An "Excellent" Adventure!

It's official: Narra is now a "Companion Dog Excellent"! She finished her CDX title at a big show up in Burlington, VT (thank you, Woodstock Dog Club!), with no less than a 192.5 out of 200. Not enough for a placement, but when fourth place went to a 196, you know competition was tough. We'll take it!

Although we were entered through the entire weekend, the super performance on Friday liberated us. Rather than kicking it with the dog show crowd, we decided to escape for the mountains. Unfortunately, having just come from Montana, we weren't terribly excited by the Green Mountains. We went to the White Mountains, too, but they also fell short. So, what else to do but make the pilgrimage to Katahdin? Not quite Montana's Crazies, but the solitude and open expanses of Maine were welcome.

The only problem: what's with Baxter State Park not allowing dogs?!?! We drove all the way up to the north entrance of the park only to be turned away. Being the law abiding, respectful pack that we are, we did not force the issue. Afterall, we figure access to the park was lost because of irresponsible behavior. We don't want people in the parks thinking dogs don't belong there--because we know they do!

Regardless, Buko was just happy not having to compete. Luckily, though, he will have plenty more chances! And all the while, Jacks was home making sure the air conditioning would be operating well for us when we got back. (Our pictures here.)

Gone and back again

Well, we're clearly not motivated to write/blog. Have just returned from an amazing trip to Montana (via Colorado and Wyoming, returning through South Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin). Over the course of travel, we realize that we are much more visual beings than verbal ones. Took tons of pictures but didn't really write (or paint, for that matter). BUT big skies, open land, and solitude do wonders for clearing the mind, and--dare we say--spirit. We could also comment on beauty, but I'm not prepared to concede that argument just yet (despite what we experienced as unquestionable evidence of it). In any case, all our pictures are linked on Narra's webpage.

Speaking of which, this trek was strictly two for the road: just Narra and her human. The boys were given a reprieve from climbing elevations and fallen trees. While they may have felt left out, we think they eventually appreciated the comfort of couches.

Converted, conflicted

We've been home for a couple weeks now. Everyday distractions seem to hinder blogging, huh? Not that that there's anything interesting to report from here anyhow. Yeah, yeah, greener pastures, we know. Better silence than whining about work, no?

Anyway, northern Minnesota feels like a dream now--what happened to all that beautiful snow? Where's our cabin on the frozen lake? On the other hand, as best I recall, our trip didn't end without some adventure. We left the Gunflint Trail with an icy tear and reluctant van. Not as much reluctant as stuck really. Yes, really--stuck. At least it was a nice opportunity to play around the South Brule river. But when we tired of that, it was only by the grace of Bud's towing that we got back on the road (thank you, Bud!). Special thanks to the two women in a minivan who bothered to stop for a frantic motorist (whose van wasn't even visible from the road) and send help from town.

So, back on asphalt, we left the Gunflint Trail and Grand Marais and headed west to Ely. We just wanted to check out another part of the Superior National Forest, the Boundary Waters, and the International Wolf Center. We spent most of our time along the Echo Trail and decided that we should actually take a hike. We hadn't done any real hiking up to this point because of Jacks's foot, but he was starting to feel better and doing pretty well with the booties. Of course, we wanted to take it easy and thought a snow-packed access road, Moose River portage, would be just what the doctor ordered. The one-and-a-half-mile road ended up being a lot more work than we expected (we were forewarned that what looked innocently snow packed was in fact bottomless and waiting to swallow us up). Narra couldn't have cared less, Buko endured, and Jacks was just happy to be along, wet booties and all. We persevered with hopes of actually standing on the banks of the Moose River. The access road ended at a trail that claimed to be only another three quarters of a mile to the river, so we went for it. As if the access road wasn't bad enough, that little trail was a real challenge. Aside from snow-camouflaged streams--we couldn't see the walking planks--a number of trees had fallen across the trail. Again, Narra couldn't have cared less as she bounded happily over wayward birches. Buko will always try, and Jacks does what he can. To make a long story short(er), the boys reached their limit just shy of the river. We could hear Moose River in the distance, but it wasn't in sight. So close, but unfortunately, Buko got hung up on a tree; literally, he tried so hard to make it over but just couldn't. And Jacks looked on, stupefied and not without fear. Buko's eyes pleaded for his couch, and so, well, here we are.

Looking back on it, we miss winter. We love snow, icy trails, and the blazing whiteness of sun on fresh powder. A far cry from a history of beachcombing and tropical breezes. I'm not sure if we're actually converted, but snowshoes (and skijoring) are definitely in our future. At this moment, though, it's impossible not to be inspired by the freshness of spring. We'll definitely go back to the Boundary Waters and, next time, we want to actually see the water, even be on it.

BTW, speaking of spring, the picture above is from the Buchanan State Forest. Our ride home brought us through local roads--couldn't stand turnpikes anymore--and through forests and parks closer by. We forget some time that it's not so bad around here either.

Booty Call

28 March 2006:
First, let me say that we really like it here. Not just the north country, but Gunflint Lodge, too. That said, the lodge is a lot like the Catskills resort (which I believe wasn't actually in the Catskills) in Dirty Dancing. Kids, group activities, all the "family" stuff--but it's all rather endearing. If only we had a talent show! But it's much cooler here than in the Catskills (no pun intended). There's even a kind of hip, young staff. I imagine they go snowboarding on days off. Overheard them at breakfast talking about last night's activities. Those were the days... Nuff said.

On to the drama... (Which may or may not be as interesting as Dirty Dancing...) Unfortunately, our star is Jackson and his awful, recurring, gotta-be-painful sebaceous cysts. Looks like another one burst in his right, front paw (between toes), and it is very raw. Poor guy started limping last night and wasn't any better today. Suffice it to say he couldn't do any hiking. But a guy's gotta go, right? He's been having trouble in general with the crunchy snow (melts during the day, freezes at night), and it must be hard to pee or poop in comfort (and we all want that, don't we?). Long story short, drove into Grand Marais looking for booties. Got a set of black, XL fleecy ones with a rugged-ish sole. He adjusted to them pretty quickly and was soon all dapper on the frozen lakes. Tomorrow, however, the boy will rest.

In the meantime, the girl will work. Perhaps watching the sled dog team will inspire her. Even so, she dragged her human up a rather steep (and icy) trail today at Honeymoon Bluffs. Buko and Jacks watched the van. Who's got a better deal? More of a workout tomorrow!

Here's a preview of our Gunflint adventures.

Cabin Fever

27 March 2006:
Well, our agility trial came and went without incident. After the initial shock of being in a completely new place without one familiar face, we got down to it. Unfortunately, as my German buddy Bernard would say, we came up "dinks." In other words, double NQ. Been a while since that happened. But Narra garnered new fans as she's prone to do, and, as usual, she looked pretty amazing. Hey, you might as well look good, right?

Another new experience for us was that this trial had only one ring--so the day went very long. Lucky novice folks, we got to close the place down. The venue was pretty cool, though: Camp Bandy. Agility and obedience both indoors and out, plus herding. Wouldn't it be nice to own a place like that some day (in Wisconsin even!). Of course, it would just be for us--no sharing (even for money).

Anyway, despite the length of the day, we decided to drive on, to at least cut down some of the long drive to Grand Marais. There's never a good hotel when you need one, then lo and behold, you've driven six hours and made it north of Duluth to Two Harbors. Totally cut down the remaining drive north.

To make a long (uneventful) story short, we're here in our great little cabin at the Gunflint Lodge about an hour northwest of Grand Marais. Since we arrived in town fairly early, we had most of the day to explore the Gunflint Trail. Our weather karma has returned, it seems, as the day was amazingly beautiful. We had a great time in the cold--not too cold--and snow. Don't know what it is, but the Northwoods definitely owns a part of us. We walk out our door onto frozen Gunflint Lake, and the night sky has more stars than we've ever seen. We hear howling, too; the romantic wants to believe they're wolves, but it's probably just the sled dogs. How sad not to be able to tell the difference! Anyway, it's not so "rustic" a cabin, but it's a good place to think and make art. And, when all is said and done, isn't the wilderness much more fun with a sauna and whirlpool tub anyway? (Not to mention that Buko and Narra have appropriated the king bed.) At least we built a fire.:)

On the road again...

25 March 2006:
It looked like some kind of George W. Bush, post-apocalyptic wasteland... it was, in fact, Indiana. (We were driving around Roush lake in a cold, annoying spittle; our soundtrack: Bruce Springsteen's Nebraska.) Who would've ever thought we'd visit this state so much? We're talking four trips in four months. Crazy. Not so crazy: the van's done! (For the time being anyway.) Sportsmobile installed a house battery yesterday, complete with isolator and wiring for the ceiling fan and lights. We've got a little power now, can run 12-volt stuff without a problem. Really, we were just looking forward to the lights staying on, plus, more importantly, being able to run the ceiling fan without running the van.

Speaking of running, we're in Amherst, Wisconsin tonight because Narra is entered in the Wisconsin Rapids Kennel Club agility trial tomorrow. We're staying at the poetically named (but somewhat Bates-esque) Tomorrow River Motel, a small, family-run outfit looks like. They have a "supper club," too. Weather wasn't so bad today, temps in the low 40s. We probably could've camped tonight, but we opted for tv instead--so we could watch the Sweet Sixteen. Duly inspired by hoops heroics, Buko has decided his new nickname is now "Big Baby," to match his personality. But while we have sincere affection for the Bayou Bengals, true academic ties bind: GO BRUINS!

Savannah Smiles

The new ride took us back to the south: Savannah and Jekyll Island. Van was full with dogs, parents, and gear, but it all fit just fine.We finally got to visit friends Scott, Natasha (left), and Annalycia (right). We like snow, but warm, sunny beaches aren't bad either.

(Thanks for the picture, Scott!)

Rock and Roll!

It might not be the ultimate adventure mobile, but our tricked out ride is ready to roll! Good thing because we're going nuts stuck in the house. Illness, work commitments (misguided as they are), and other distractions have us trapped in suburbia. Our maiden voyage awaits, however--this weekend, in fact. Had to cancel an earlier planned trip to Savannah--sucked, we had to miss an agility trial--but we're going to try again. Nothing fancy, but the pack and parents (!) will load up the new ride and test it out. No adventure, we suspect, but at least we'll see if all the gear fits!

On a related note, just because we have a monster 4x4 doesn't mean we want to tear up national parks--and we don't want anyone else to either. W's "America" has always been a frightening place, and now he even wants to eliminate places we can go to hide (why stop at civil liberties?). Proposed changes to the National Park Service Management Policies seriously endanger the future of our natural lands and resources. If W gets his way, our national parks will become more about recreation than preservation (even more so than they already are). When did we stop protecting our resources and start consuming them? Uh, duh, where do we live?

Together again

Seems like it's been a while... Home for the holidays is always good. The pack is together again but not quite acclimated to being "home." That is, we're ready to hit the road! Unfortunately, work does call--as does the studio (very loudly). Looks like we're staying put for a little while at least. So, we had to make the best of a 60-degree, sunny day and find a trail somewhere.


About an hour from us in Lancaster County is the Kelly's Run-Pinnacle Trail System, along Lake Aldred and the Susequehanna River. We've never been there before, so today was a good time to explore it. A number of trails cross at Pinnacle Overlook, so we parked there to check some out. We hiked a section of the Pine Tree Trail, came around to the Conestoga Trail, then swung back on the Fire Line Trail. A lot of decent elevations--we could've really pushed ourselves aerobically, but we're still hauling holiday pot bellies, so why be fanatical about it? Actually, if it were just the young one, we would've done the more challenging stuff. Incidentally, in the picture above, Jackson has a new harness! Just like Buko's and Narra's. He's not really physically able to hike as much as the other two, but he deserves his own gear at least. Also, a previous post described the dogs' bungee lines as mushing lines--technically, they are skijoring lines. If we ever get any snow, it's an activity we'd like to try.

Oh, Mike Kelley (for art's sake)

Okay, back east, just in time to catch the closing of the Mike Kelley exhibition at Gagosian. Very opportune since his installation/musical "Day is Done" recreates photographs from his high school yearbook. Not the same as our current project, but a similar sentiment to my "tourism of the past."

So, thought I was going to miss the exhibition and was happy to have gotten back in time to see it. Or so it would seem. I'm told I operate on brinkmanship when it comes to time, deadlines, etc. Sometimes it works out (most of the time it does), sometimes it doesn't. This wasn't the former: I literally pulled up to the gallery door as they were ushering people out. I parked where I was, ran to the door, and pleaded (whined) my case to the guard. As it turns out, he was going to let me sneak in--then I ran into the second guard. While the second guy was also sympathetic, he was clearly afraid of some woman inside who had threatened him should he let anyone by. I was the one who then felt sorry for him. I dropped my head, snuck a peak through the doors as people exited, and spent the next hour sulking my way out of Manhattan.

In total, I spent nearly six hours driving (back and forth), $45+ in gas, and $22 in tolls, all for the possibility of seeing Mike Kelley's work. Yes, all my fault, but the rush of nearly seeing art: priceless.

Gettin' Tricked Out!

(I hope that's the right expression...) Eastward travel brings us to Huntington, IN, home of Sportsmobile, Inc. They have specialized in van conversions since 1961; they followed Volkswagen in innovating a "pop top" for vans, and now they do so much more.

We'd been looking forward to meeting these folks for a long time... they're gonna pimp my ride! Nothing fancy, just a high top and lots of storage space. (The picture is of their "Ultimate Adventure Mobile." Cool, huh?)

Blame the weather

Okay, maybe the weather did affect my initial response to Madison. Ironically, we spent the "stormy" day going around to the old, familiar places. (Fghting my way through pelting snow certainly did feel familiar for Wisconsin!) The next day, when the snow and wind let up a bit, we did more touristy things, like the capitol, State St., and Frank Lloyd Wright's Monona Terrace, not to mention Vilas Park (which happens to be an old, familiar place as well). Dogs didn't seem to mind either way, but I was definitely more appreciative of the city in better weather. Still, it was a bit big for me, a bit jarring contrasted with my memories of an intimate locale where we walked everywhere. My memories seemed violated somehow. Even Eagle Heights, for as much as it was the same, seemed very distant and apathetic.

I should point out, however, that this city seems to have it all. Under other circumstances, I can't see anyone not wanting to live here. Of course, I'm also biased by the university. UW-M will always be to me the epitome of an institution of higher learning. My childhood at this school formed the basis for everything I believe about scholarship, intellectual pursuits in general, and the privilege of learning. I'm perfectly happy living with what, at times, feel like delusions.

We would also like to acknowledge and applaud Madison's commitment to off-leash dog parks! There are a number of them around the city, and from what I could gather, they are well maintained and managed. I was very happy to pay a day-use fee (in lieu of an annual fee) for this privilege. We can only hope people appreciate these parks and use them responsibly. A friend of mine hates these places because she thinks "pet people" don't mind their dogs responsibly; I hope that's not the case--it wasn't our experience at least.

Anyway, Madison marked our last project site. So, our work being done and weather not really getting better, we headed home. Time to get back to the studio regardless. And there will still be spring for more travel west... (Besides, this hotel thing is not in our budget, and it's making me broke.)

Incidentally, the picture of Madison above was taken during an earlier drive through the city (on the way to Oshkosh, I couldn't wait, so we stopped ahead of schedule), that's why the weather looks so nice. We have more pictures of Madison and southern/central parts of Wisconsin here.

Mad City

Perhaps I'm just getting tired, or maybe the incessant wet snow today just got to me, but Madison hasn't been that fun. The city has grown so much since we lived here (over thirty years ago!), and I much prefer the tiny, rural towns we've frequented over the last week or so. Perhaps I also expected some sort of epiphany being here again--who knows what I expected. The place is still beautiful, no question about it, but it's not that idyllic place of my imagination. Then again, they never are, are they?

London calling

Call me crazy, but I think I belong up here. I don't know what it is, but as soon as I saw frozen Lake Superior, I felt an immediate affinity with northern Wisconsin. Funny thing is, we never really spent any time up here when I was a kid. But I've felt very much at home (other than getting stuck in the snow--in my 4x4 nonetheless! Was told I had to be "a northerner" to drive in the stuff...). Did I read too much Jack London way back when? There's just something about driving around up here listening to "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald"... (Okay, yes, I'm mixing up my geography--but this will do until we make it to Denali.)


More pictures? Yup.

Northwoods

(I'm actually writing as I'm posting!) Greetings from northern Wisconsin! Temps have continued to be prohibitively cold. Since we've already determined I'm a wimp, I'm at a hotel (again) with internet to boot. We spent the day in the Peshtigo River State Forest (picture left shows Narra at the Seymour Rapids) and eastern Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. We head even further north in the morning. Will continue in Chequamegon, hike a part of the North Country Trail (Copper Falls State Forest) and end up in the Apostle Islands. More later...

BRRR!

6 Dec:
Okay, I feel like a total wimp, but, come on, it's -4 degrees out there (-17 wind chill)! I tried my best: had two heaters running in the van, but they couldn't overcome the frigid air. Even my power cord froze up, couldn't roll it up to put it away. Truly nosehair-freezing weather.

So here we sit in another hotel--and so much for my proud Wisconsin-ness. I guess I only absorbed that wilderness ethos intellectually. I must've left the state before I could physically develop the bodily defenses and stamina to withstand extreme cold. I guess my inner mountain man will have to stay inside. On the bright side, we got to watch Michigan St. defeat BC--go Big 10!

Reminiscing

6 Dec:
While this blog isn't supposed to be about my sabbatical project, I can't really get away from writing about it. Especially at this point where we're now visiting what I've been calling "project sites." The "project" itself has been loosely conceived and is more about discovery than anything else. What I've come to understand about what I'm doing, however, is that I've undertaken (or constructed?) a kind of tourism around my past, my childhood specifically. At base, I'm responding to a long-felt urge to re-visit these places--being here/there is both a return and an escape. The poles of both are undefined: coming from where, going to where? The familiar places are running rivers.

What I know at this very moment is that I have developed--or, more accurately, deepened--a fascination with bobbing-head dolls. In addition to my "real" German Shepherds, my bobbing-head shepherd has witnessed all moments of these past months' wandering. I like the way he laughs all the time and agrees with everything I say. Sometimes he agrees even when I'm not saying anything, maybe like he understands what I'm thinking or where I'm at or maybe he's just picking up a vibe. Also, he never gets distracted. And I know he'll never share my secrets (my other shepherds won't either).

I also like that my bobbing-head German Shepherd is a kind of barometer for the road. His state of calmness or agitation reflects, in a way, the quality of the journey. I tell the real German Shepherds when the road is going to get bumpy--and they brace themselves.

Incidentally, for some pictures from southern Illinois, our first project site, go here.

Talk about art!

(Remembering back to late November, just before Thanksgiving...)

Not only was our cabin at Mohawk Trail State Forest a complete dream, our whole time up there was near perfect: live on the mountain, hike the mountain (okay, just little Thumper "Mountain"), and then come down from the mountain to see art. Who could ask for more?! Actually, the art part was a little disappointing, but maybe just because I had set my expectations too high. Revelation it wasn't, but still thought provoking, I suppose. I'm speaking specifically of Mass MoCA. Didn't make it to the Rockwell Museum, but did get to see Winslow Homer at the Clark Institute (not that I'm necessarily equating Homer with Rockwell)--always nice to see solid painting .

The big draw for me at Mass MoCA was the exhibition "Becoming Animal," curated by someone whose name I forget. For obvious reasons, I was very curious about the show and what the work was like. After looking at it, though, I don't think I could tell you the point. Some individual pieces were visually curious (Mark Dion, Motohiko Odani), and others (Ann-Sofi Siden) seemed conceptually complex but not engaging enough for me to bother. All in all, not a waste of time, but I don't feel better off for having seen it.

Neo Rauch (in a show on the "New Leipzig School"), on the other hand, was extremely satisfying. Granted, I always want to look at painting, and even better when a painter's work validates the practice. I was also struck by how Rauch's work fits my current thinking about painting as indelibly and inescapably nostalgic, an expression of sentimentality. Better yet, Rauch's paintings fit my criteria with actual sincerity (ie, non-ironic) and avoidance of the saccharine. The question remains: can sentimentality be subversive?

On a related note, I also enjoyed the work of Paul Shambroom, part of a little show in one of the side galleries. Kind of funny, deadpan stuff. What I really liked was the quality of his photographs printed on canvas to look like way uptight realist painting. Too funny, too cool.

Updates

Clearly, one of the consequences of sporadic internet access is the loss of desire for internet access. On the other hand, when access becomes available, the previously deprived user may become somewhat ravenous... In other words, I've not been too good about keeping this thing current. When I do have the opportunity to update it, however, I feel a little overwhelmed by the amount of writing I feel morally obliged to offer. Anyway, all guilt aside, here's what's going on:

Thanksgiving in Denver has been postponed until spring, so I shared in a Rockwellian feast with family and friends back home (thanks, George and Pam!). Also decided to keep to this side of the Mississippi for 2005 and plan a big, wild west adventure for spring 2006 (provided departmental searches finish expediently--God willing). That said, I'm able to beef up our plans for the great white north and recreate more leisurely in frozen Wisconsin. Have also added the Berkshires and the Adirondacks to our itinerary. The snow pictures below are the western/central Adirondacks: Moose River Plains, to be exact. Below that, Mohawk Trail State Forest is in the Berkshires, just east of North Adams--and Mass MoCA (more on that in another update).

The picture above, incidentally, shows the dogs sporting their mushing attire. We've found the mushing gear (harnesses, lines, and belt for me) to be a great way for everyone to get out freely and safely. (See the Howling Dog link to the right, if you're interested.)

More images of the Berkshires and Adirondacks here.

Snow!

We couldn't wait, so we had to go look for it...