The Adventure South in Dora the Explorer

Day 1

With RockDog

October 17^th, 2012 – the first day of a real snowfall. And, it’s just the day before I leave to drive south for the winter. I didn’t want to shovel snow at all this year, but guess what? I had to, not one deck but three. Departure day comes with still more snow but I refuse to shovel this morning, instead leaving it for the dogsitters. Dora is packed and waiting for me, and the six canines to climb onboard. We leave as planned at 9 AM, with a rough start by having to make two attempts to clear the driveway. But alas, we are now on our way. Goodbye Homer town, so happy to be leaving the white stuff in the rear view mirror.

Driving across Dimond Ridge Road Dora keeps fishtailing for some reason. Yes, it’s a bit slippery but she weights a ton, maybe two. We finally make it to the Sterling Highway headed north, the first day of our adventure south. I am ecstatic to see Black Water Bend is open so we can start our trip off with a Bender Blender – decaf espresso with vanilla ice cream topped with whipped cream, plus a dog biscuit for all things furry. Of course before I can get the money out to pay for my coffee, DoDog and RockDog have their tongues in the straw hole licking the whipped cream. I yell at both of them to get their butts in the back with a threat of going to the crate if they can’t behave. Fat chance, and they probably know it’s an idle threat. As I pull out of the coffee stop Dora skids a bit, not a big deal. I set the cruise control to 55 and off we go. Duhhh, what am I thinking? Well, actually I’m so excited I’m not. As soon as we start uphill into Anchor Point Dora kicks up her heels and we are in a side way slide in no time flat. Okay, so the cruise control is not a good idea on snow covered roads. Yikes! We obviously need some bonding time to get to know each other.

The roads clear and we cruise to Soldotna and beyond. When we reach Sterling I put on the brakes to turn off and realize there is no way, Dora just keeps on going. The road is a glaring piece of ice and the Dora is out of control. Fortunately I remember to stay off the brakes, and bring her back around quickly. No sand trucks in sight anywhere and I find myself driving 35 MPH on what looks like a skating rink. What the hell, do I have snow tires? No studs for sure, but what the hell do snow tires look like? I crept along all the way to Coopers Landing. After that it was touch and go, some clear spots where the sun hit, and then more ice – the drive from hell took about 5.5 hours. I realize snow tires would not matter on ice, only studs would help, and hello – I’m going to North Carolina!

We arrive in Anchorage to bright, sunny skies and head straight for the dog park. All six dogs slept the entire way and are ready for a hike. They are definitely getting their road trip legs. Dora is properly christened with muddy paws when we return.

Stretching our legs

Making friends

We spend the night in Wasilla having pizza at Locals and hanging out with Chad & family. I sleep on the couch but getting the dogs to settle is another story. They are out of their routine and confused. I am exhausted from the driving experience and just want to go to sleep. I almost doze off when I hear two-year old Jake yell “Chadford, Chadford” just as my son’s feet hit the floor and he makes his way across the house to see what’s up. He finds DoDog on top of Jake in his bed, wanting to cuddle. She is used to stretching out across a queen-sized bed every night and the couch with me and five other dogs is not her idea of fun. So, in the dark she went on the hunt for a bed and thought she found one. But Jake wasn’t having any of it. DoDog is once again returned to the living area where she has to sleep on a leather recliner, rather than a cushy bed. Can’t blame the girl for trying. Once again we all settle down for a long winter’s nap as I squirm my way back into my postage stamp size spot with five sleeping dogs sprawled out around me. Far be it from me to cause them discomfort J

The Incredible Hulk! 

Day one finally ends - asleep on the couch surrounded by five dogs and in tune with the rhythm of a snoring basset hound in the chair. 

to be continued. . .