Goin' on a Toot

Dylan and Dee Dee are great travelers. It doesn't matter if it's by boat or car, they just love goin'. We'll be heading to grandma's house for Christmas next week. It'll be a long day - nine hours of driving. With their dad out of commission, Mom will be doing all the driving with more breaks.

It's fine with the kids. Mom sets up a comfy spot in the back seat complete with soft rugs to lay on and toys to play with.

They don't even mind wearing their safety harnesses, well not too much.

They generally sleep for much of the ride. Mom and Dad can't complain about the kids when we travel. They're pretty much perfect - even Dee Dee!

So how do you get such terrific travelers? You gotta start them out young.

We're Back

It's been a stressful time for Dylan and Dee Dee. Their dad had to have some shoulder surgery late last week. That meant they were back to relying on only Mom, who decided taking them to the dog park might be too much. It turned out that the weekend was cold, windy, and rainy, so the park would have been out anyway.

Poor Dylan and Dee Dee had to suffer through 4 days of no romping, no running, no sniffing their friends... well, you know.

Dad has been progressing quickly and decided it was time to get back to the dog park. He's a bit gimpy but still able to help some. But really, isn't the most fun just watching them?

Dylan and Dee Dee were happy to be back. There was so much to catch up on.

They romped and ran and sniffed.

It just doesn't get any better than a good day at the dog park.

Well, there might be just one thing better...

A Private Dog Park

Dad had to leave for a couple of days to check on the progress of Red Head. At the last minute it was decided that he would drive himself the hour and a half to the airport. Turned out to be a smart move when his return flight was delayed by over 9 hours. It saved Mom from having to make an extra back and forth trip to handle the kids.

The bad thing was Mom didn't have a car to take the kids to the dog park. She's a bit uncertain how taking them by herself would have worked anyway. Someone (who will remain nameless) gets VERY excited when she (did I just give it away???) knows we're at the park.

A second extra long walk didn't cut it. So Dylan and Dee Dee just created their own dog park. We know the pictures are a little blurry but there was lots of activity going on...

It was pretty fun but everyone is happy to have Dad home and be back on schedule.

Thankful!

Dylan and Dee Dee have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving weekend.

They have their two servants, um, they mean, their Mom and Dad, to ensure they are warm and safe and well fed. "Well fed" being the operative term.

Dee Dee did her best to convince her daddy that she was in fact not "well fed" and so deserved a bit of the Thanksgiving feast.

Dylan tried his best as well. Not to worry. The kids received their own feast and the entire Red Head crew had a great Thanksgiving.

Dylan and Dee Dee wish everyone a safe, healthy, and happy Thanksgiving! We hope to see you on the water soon.

A Day In The Life

Dylan and Dee Dee have settled nicely into their new winter home. The best part is they now have a real routine, unlike the constant change of the boat. If you've had the pleasure of sharing your life with a dog, then you know how they adhere to routine.

What does their typical day look like?

Up between 6 and 6:30 and out the door for a walk. It’s a nice neighborhood so there are lots of choices.

Sometimes we go left, sometimes we go right, and sometimes we go straight.

Then it’s one of the two best times of the day - breakfast.

After all that excitement, it’s time for a nap.

The days are usually quiet with Mom and Dad working. Occasionally there is a UPS delivery. One time Dad had to sign for a package.  That was great.

Mom and Dad often go for a walk on the beach after lunch - sans kids. No pets on the beach but Mom and Dad also appreciate some alone time. It’s fine because Mom always gives a treat before they leave. They’re always so well behaved when there’s a treat.

In the late afternoon comes the big highlight of the day. The dog park!!!! It’s a short ride to one of the best dog parks the kids have seen.

They romp and play for an hour or so.

Then back home for dinner! The second favorite time of the day. And, of course, another nap. Who could blame them after all that excitement.

Some snuggle time in the evening and then bed for the final treat of the day. After such a busy day they sleep soundly until it’s morning and they get to do it all over again. It's a tough life but someone has to do it.

Panama City Beach

The crew has finally made it to their winter home in Panama City Beach. They had a brief stop to be spoiled by their grandma and then arrived on Friday. It was a lot of time in their new car but Dylan and Dee Dee handled it with their usual aplomb.

Yes, that's right. Dylan and Dee Dee have a brand new Subaru Outback. And they think they would make the perfect spokesdogs - forget that "cute" puppy they've been using. Plus they would be happy to do the commercials just for treats. Lots of treats.

The best thing about their new car, they can drive to the dog park. There's a terrific dog park just a few miles away with great dogs and people.

They think they're going to like it here.

You're Making the Crew Blush

Dylan and Dee Dee are blushing from all the attention their recent hiatus from their blog has created. And the kids are certainly not new to lots of attention. Many have written concerned that they are no longer doing their blog but they want to assure you that is not the case.

They blame it on their mom who has been slacking off lately. After all, what else does she possible have to do other than to see to the needs of her crew?

Dylan and Dee Dee have been enjoying some time in Portland while Mom and Dad sort through some boat projects, Garmin responsibilities, and life decisions. Mom and Dad bought them a car and found them a dog park. Life was good but was getting a little cold.

Next thing the crew knows we're bringing the boat to Albany, NY. What?!?!?

 
Red Head will be spending the winter there while she receives a spit and polish - new paint job, new bow thruster, and a few other things "since she's already out of the water." How will the pampered crew survive a cold Albany winter you ask? (That's Daddy hauling the anchor one cold morning.)

They won't. Red Head will spend the winter there. The crew has rented a house in Panama City Beach. They'll be heading south shortly with a brief stop at Grandma's. This will allow them to help Mom and Dad finish the Garmin transition and enjoy some time at the beach. Dad already found a nearby dog park.

How will this salty crew do living on land for the winter? Stay tuned. 

It's Time To Go

After 5+ weeks here in our beloved Castine, it is time to go. We have monitored the storms, checked the weather, and Red Head is prepped for passage. We'll safely eke our way south, moving whenever we can.

Goodbye Castine. Goodbye dear friends. We love you all.

Castine, Maine

Our planned month long stay in our old hometown of Castine, Maine flew by. The crew apologizes for being remiss in their blog postings but it has been a busy time.  Of course, there has been swimming.

There was swimming at Indian Bar.

And Fort Madison.

And Smith Mills near the falls.

And Sheep Island.

The whole Red Head crew has enjoyed our secure spot tucked in behind Sheep Island.

The kids even spent a few days on a schooner mooring close to town.

Dylan and Dee Dee had front row seats for the Maine Maritime Academy freshman jump into the water.

There were walks about town and visits with friends at the town dock.  The kids have been having a grand time. A particular highlight was when Rocie and Glenn, the new owners of Dylan and Dee Dee's house on Main Street, invited them in for a visit.  Yes, Mom warned them but overall the kids were great.

After checking their old "puppy chow" spot for forgotten food and examining every room for any changes, they settled into one of their favorite spots, the kitchen sun-room. Dylan has spent many hours there guarding against killer squirrels. He immediately took up his old post. Dee Dee was just looking because Dylan was...  Thank you, Rocie, for the wonderful pictures!

September 1st, our planned departure date, has now come and gone. We waited for rough seas offshore to pass and now we wait to see what Hurricane Irma will do.  Our hope is that we can move in the next few days. It reminds all of us how small we are.  The main thing is to keep the crew safe.

The entire crew of Red Head wishes all of our cruising friends safety in the storm. Remember, anything can be replaced except for those we love.

Why Is It Always Dee Dee?

We all knew kids growing up who seemed to always have issues - broken bones, stitches, head stuck between the banisters... (OK, that last one was my twin brother, actually, all of them were - sorry Joel). On Red Head, it's Dee Dee. Today she did it again.

The morning was spent trying everything we could to fix her problem onboard and finally giving up and going to the vet.

Of course, "going to the vet" is a bit more complicated when you are 2 miles from shore on a mooring ball. First, we had to put her on the dinghy for the ride to the Castine Town Dock.

Then I had to borrow a friend's car (thank you, Bente!) and drive a half hour to Maine Coast Veterinary Hospital in Blue Hill, Maine. There she was whisked in for her emergency procedure.

So what did our little girl do this time?

She got one of the marrow bones her dad gave her and Dylan as a treat this morning wedged behind her canines. A sedative by the vet, a little manipulation, and it was off. Mom had to wait an hour for the sedative to wear off and then we did the whole travel thing in reverse.

She's still a bit dopey and even slept through lunchtime. Something I'm pretty sure Dylan has never done.


On the bright side, she is the star of the Maine Coast Veterinary Hospital Facebook page today...

For now, our little princess is taking it easy. Of course, I'm pretty sure if I offered her the same bone tomorrow, she'd grab it!