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The new day saw us moving from the scenic coastal road to an equally beautiful corridor, along the Umpqua River. Although the nature of a river is windy, its main benefit is that it is neither up nor down. Our destination was another recommended by Ken. We hoped that it would rival the last. We also found the time to listen to his CD and it was as he predicted, a collection of lyrical stories, at the first hearing reminding me a little of some of Kris Kristofferson’s music. (Sorry, Ken, if that’s wide of the mark. I will need to go back and check on that comparison)
During the drive, a small chip in the windscreen decided to take a journey of its own. The good thing is that it can travel no further, the bad thing is that we will be responsible for it unless the insurance chips in to help. Maybe Jack won’t notice the cellotape.
By now, we were traveling on the I5 and made good time. The site was in the South of the city, perfectly placed between a Starbucks and a Kmart. We had a need for an additional bed for the next day as Val, Jules’ mother, was joining us for the return journey. We bought an inflatable and a pump with the plan that Nic would sleep on the floor with the dog. We duly carried the bed home, inflated it and found that it would not fit in the space that was left. Onto Plan B, take it back and improvise with the dog’s bed.
We also found that we have a problem with transporting the dog home. She doesn’t know yet so keep it quiet. Originally, she came out for $100, with USAir, who have now stopped transporting animals. After a great deal of research we discovered NorthWest Air would ship her back for $650. However, they only booked 30 days in advance. Called them today and they said that the regulations had changed and animals could only be shipped out of designated cities, Memphis being the nearest. How do we get her to Memphis, put her on a plane and return to Charlotte to catch the late afternoon plane ourselves? Onto Plan C ……which is being worked on. Actually, there are a lot of stories of dogs finding their owners across the country but I guess that the Atlantic might be a challenge for a water-shy canine.
One of the joys of the site was a walk along the river and through a small nature area. It never ceases to amaze me that no matter how many times you put the lead on Abby she delivers from both ends. She is indefatigable in the toileting department. My reasoning is that she sees us collecting her droppings, like good, responsible owners and, believing that we are avid collectors of her excrement, does not want to disappoint. Anyway, this time was no exception. However, on the way we were all pleased to see a raccoon and her baby. Abby, being shorter and by now lighter, missed the visuals but was excited by the fragrance. We also passed a compound where children were dropped for an Arts Camp. It was a little bit like Glastonbury festival in a hippy/untidy sense and chillingly, a little like a World War II internment camp. I was reassured to see happy and engaged children.
During the drive, a small chip in the windscreen decided to take a journey of its own. The good thing is that it can travel no further, the bad thing is that we will be responsible for it unless the insurance chips in to help. Maybe Jack won’t notice the cellotape.
By now, we were traveling on the I5 and made good time. The site was in the South of the city, perfectly placed between a Starbucks and a Kmart. We had a need for an additional bed for the next day as Val, Jules’ mother, was joining us for the return journey. We bought an inflatable and a pump with the plan that Nic would sleep on the floor with the dog. We duly carried the bed home, inflated it and found that it would not fit in the space that was left. Onto Plan B, take it back and improvise with the dog’s bed.
We also found that we have a problem with transporting the dog home. She doesn’t know yet so keep it quiet. Originally, she came out for $100, with USAir, who have now stopped transporting animals. After a great deal of research we discovered NorthWest Air would ship her back for $650. However, they only booked 30 days in advance. Called them today and they said that the regulations had changed and animals could only be shipped out of designated cities, Memphis being the nearest. How do we get her to Memphis, put her on a plane and return to Charlotte to catch the late afternoon plane ourselves? Onto Plan C ……which is being worked on. Actually, there are a lot of stories of dogs finding their owners across the country but I guess that the Atlantic might be a challenge for a water-shy canine.
One of the joys of the site was a walk along the river and through a small nature area. It never ceases to amaze me that no matter how many times you put the lead on Abby she delivers from both ends. She is indefatigable in the toileting department. My reasoning is that she sees us collecting her droppings, like good, responsible owners and, believing that we are avid collectors of her excrement, does not want to disappoint. Anyway, this time was no exception. However, on the way we were all pleased to see a raccoon and her baby. Abby, being shorter and by now lighter, missed the visuals but was excited by the fragrance. We also passed a compound where children were dropped for an Arts Camp. It was a little bit like Glastonbury festival in a hippy/untidy sense and chillingly, a little like a World War II internment camp. I was reassured to see happy and engaged children.
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