A Big First

Red Head pulled into the anchorage at Northport yesterday. Mom and Dad took down the dinghy in preparation for a morning swim at the same beach Dylan and Dee Dee swam at last summer. We're pretty sure dogs aren't allowed on the beach but at 5:30 am no one seems to mind.

Dylan and Dee Dee understood right away what was happening when Mom put on their dinghy harnesses and Dad fired up the dinghy.  The dinghy was beached and Dylan and Dee Dee were launched. Dora wouldn't follow. She stood on the pontoon crying after them until Mom carried her to the beach. Fortunately, she'll still small enough to carry...

Dora was fascinated as she watched Dylan and Dee Dee retrieve the bumper.

She was willing to wade far in but not to swim. Although, it did looked like she went buoyant a time or two, for a second.

All three crew members had a great time. Dora loved the water. If she decides to swim in the future, that's great. If not, she'll still enjoy romping with her two buddies on the beach.

Life is Hard...

Sigh...

Cuddles

The crew of Red Head may never win any obedience awards. They've never rescued a child from a well or won at Westminster. But there is one area where all of the crew, past and present, are number one - cuddling.

Dyna cuddled Dylan when he was a puppy.

Dylan cuddled Dyna into her old age.

Dee Dee learn to cuddle Dylan when she was just a tiny puppy.

Both continue to find comfort in a good cuddle. As for the newest crew member...

Dora made sure she was in on the cuddles right from day one.

Of course, Dora puts her own spin it.

Following are some of Mom's favorite cuddle pics from the Red Head crew.

After all, a crew that cuddles together, stays together...

Dog Toys

Every night before the crew goes to bed, the salon floor is cleared so that the Roomba can do its magic and remove the dog hair from the rug.

By mid-morning, the floor looks like this...

The Dinghy

This has been a week of firsts for Dora. She had her first sweet potato treat. A favorite for Dylan and Dee Dee, who gobble them up. Dora, as is her way, had to explore this new item. She couldn't delay too long as Dylan was happy to show her how it is done. All he needed was one second...

You might be wondering why Mom was doling out some special treats.

This week we introduced Dora to the dinghy. We decided to take it slow and let her proceed at her own pace.

She took her time assessing the situation.

And eventually took the leap.

Mom got a little nervous when Dora placed her back paw on the pontoon. Dad assured her Dora wouldn't go any further.

Really!?!?!?

Once Dora was somewhat settled, we added Dylan to the mix. He's such an old pro.

And finally Dee Dee, too. Notice how Dylan is still the good one.

Mom and Dad decided to keep the day low-key. Dora went in and out of the dinghy several times while the dinghy was tied to Red Head. Mom then rewarded the whole crew with sweet potato treats.

Dora did terrific. It was a big day for the little crew member and she was happy to cuddle with Dylan when it was over.

A couple of days later, we had the perfect calm day for Dora's first real dinghy ride. She loved it.

There are lots more firsts coming for Dora. Tomorrow we throw off the lines for her first full day of cruising, 79 miles followed by a night at anchor. She is well on her way to becoming a full-fledged crew member. Mom and Dad are proud of the little girl.

Dylan is Eleven!

Today is Dylan's 11th birthday.

It's been nearly eleven years since Dylan became a crew member on aCappella.

He's gone from second mate alongside first mate Dyna.

To first mate in his own right.

Dylan helped train Dee Dee for her second mate position.

He led the way in transitioning the crew to Red Head.

Now he has the daunting task of working with Red Head's newest crew member. Dylan certainly has his work cut out for him.

It has been eleven years of adventures, cuddles, and kisses as Dylan has gone from Dyna's little buddy and sometimes brat....

to the "good one."

Happy Birthday, handsome boy! Looking forward to many more adventures and those cuddles and kisses!