We packed up Friday morning after a quick trip to the market for some produce and some various favorites. While packing Trooper was looking very confused and was curious about when he was going to get his walk. We loaded him into the car and after about 20 mins driving he finally felt like wherever we were going must be good. He snuggled up in the back seat and went to sleep. After a long scenic drive through PA we arrived at Rickets Glenn. Trooper was super excited to go to the bathroom in the woods at the bottom of the park, so much so he often pulls on the leash. Then we climbed ~1200 ft with the car and everyone suffered from a little bit of altitude sickness. Yah, we were that high up.
We arrived on Friday afternoon and struggled with Trooper, whom didn’t understand what all this “camp set up” was. Then we discovered that just across the street from our campsite was a fantastic view of the lake with our own little private “pet beach”. Then we walked the forested trail/road down the beach of the lake and explored the other parts of the camp. We returned to camp and began to unwind before dinner when Princess and Feather arrived. Trooper struggled to understand what we expect from him vs. other dogs and things to chase in the woods. Eventually he settled down enough for us to eat dinner. We took him into the tent and were able to get him to sleep in there most of the night with us.
Next morning Trooper seemed amazed that we were STILL outside!! Then we began an enlightening, inspirational, physically exhausting, zen like day. The 4 of us began hiking down a nice little trail on our way to the falls in order to grab a Geocache and when looking for a cache, we found a rock that looked a lot like Noah’s ark. We enjoyed a small picnic on top and then moved on to the falls. Trooper began his true “trial of character” We hiked down some of the hugest falls in the park and had a great time splashing about, taking photos, and enjoying the fantastic weather. Princess and Feather eventually turned around to head back to camp and we continued on the hike. It was a very long long hike with about an 1100 ft. descent and ascension. Very rocky trail with tons of water falls all the way down and all the way up. Total hike = 8 miles (3 miles uphill)
This hike taught me a lot, I learned that when I climb a mountain I feel a strong sense of accomplishment. Trooper learned to stop and let people and dogs pass without incident, he learned to stop on the stairs and wait to see if his people are ok, he learned to walk loose leash even when excited, and he learned that his mommies really can wear him out totally. We learned a lot about Trooper and he learned about us, this was truly a bonding experience.
That evening he lied next to the camp chairs as if he had been camping for years. Then when no one was paying attention or holding his leash he gently stood up, walked to the car & tent area and stared at us to let him in. He didn’t take off, he didn’t try to run away, he just wanted to go to bed. He slept in the car the rest of the night, we didn’t want to push the tent too much. He still struggles with the soft walls at this point. The next day he walked by my side for all the camp breakdown with little adversity. You would have sworn he was a service dog. On the ride back he chewed on his ash covered bone (from the campfire) and snuggled up with the sleeping bags. At home, he ate from his food bowl and passed out immediately on the cool dining room floor. Anytime we come downstairs he is right by our sides, just to see that all is right with us.
We returned feeling rejuvenated and inspired by the Great Mother Earth. We returned with a new dog that is ready for his next campout. We can’t remember the last time we had such a spiritual, rejuvenating, and inspirational weekend. What will we learn next time?
