a simple pleasure to be able to take a few hours of our lives to stop, to simply idle along an old country road (now paved), to take a silent trip back through time.

However, we weren't that far into the trip and I was babbling on about the leaves and sky and berries and it was obvious Doug was about to quit being the Barbie Tour Guide and simply implode from the traffic.  And here I thought all along that I'm the impatient one!  HA!  

It took two hours to complete the route, but it was totally worth it. Especially when we saw the huge Black Bear.  Yeh, like, really close to the car.  We watched from the car and I got a kwik pic.  I know, I knowww, it ain't no National Geographic gob-smacking photo but hey ....  I was probably shaking .... !
  

Actually, looking at it now, it could be some dude dressed up in a gorilla suit, or Sasquatch.  But, it was the real deal, I swear!

Yeh, so, we spotted this bear plunking through the woods and we pulled over to the side of the road.  Man, they are magnificent creatures.  We were admiring his glossy coat and casual stroll, how he was nibbling on nuts and berries along his path, when suddenly, a group of 30-ish Amish people, the women dressed in crisply starched white bonnets and frocks, the men in trousers with suspenders and black hats hastily pulled over for a closer look.  

They watched for a while, then the bear said to himself "I'm so over this" and he started to slowly amble off. These people then clambered through the woods and followed the bear who was likely thinking WTF?  

I mean, these folks were trotting after the bear who started galumping to get on with his morning.  Then the Ranger showed up.  We were leaving by then.  Fortunately for the tourists, the bear was not aggressive.  I'd rather have a fuzzy pic taken from the safety of the car than a .... yeh, well, anyway ....

People, I missed the best photo op ever. Picture it in your head. There you go.  I feel better now that you're all being all imaginative and stuff.
Thank you.

#greatsmokymountain national park, #black bear, #CadesCove

Cherokee

October 3, 2016.

Last week Doug, Zuma and I spent five days in Cherokee, a large town in the Indian Reservation an hour and a half from Asheville. Located at the base of The Smoky Mountains, it's not difficult to recognize that the Cherokee people are very proud of their town, their cultural history, their heritage.  

The main part of the town of Cherokee is meticulously landscaped and everywhere we saw people working to maintain and improve this tranquil settlement of shops and attractions beside the crystal clear river that runs through the town of Cherokee.  Fishermen and fisherwomen were peacefully perched in the shallow, rapidly flowing stream.  I saw a woman hook a good-sized fiesty trout.

No limits, if you wanna brush your teeth in the stream, go ahead.
I was a tad horrified that there were over a hundred ducks swimming (and pooping) nearby (there is a duck feeding station there), ugh.  Eeek.  Yeh yeh, I was being a stalker.  I just couldn't believe what I was seeing.  With the ducks .... and all .... just sayin' ....

Around the town there are numerous bear statues, all painted in a traditional native style with mountain and native themes. This one, displaying several native symbols, is my personal fave.

We spent a couple of hours at the incredible Oconaluftee Village. Truly informative and educational with old buildings, artifacts and genuine attention to detail, the Village was one of the highlights of our time spent in Cherokee.  Mostly because of the hospitable people and their generosity to share their knowledge, to patiently and compassionately explain for the zillionth time ....

We had the privilege of watching the creation of decorative and essential items, including weaving, bead craft, pottery making, basket construction, mask carving, etc.:

Amazingly enough at this really busy peak in the tourist season, we had the great good pleasure to have Rita as our private tour guide.  She is lovely.  

We saw a woman making pottery and learned about their 

brilliant firing processes:

Some young men were sculpting from wood and soapstone:

A woman was weaving exquisite baskets:

The Cherokee people were more than eager to answer all our questions and explain the history of their work:

This man exhibited his craft of creating blow darts from a bamboo stalk, grasses and hemp string.  The level of craftmanship is mind-blowing. Everything is used, nothing is wasted.  

He even gave us a demonstration on how to use the blow dart, which was truly impressive.  Bullseye to near bullseye every time.  
Designed to hit small prey like rabbits of turkeys, this weapon is far more powerful than one would initially think.  I'm not much of a runner but, let me tell you, if I saw this guy after me in the woods ....



Since no dogs (with the exception of service dogs) are allowed on site, Zuma had to stay home but we made up for it with her, going on a long hike along the river just off The Blue Ridge Parkway. 

Zuma, oh hater of puddles, even took a few steps into the river! 

Then Zu needed her nap. I think she was happy to get a break and have the whole bed to herself.  Off we went exploring for an hour .... 

At the heart of the town is Harrah's Casino.  It is huge (I mean HUGE) with hundreds of hotel rooms and lots of bling; it also houses several fabulous restaurants and boutiques. 

The tables and slot machines were busy.

We walked around for an hour, but we didn't gamble!  I was tempted to play a few slots but Doug wasn't into it and we'd had to leave Zuma in the hotel room.  She's fine with some quiet time away from us, no doubt.

#Cherokee, #Nativepeople, #Oconaluftee, #Cherokeecasino

CONGRATULATIONS LUCY!

October 1st, 2016.

Congratulations "Lucy" from Ann Arbor, Michigan!  Lucy is the winner of this month's draw for the sparkly collar like mine! Lucy is a 14 month old Airedale and she will be stylin' and sparklin' now!  AaaaRoooo!  Thanks for reading our blog!

Here is how the winner was selected (very freaking long complicated process having to watch all this, folks):  One of my people wrote the names of the entrants on papers, then she wrapped each one with a dog cookie wrapped in foil and shook 'em up:

FINALLY I got to pick out the winner from the bowl as she shook it.  Personally, I think everybody shoulda won something.  

Then I woulda got more cookies.  Just sayin'.

Thanks for following our blog travels and remember 

to enter the K-9 Hallowe'en Costume Contest!  

After such a huge response to our September Collar Contest, we're going to be having a monthly contest for you faithful blog readers! This month we're asking you to submit a photo of your dog in his/her Hallowe'en outfit with your entry to the contest!  With your permission, we'll post your pix on the blog and on FB.  Stay tuned for my upcoming Facebook page!  

To enter to win a bag of doggie treats and fun stuff (value over $50.00 per category), (Iiii know!!!!) simply e.mail us at:

soniatheobalds8@gmail.com.

Drawing will take place at The Dog Bowl here on October 21st.
Yes, we will ship internationally, there is no charge for shipping! 
Looking forward to seeing your pix!  We have a group of dog luvvin' voluntary impartial judges who are rarin' to go and see your dog strut it's stuff!  

CATEGORIES:

Funniest Costume
Scariest Costume

Most Original Costume.

~ Zuma.

Therapy Dogs ~ Opening The Dog Door

September 22, 2016

Without getting all braggy, we've been told multiple times that Zuma would have a lot to offer as a Therapy Dog.  We didn't know all the guidelines so off to Google we galloped!  

With her gigantic gangly spider legs and smiling face, Zuma makes friends wherever she goes; she is the most humble of dogs, she brings smiles to everyone without ever stepping out of her honest personality.

We fleetingly wondered if perhaps she may make a good Service Dog but we didn't know the requirements.  We explored both possibilities on line. Briefly, Therapy dogs are social, friendly, soothing to the soul of those who seek comfort and companionship. Service dogs are trained to do certain tasks to assist in their owner's quality of daily life. They must not be petted by strangers, they must remain on task.   

Well, that was a No-Brainer!  Iwouldn't want Zu to alter her personality. Ms. Socialite here is insulted if we have to pass by fun people, she wants to hang out with everyone who is interesting.  I can just hear her: "TASK? What TASK? I didn't sign up for tasks, I'm here to meet cool people".  She would have gone home with this boy!

We signed up for an assessment with a highly respected dog trainer here, Kim Brophey, owner and trainer at The Dog Door in Asheville. 
   

We went to Kim for the assessment. We'd read some literature she'd provided when we signed up and, after the first sentence, Doug, Zuma and I knew Zuma is a Therapy candidate.  Kim agreed. We talked dogs.  Kim's goal is to make Asheville the most dog-friendly city in America! How fantastic!  

Kim explained the Therapy Test to us.  Zuma can pass all the requirements and Kim doesn't feel Zu needs any major training but we've been brushing up on a couple of things I tend to slack off about.  Down, stay?  "Do I really have to hoist this body up four storeys for your amusement?"

Next, we registered with Pet Partners.

I took the written Handler Course and Handler Test on line. People, I passed this even though it was T\F and multiple choice!  Iiiii know!  OMG!  Pop the champagne!  The next step is to pass the Team Evaluation with a Tester and have Zuma health checked by a Veterinarian and then we can start visiting people.

Our goal is to spend some casual time with people in Senior Residences, Nursing Homes, Hospitals, etc. We met a girl here who told us she takes her Therapy Dog to funerals, that families often request a Therapy Dog to attend, to comfort.  A dog takes one's mind off sadness and petting a dog is proven to lower blood pressure and calm people. A dog can retrieve memories of happier times and bring a smile to a sorrowful face.  I think the people we visit will enjoy this Scooby-Doo humble guest. Zuma will love having a job.

I'll keep ya'll posted about our Team Assessment test!

For more info on Therapy Dogs, contact Pet.Partners.com

Don't forget to check out the September 15th blog:  
Shop Like A Dog and enter the Collar Contest!

e.mail me to enter:  soniatheobalds8@gmail.com

#therapy dogs / #great danes / #asheville nc / #dog-friendly / #dog contest / #the dog door / #dog / #dog trainer asheville nc /

And a new Hallowe'en Photo Contest!

September 22, 2016

After such a huge response to our September Collar Contest, we're going to be having a monthly contest for you faithful blog readers! This month we're asking you to submit a photo of your dog in his/her Hallowe'en outfit with your entry to the contest!  With your permission, we'll plunk your pix on the blog and on FB.  

To enter to win a bag of doggie treats and fun stuff (value over $50.00 per category), simply e.mail us at:

soniatheobalds8@gmail.com.

Drawing will take place at the dog bowl here on October 21st.
Yes, we will ship internationally!  Looking forward to seeing your pix!

CATEGORIES:

Funniest Costume
Scariest Costume
Most Original Costume.

World Class LEGO Art Exhibit at NC Arboretum

September 19, 2016

This giant Praying Mantis is made of LEGO.  Seriously.

                  

The NC Arboretum is hosting a fascinating exhibit on the grounds and in the gardens.  Artist Sean Kenney of New York City has created 14 amazing "sculptures" out of LEGO!  Seriously.  LEGO. 

Some of the pieces are constructed with tens of thousands of tiny blocks.  Sean was the first of 15 certified LEGO professionals worldwide.  He hopes his works will inspire children to be creative.

42,198 patiently placed pieces:

I wonder who had the job of counting blocks?

What do they do on a day off?

We toured the gardens and admired the LEGO pieces, then decided to buy an annual pass to enjoy the 10 miles of groomed and shaded trails.  After a brisk 3 mile walk, we flopped on the patio at the restaurant for a long cold drink and salad lunch.  There's even a dog-friendly self-serve station on the patio with personal bowls, cool water and COOKIES!

This huge Monarch is my fave.

To show how huge this piece is, Zuma is 5' away.

This Lego Lady is mind-blowing.

It's simply an amazing exhibit.

Thank you for entering our contest via gmail!

We're already planning a Costume Photo Contest for October!

Simply e.mail a photo of your decked out dog 

with your contact info to:

soniatheobalds8@gmail.com

Categories:

Scariest Costume

Funniest Costume

Most Original Costume

Random Dog Thoughts

September 18, 2016

No, I don't want to go for another walk.  

WTF is a Pokemon?

                                               I'm glad you think this is funny.
                                             .... Hello?



                               Nice lady.  
                             Same outfit.  

                                                                                     

I feel right at home here:

Spa Day.

I hope my friends don't see me in this get-up.  

But I do feel so refreshed:

Oh, like you would have resisted sharing a cookie with Marcus!

(And a full frontal snog).
Good times at the RV Park:

But no Takers at The Dog Park:

                  

Did someone say Cookie?  I smell a cookie.

I'll have one of those and two of those ....



 Is it just me, or do we dogs look alike?

Thermal Cooling Vest, they say.
She'll love it, they say.

You want me to wear thaaat?!

Does this outfit make my butt look big?

They're right.  It works.  I love it.

                                       Woo Hoo!  Road Trip!

Would you please move over?
My toes are hanging over the edge.

One of my people is leaving.  My bag's not out here.

I don't like the look of this.

Is he ever coming back?

Remembering:

9/11/2016
My people are feeling sad so I feel sad too.

Feeling patriotic today.

Chillin'.

             I think .... I wanna be small when I grow up.

We're receiving entries for the Collar Competition!   
Sign up for the free contest on the September 15th blog.  
Drawing will be October 1st!
To enter to win a sparkly collar, e.mail me at 
soniatheobalds8@gmail.com



#great dane, #dog lover, #travel, #traveling with a large dog, #zuma, #RV life, #Biltmore