Dyslexic Snowbirds

   Today = 1 year = 365 days of Adventure

Our adventures during the past year have led us all the way to Alaska (February & March) and back again to the family’s home base in Louisiana and Texas (July & August). As we observed RVs (snowbirds) migrating south for the winter and then north again for the summer, it suddenly occurred to me that most tourists weren’t traveling in the same direction as we were going. Astute tourists occasionally even commented that we were going in the “wrong” direction. Personally, I prefer the word “unique” since I am a unique German canine.

During this past year, I have collected over 30,000 miles of impressions and have had many new and unique escapades, some of which are definitely worth mentioning again:

• First overseas flight (Lufthansa) vip-very-important-puppy
• First time to see an ocean (The Atlantic in Georgia) tybee-island
• First American Indian (North Carolina) the-cherokee-smokies
• First USA Christmas season (New York & Boston) deck-the-halls
• First dog sledding race (Alaska) iditarod
• First drive-in restaurant (Idaho) the-idaho-couch-potato
• And most recently, the first 4^th of July celebration. (Louisiana) the-4th-of-july

Since the first phase of our adventures has just come to an end, the family was faced with the question of where to go next. Since moving every week has gotten strenuous, staying in one location for a least a season has become a very desirable alternative. Since the opinions and preferences of each family member (consisting of 2 humans and 1 canine) have to be considered, a meeting was convened to discuss this question. Surprisingly, all three of us had differing ideas for various reasons. Even though all votes should remain anonymous, you might be able to guess which family member voted for which state.

1.) One of us voted for Colorado since this state is home to many of the world’s best ski areas. The high elevation, blue skies, powder snow, and more than 25 exciting ski areas have an irresistible appeal. (The only way for me to enjoy the ski slopes would be if I were trained as an avalanche rescue dog.)

2.) One of us, who is still looking for the idyllic log cabin mountain retreat, voted for Montana. While we were in Montana, however, we never found the perfect, serene Kincadian cabin idealized in these Thomas Kincade paintings.

3.) One of us voted for Alaska due to the substantial number of athletic dogs who reside there. Ok, you guessed it. I voted for Alaska. Not only are the Alaskans very dog-friendly, but dogs have also played a significant role in the history and development of this state. Furthermore, the most popular sport in the state is dog sledding, a joint endeavor of human and canine skill. Since visiting Alaska and volunteering at the Iditarod in March, my interest in dog sledding has increased.

Even though I am not the typical Alaskan Husky, I am sure that I could become a real sled dog with some training. I already know the mushing commands and have run over 4000 kilometers in front of a scooter. However, there is much that I still need to learn about the sport. Originally I thought I could train as a sled dog in Montana, the home of Doug Swingley, who is the only Iditarod champion from the lower 48 states. In fact, Doug is such a fantastic musher, he and his team won the Iditarod four times! Wouldn’t it be a great opportunity to learn this sport from such experienced dogs? Unfortunately, those champion canines have already retired from racing and are enjoying their golden years on various couches. After discussing this disappointing situation with Doug, it became apparent that the only logical solution was to spend some time in Alaska.

Doug Swingley

Due to these convincing arguments, the family has agreed to travel back to Alaska for the winter season. I look forward to reporting on the exciting life of a German city dog becoming an Alaskan wilderness sled dog.

In contrast to the typical snowbirds, we are once again ready to commence our lengthy journey to Alaska. In fact, you could call us dyslexic snowbirds.

Traveling in: Monroe, Louisiana

On the road: 1 year = 365 days