Puppy Kindergarten...

One of the requirements for adopting Chip from the rescue event in Orlando was that we enroll him in puppy training (which is more about training humans than it is puppies), not realizing that puppy training programs generally take place over 6-8 weeks.  While we don't mind finding random places to boondock (camp for free), we didn't want to live in a parking lot for an extended period of time so we focused our search on finding an RV Park near an AKC (American Kennel Club) recognized training program that was near a larger city and close to a coast.

After visiting Todd's Uncle Art near Titusville, FL, we happened to meet John and Greg who are residents of a nearby Golf and RV resort called The Great Outdoors.  With incredible amenities such as a long list of daily activities, multiple swimming pools, fitness room, tennis and pickleball courts, yoga, golf, on-site restaurant, nature trail and a pretty cool doggie park, Shonah called around and secured an affordable private rental space to match the 7 week training program we found at the Brevard County Dog Training Club (BCDTC) on Merritt Island.

Staying at The Great Outdoors was not only a treat from life on the road, but also allowed more time to visit with Todd's Uncle Art and Aunt Linda.  Uncle Art and his friend Indrani treated us to lunch at one of their favorite restaurants in Port Canaveral (Thanks!) and Uncle Art taught us to play the up and coming sport of pickleball.  Aunt Linda was able to join us for two wonderful evenings of food, wine and conversation, including a celebration in honor of Chip's graduation from puppy kindergarten!

Now that Chip has passed kindergarten with flying colors (such a smart little guy!), we are back on the road and slowly heading North along the East Coast to explore new places and to visit with friends and family.

Shonah, Todd, Chip, Indrani, and Uncle Art near Fish Lips Restaurant at Port Canaveral.

Todd and Shonah having lunch at the nostalgic Dixie Crossroads.  Todd has fond memories of being treated by his Grandparents at this local Titusville eatery.

STEV in our 'camping' spot at The Great Outdoors RV and Golf Resort.

Chip loves his raised bed with canopy.

 

These two Great Horned Owlets were fun to watch grow up just across the street during our visit to The Great Outdoors.

Once the Owlets left the nest, we were treated with nightly visits on the neighboring Welcome Center at The Great Outdoors.

 

Great Blue Heron on the Nature Trail at The Great Outdoors.

Anhinga on the lake next to our RV spot at The Great Outdoors.

Red Shouldered Hawk on a power line at The Great Outdoors.



Wild Turkey on the Nature Trail at The Great Outdoors.

 

An unwanted guest on our RV pad at The Great Outdoors.

 

Daring Jumping Spider (Phidippus Audax) encountered on the road while taking Chip for a walk.

Peninsula Cooter turtle found walking thru our yard at The Great Outdoors.  Shonah picked him up and placed him at the edge of the lake to help him get back into the water faster.

Brown Watersnake in a small lake on the Nature Trail at The Great Outdoors.

This young alligator was hanging out near on a sandbar in the Addison Canal at The Great Outdoors.

This proud mama and her 5 baby alligators were hanging out in a lake at Blackpoint Wildlife Drive, part of the nearby Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.



A flying Pelican near the Manatee Observation Area in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

Manatees near the Manatee Observation Area in Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

Some of you may be familiar with a brand of car called SMART, similar in design to this one...

This one, however, is aptly branded for the rest of us, STUPID...

Todd and Shonah visiting the Kennedy Space Center on Cape Canaveral.

The Rocket Garden at Kennedy Space Center on Cape Canaveral.

A crawler used to transport spacecraft from NASA's Vehicle Assembly Building to the Launch Complexes at Kennedy Space Center on Cape Canaveral.

Vehicle Assembly Building (or VAB) at Kennedy Space Center on Cape Canaveral.  The VAB was first used to assemble the massive American Saturn V launch vehicles beginning in 1967.  By volume, the VAB is one of the largest buildings in the world and is the largest single-story building in the world.

A full-scale, upright replica of a space shuttle stack, including an external tank and two solid rocket boosters adorn the entrance to the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit entrance at Kennedy Space Center on Cape Canaveral.

Space Shuttle Atlantis at Kennedy Space Center on Cape Canaveral.  Atlantis flew 33 missions for a total of 306 days and more than 125 million miles in space.  Isn't she beautiful?

 

There were multiple Cape Canaveral rocket launches visible from our "home" at The Great Outdoors in Titusville, FL.

This SpaceX Dragon rocket was carrying tons of supplies to the International Space Station.  Most notably was the ISSpresso machine sent up to allow the astronauts a fresh cup of espresso.

 

Chip, Shonah, Todd's Aunt Linda and Todd celebrating Chip's graduation from Puppy Kindergarten with a jumping picture.

Just because we travel full time doesn't mean we no longer entertain...  Todd's Aunt Linda gave us an excuse to cook some food, enjoy some wine and engage in thoughtful conversation.

Ginger (one of Chip's best friends) and Chip playing around at Doggie World in The Great Outdoors.  Doggie World was a great off-leash dog play area.

Ginger was so great with Chip.  She allowed him to pin her down many times.

Chip enjoying some running time at Doggie World in The Great Outdoors.

Chip and Shonah posing for a picture at Doggie World at The Great Outdoors.

Chip showing off on some of the agility equipment in Doggie World at The Great Outdoors.

At first Chip was not a fan of the teeter-totter, but quickly warmed up to it, even completing it without any help from Todd or Shonah.

Chip going over the dog ramp in the Doggie World at The Great Outdoors.

At last, we finally have kayaks.  When we took off on this adventure, we gifted our kayaks to Todd's Niece and Nephew for Christmas as we were unable to find a home either in or on STEV.  After contemplating various kayak styles, sizes, and storage locations, we finally solved the riddle.  We found kayaks that were just about the length equal to the width of STEV, identified the storage spot, and designed and built the storage racks.  After a few days of hard work including relocating the bike rack, ladder, and generator Jerry can, we had our new setup.

Our first kayak with the new equipment and Chip's first kayaking experience.  We found a great lake near The Great Outdoors and headed off to Fay Lake Wilderness Park in Port St. John.

Chip's first swimming experience with his new PFD.  Let's just say that the first experience in the kayak, the new PFD, and his first swim will not be his fondest memory with us.

Chip was a natural.  He began doggie paddling even before Todd dropped him in the water.  He did great even if he did not enjoy it.  Oh by the way, did we mention that there were alligators in the lake?

 

Todd, family friend Liz, Shonah and Chip spent some time catching up and having lunch near Liz's home in Edgewater, FL.

 

Ponce Inlet Lighthouse on Ponce Inlet near St. Augustine, Florida.

A pelican in the marina at Ponce Inlet.

Snowy Egret at the marina in Ponce Inlet.

Fort Matanzas National Monument near St. Augustine, Florida.

We stopped near Jacksonville, FL to visit Todd's cousin Becky, her husband Richard and their kids Ethan and Kate.  After touring their recently rehabbed (and architecturally published) home, Richard cooked a delicious stuffed pork loin for dinner and we enjoyed hanging out at the family's favorite coffee shop playing Scrabble the next morning.

Becky's best jump...

 

Ethan's coolest jump...

I think we were making Richard late for work...

Kate's crazy jump...

 

Shonah's working hard to get Chip to enjoy the jumping pictures...

 

 

Our New Travelling Companion...

It's been a long time coming, but Shonah finally convinced Todd (the allergic one) to adopt a dog as a travelling companion.  (Honestly though it didn't take much convincing toward the end as the roles were reversed when it came time to sign the adoption papers)  While working in Chicago, neither of us felt it would be fair to adopt a dog there, when we did not have much time to spend with it due to our hectic work/travel schedules.  We began searching for our travelling companion about eight months ago.  Our target was definitely a rescue, an adult of 1 to 2 years, and small in size (15-20 pounds due to our limited living space).  Based on that criteria, we focused our search on a terrier mix with the right disposition (not too wild and crazy).  Well, we looked and looked, not agreeing on any of the dogs we saw until we were at an adoption event in Orlando and when a cute, calm puppy was brought in...  Before anyone else could snatch him up, he was in Todd's arms (for about 2 hours) while Shonah worked out the details, paperwork and payment with the rescue.

Chip is a male whose mother is an Australian Shepherd that got pregnant in a high kill shelter in Alabama before being saved by the no-kill rescue we visited in Orlando.  While we are not sure about Chip's dad, we are thinking that he was probably a Rat Terrier or Jack Russell Terrier based on Chip's look, size, and disposition.  He was approximately 11 weeks old when we adopted him which means that we've been having 'lots of fun' working through all of the house breaking and obedience training that we were hoping to avoid with a 1-2 year old dog.  He's quite smart and is a fast learner, but also has a 'very' independent personality that is definitely testing his position in the household.  He weighed only six pounds when we got him and had small paws, so we were hoping that he'd stay small, but since then he has been slowly growing every day (including the paws, yikes).  It'll be interesting to see if he will meet at least one of our initial goals of less than 15-20 pounds.

While travelling full-time with a dog may present some challenges and could limit where we can go or how much time we need to make a border crossing, we have been enjoying the extra companionship and are willing to work through those challenges.  We are currently residing just outside Titusville, Florida for 7 weeks while Chip is attending Puppy Kindergarten once a week so that his new parents (meaning us) can learn how to teach him and for him to have some fun.  So far, he is enjoying spending time at the doggie park almost every day, going for bike rides in a back pack, but hasn't yet developed a love for the water where he will eventually learn to paddle board with Todd and Shonah.

Todd, Chip and Shonah

Chip at 11 weeks old

 

So cute, we just had to have him...

Chip is quite a good traveler, enjoying time in his special seat up front, though as this picture shows, he (and Todd) sometimes like to nap while driving.
 

Since his first bike ride with Shonah, Chip has gotten very used to riding while in either the front or back positions.

Chip's first experience at the beach went well, if you don't count not liking the water

With somewhat limited space, Todd and Shonah gave up one of their bench seats inside and modified it to become the home for Chip's crate and supplies.



Some of you may recall Shonah and Todd's first dog (also named Chip) who is a Sony AIBO (autonomous robotic dog).  Chip Sr. is currently keeping Todd's parents company back home in Ohio.  We miss him very much.

 

 

When You Wish Upon a Star...

...makes no difference who you are...  Any trip through Florida would not be complete without a stop to enjoy some of the many theme parks around Orlando.  Truth be told, Shonah is the roller coaster lover and Todd just tries not to get sick on the rides.

While in Orlando, we purchased a two day Disney park-hopper pass and a two day Universal Studios multi-park pass.  We have both been to Disney World before, but Shonah had never been to Todd's favorite park, Disney's Animal Kingdom.  So that was first on the list.  In addition to a "Safari Tour", the Animal Kingdom has some high quality shows and a roller coaster or two.  A day at the Animal Kingdom was followed by a night at the Magic Kingdom where we enjoyed the classic Main Street Electrical Parade, a roller coaster (or two), Celebrate the Magic light show, and the Wishes Nighttime Spectacular fireworks display. 

Next up was Universal Studios, where we (Shonah) enjoyed the more impressive roller coasters and we got our first taste of their new Harry Potter themed Daigon Alley.  It's impressive to see all the ways more money can be made from the Harry Potter franchise.  In addition to all the merchandising, parents can buy their children $50 wands to wave in front of animatronic displays to turn them on and off.  Many hard core fans also wandered around in wizard capes adding to the overall ambience. 

Back at Disney on day three, we took in Disney's Hollywood Studios and Epcot in the same day.  A few more coasters, a tour around the world, Epcot's classic nighttime IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth show, dinner in "China", and a concert by the 90's alternative rock band Gin Blossoms rounded out the day.  After that, we were ready for a day off before spending our final theme park day at Universal Studios Islands of Adventure where Shonah was able to truly indulge his roller coaster itch by riding the Harry Potter Dragon Challenge coaster ten times in a row (for those familiar with it, the Red dragon was his favorite)!

Mickey and Minnie greeting guests at one of the many entrances into Walt Disney World.

Black Rhinoceros on the Kilimanjaro Safari tour in Disney's Animal Kingdom

Reticulated Giraffe on the Kilimanjaro Safari tour in Disney's Animal Kingdom

Ankole Cattle on the Kilimanjaro Safari tour in Disney's Animal Kingdom

Wildebeest on the Kilimanjaro Safari tour in Disney's Animal Kingdom

Elephant on the Kilimanjaro Safari tour in Disney's Animal Kingdom

Greater Flamingos on the Kilimanjaro Safari tour in Disney's Animal Kingdom

Male Lion on the Kilimanjaro Safari tour in Disney's Animal Kingdom

Grant's Zebra on the Kilimanjaro Safari tour in Disney's Animal Kingdom

Mama and cute baby Ape at Disney's Animal Kingdom

The Cinderella Castle in Disney's Magic Kingdom lit up by the Celebrate the Magic light show narrated by some of everyone's favorite Disney characters.

Todd and Shonah's selfie at the entrance to Universal Studios.

Tim the Minion in the Univesal Studios' SuperStar Parade 

Shonah posing with Jerry the Minion at Universal's Minion Mayhem gift shop.  (If you can't tell Shonah is a Minion fan!)

Ollivander's Wand Shop in Daigon Alley (from the movie Harry Potter) where kids of all ages could purchase their interactive wizard wands.  At $50 a pop, Universal and author JK Rowling are doing "very" well.

A side view of the guarding Ukranian Ironbelly dragon at Gringott's Bank, from Harry Potter.  The dragon breathed fire at the crowd every 15 minutes. 

Shonah trying to steal a bite of Chief Wiggum's donut in Springfield, home of the Simpson's animated cartoon.

So many classic movies showcased at the entrance into Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park.

Minnie and Mickey at the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival.

Beast and Belle at the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival.

Lumiere at the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival.

Woody at the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival.

Miss Piggy at the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival.

Mufasa, Simba, Rafiki, and Sarabi at the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival.

Pumbaa and Timon at the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival.

And of course, Disney would have to have Elsa and Anna from the movie Frozen in attendance.

Lightning McQueen at the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival.

Mater at the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival.

Shonah and Todd with Sorcerer Mickey and the Magic Brooms.

Little Todd and his $4.75 Mickey shaped pretzel....  Enough said.

STEV had a fantastic parking spot at Disney's Hollywood Studios which also made for a great advertising opportunity for EarthRoamer since the parking spot was right at the front gate.

Entrance to Universal's Islands of Adventure theme park.

Entrance to Hogsmeade Village from Harry Potter at Universal's Islands of Adventure.

Hogwarts Castle from Harry Potter at Universal's Islands of Adventure.  Also the home to Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.

The talking Sorting Hat inside Hogwarts Castle.

The Daily Prophet and the papers famous changing photos inside Hogwarts Castle announcing Undesireable No. 1 Harry Potter.

Todd and Shonah in front of Hogwarts Castle.