Plotting my vacation this year

[oruacat2]

Yep, it's that time of year again....time to plot the nearly-annual Oruacat2 Two Week Campapalooza! I've been out West enough times, and with gas this expensive, that I'm thinking outside-the-box this go-'round. I've seen the headwaters of the Missouri River - this year I'm thinking of visiting the headwaters of Ol' Man River himself, the mighty Mississippi, at Lake Itasca in north-central Minnesota.

Anyone ever been up that way? My initial eyeball-recon of the map shows dozens of state parks and forests, and of course the myriad of lakes scattered throughout the area.

I'll be looking to base-camp and day-hike, mostly, and I'll have my trusty canine trailhound with me. Anyone know of any good campsites in state/national forests where I won't be surrounded by vacationing families and can let the dog run off-leash a bit?

Anyone familiar with the state and can offer camping/hiking advice?
Thanks in advance.

KD

[capcat]

Hope you get some responses to this, oruacat2. Have you ever visited tripadvisor.com? Sometimes I get good information there, but then I've never checked for reviews of parks and campsites.

[Terry L. Wildcat]

Kenny, If you do the Mississippi trip you may want to read Mark Twain's "Life on the Mississippi"...it's a great book about his adventures as a riverboat captain.

[oruacat2]

I did find this, which very much interests me:

Lake Superior's North Shore (http://www.emily.net/~schiller/nshore.html)

My usual modus operandi on these 2-week roadtrips is to mix the backcountry camping, the "car camping" (campgrounds, coolers full of beer readily available in the truck, crude restroom/shower facilities) and hotels along the way. I might backpack for 2-3 days, then stay in a state park campground and dayhike for one or two. Then I'll head for the nearest interesting city and stay in a hotel for one night - eat a real meal, hit a local pub, sleep in a real bed, watch some TV and recharge. Then I'll start the process all over again. Duluth looks like a cool city, and if I time it right I can do one night in Minneapolis and catch a Twins game (notching another baseball stadium on my belt). Hell, I might do the same thing passing through Wisconsin.

The big question is whether or not I take my canoe along, or do I just scout-out possible canoe trips for next year?

KD

[UedK]

Go to the Boundry Waters area with Ely, Mn as your base. Then head to Thunder Bay and drive the north shore of Superior. Tons of great places all the way down to Duluth.

[oruacat2]

Update:

I've decided that my first stop will be Minneapolis for one night in the city and a Twins game, then I'm heading up towards Duluth, and beyond, to hug the North Shore all the way to Ely.

I posted an "I need help!" thread on a Minnesota Gopher sports messageboard, and one response was from the author of "Camping the Northshore", which I've already ordered through B&N along with the Delorme Gazetteer for the state. Don't know if you've ever looked at one, but Delorme's maps are about the most detailed you can get, showing forest service roads, logging roads, you name it. He's already given me a couple of great recommendations.

Camping the North Shore (http://www.thereandbackbooks.com/CTNS.php)

PS- My poor old dog is 12 years old now, and as this might be our last Grand Adventure together, I've decided against any hardcore backpacking. I'll dayhike/explore during the afternoons, then return to "basecamp" at night and enjoy all the comforts of a nice tent/hammock, big campfire, and cooler full of beers and food.
I'll keep you posted.

KD

[capcat]

oruacat2...check for a pm

[Jeff Craddock]

PS- My poor old dog is 12 years old now, and as this might be our last Grand Adventure together, I've decided against any hardcore backpacking. I'll dayhike/explore during the afternoons, then return to "basecamp" at night and enjoy all the comforts of a nice tent/hammock, big campfire, and cooler full of beers and food.
I'll keep you posted.

KD

Kenny, your old Blue Heeler is one lucky dog. How many pups get to have the Grand Adventures you've shared. I've followed your annual summer excursions for many years now and just have to say that if that the best measure of your love for your dog is all the things you've done together, your dog has been well-loved indeed.

Kudos to you, my friend! :thumbup:

[oruacat2]

Thanks, Jeff. I appreciate that.

It's true that my cattle dog wouldn't know what to do with a real-life cow, but she's been one helluva trail-hound over the years. They say that the herding/working breeds need "a job" to be happy, and I guess her job is mainly pathfinder/scout and camp-security. She's kept the racoons out of the cooler in Yosemite and the porcupines from eating the salty/sweaty straps of my backpack in the mountains of Montana. She's swam (by choice) in the cool waters of Adirondack lakes and by circumstance (capsized canoe) in the raging waters of the Dolores River, CO. BTW, that disaster still taints our travels even to this day. I'd love to take my canoe up to Boundary Waters in MN, but I'm not sure I could get the dog to go along willingly, such was the trauma that last time we tried it.

I'm seriously considering getting a second dog from a Heeler rescue group - there's one in southern OH, and another down near Chatanooga. I'll probably go with a red male this time, just for the sake of variety, but that's not written in stone. The more I research them, the more I think rescue is the way to go. These dogs are almost always housebroken, crate-trained, spayed-neutered, and fully-vetted when you get them, plus they've undergone an "evaluation period" of at least two weeks to socialize them with other dogs, teach them to walk on lead, etc.

Check out this guy (http://acdrescuemi.tripod.com/ohlevi.htm). His name is "Levi", and if I adopt him our own WCN Levi will never hear the end of it.

KD

[capcat]

You definitely should get that one. :big_grin:

[Jeff Craddock]

I second that, capcat. :thumbup:

If we get a fourth Golden--this is under serious consideration :eek:--we'll definitely go with a rescue dog. As much as I love puppies, rescue dogs provide us with a special opportunity.

[oruacat2]

Jeff, you're actually someone whose brain I've planned to pick on this subject, mainly, how did introducing another (young) dog into the household effect your older Goldens?

Also, did you put any strategic planning into the gender of the dogs?

Mine isn't a fighter, but the few scraps she's been in over the years have always been with other spayed females, so I'm leaning towards a male this go 'round. Since she's getting progressively less active outdoors, I'm wondering if adding a second dog would breathe some life into her and give her some companionship when I'm away at work or whatever.

Plus, there's the added bonus of saving another dog's life, of course.

Any thoughts/advice?

KD

[Jeff Craddock]

Jeff, you're actually someone whose brain I've planned to pick on this subject, mainly, how did introducing another (young) dog into the household effect your older Goldens?

Also, did you put any strategic planning into the gender of the dogs?

Mine isn't a fighter, but the few scraps she's been in over the years have always been with other spayed females, so I'm leaning towards a male this go 'round. Since she's getting progressively less active outdoors, I'm wondering if adding a second dog would breathe some life into her and give her some companionship when I'm away at work or whatever.

Plus, there's the added bonus of saving another dog's life, of course.

Any thoughts/advice?

KD

When my late Golden Casey was 11, we got a pup. They quickly became good friends and Casey was definitely rejuvenated. The puppy brought out the puppy in her and she began playing again. Both Kali and Casey were females.

It's really hard to predict how dogs will react to a new companion. My best advice would be to let them spend some time together before you commit to an adoption. You'll know fairly quickly how well the get along.

Our current lineup is two males and a female. The males are half-brothers--same father, different mothers, born two days apart. (It might be fair to say that Pops had a good week :big_grin:.) Buddy came to us two years ago, when his owners--friends--could no longer give him the time and attention he needed. Tucker and Buddy will be eight in a few days. Female Keira is three and got along well with both brothers from the beginning. She is particularly bonded to Buddy, which factored into our decision to keep him. If we get a fourth, it'll definitely be a female.

[oruacat2]

Tucker is 8? Holy crap, we really have been wasting our time on these boards for too long. I remember when you got him.

Thanks, Jeff.

KD

[WILD1]

Thanks, Jeff. I appreciate that.

It's true that my cattle dog wouldn't know what to do with a real-life cow, but she's been one helluva trail-hound over the years. They say that the herding/working breeds need "a job" to be happy, and I guess her job is mainly pathfinder/scout and camp-security. She's kept the racoons out of the cooler in Yosemite and the porcupines from eating the salty/sweaty straps of my backpack in the mountains of Montana. She's swam (by choice) in the cool waters of Adirondack lakes and by circumstance (capsized canoe) in the raging waters of the Dolores River, CO. BTW, that disaster still taints our travels even to this day. I'd love to take my canoe up to Boundary Waters in MN, but I'm not sure I could get the dog to go along willingly, such was the trauma that last time we tried it.

I'm seriously considering getting a second dog from a Heeler rescue group - there's one in southern OH, and another down near Chatanooga. I'll probably go with a red male this time, just for the sake of variety, but that's not written in stone. The more I research them, the more I think rescue is the way to go. These dogs are almost always housebroken, crate-trained, spayed-neutered, and fully-vetted when you get them, plus they've undergone an "evaluation period" of at least two weeks to socialize them with other dogs, teach them to walk on lead, etc.

Check out this guy (http://acdrescuemi.tripod.com/ohlevi.htm). His name is "Levi", and if I adopt him our own WCN Levi will never hear the end of it.

KD

"KD"...get "Levi", he's got sweet eyes...but, then, don't ALL dogs? I think so.
The "rescue" programs are so the way to go...with an overabundance of critters who already need good homes, by adopting one, your not only helping that particular dog, but all the others who're still waiting for a new "mom/dad"! Great, worthwhile programs! :thumbup:

[oruacat2]

I've been out snapping pics of my apartment building today, especially the massive field/creek/woods that serve as my unofficial Common Backyard, to demonstrate that even though don't live in a huge house, my dog has plenty of space to run, play fetch, get muddy, whatever. I've been sending money to the one rescue group (I've adopted them as my new charity), but I also emailed the lady who runs the one branch over my concerns that living in an apartment would automatically disqualify me. Much to my relief, she believes as I do, that often times the owners with the big yards neglect their dogs, because they put them outside then basically ignore them all day, every day. "Out of sight, out of mind" doesn't do well for social creatures, especially intelligent dog-breeds. I told her how I have experience with the breed, how my dog's been to more places in the US than many of my human friends, and how she's been "an apartment dog" for her entire 12 years on earth. Much to my surprise, she didn't dismiss me outright. It's true - apartment dwellers often times spend more time socializing their pets - sometimes out of sheer necessity, sometimes out of guilt, mostly combinations of factors.

Anyhow, my plan now is to fill-out an adoption application, include all these pics to plead my case, and ask if we can stop-in and "meet" these dogs as we pass-through either on the way to or from MN. If all goes well, I can drive back up there later in August and bring back one of these hellions.

KD

[oruacat2]

"KD"...get "Levi", he's got sweet eyes...but, then, don't ALL dogs? I think so. :thumbup:

This is his brother Sabastian (http://acdrescuemi.tripod.com/ohsebastian.htm).
Very unique - I've never seen a red heeler with a blue face.

Bowser (http://acdrescuemi.tripod.com/bowser.htm) - Michigan branch. Look at that second picture - this dog just looks like trouble. lol

KD

[PsychoCat]

IMO you need all 3 ....Levi, Sebastian and Bowser. :icon_mrgreen:

Once I see pics ...then I start worrying about them all ....I especially have trouble going to Petsmart on adoption days....it is a dangerous place lol

[oruacat2]

Not sure I need or want my own pack of these critters.
I'm trying to give my senior dog a new spark, not a heart attack or nervous breakdown.

KD

[WILD1]

This is his brother Sabastian (http://acdrescuemi.tripod.com/ohsebastian.htm).
Very unique - I've never seen a red heeler with a blue face.

Bowser (http://acdrescuemi.tripod.com/bowser.htm) - Michigan branch. Look at that second picture - this dog just looks like trouble. lol

KD

Definitely trouble...but you could never stay mad at him, just look at that face! :icon_lol:
I'm like you, "Psychocat", I get all tearey-eyed and choked-up when I see those "SPCA" commercials with Sara McCloughlin...so, yes "KD", I'd agree, you absolutely need to adopt them ALL! :p

[capcat]

Bowser (http://acdrescuemi.tripod.com/bowser.htm) - Michigan branch. Look at that second picture - this dog just looks like trouble. lol

KD
No he doesn't. That dog just looks like he's ready to go!! You should take him! :beer: ;)

[Jeff Craddock]

I'm with the women on this, Kenny. :icon_mrgreen::beer::thumbup:

[surveyor]

This is his brother Sabastian (http://acdrescuemi.tripod.com/ohsebastian.htm).
Very unique - I've never seen a red heeler with a blue face.

Bowser (http://acdrescuemi.tripod.com/bowser.htm) - Michigan branch. Look at that second picture - this dog just looks like trouble. lol

KD

No he doesn't. That dog just looks like he's ready to go!! You should take him! :beer: ;)

I'm with the women on this, Kenny. :icon_mrgreen::beer::thumbup:

I concur.

Dogs aren't as exciting if they're not any trouble.
Our youngest minpin Lilly (7 lbs at the time) created much excitement a year ago spring bringing a few live garden snakes into the house to be "discovered" at a later time, lol.
Last night she had a possum up a tree and finally gave up at about 12:20 am.

[moody85]

Yep, our Keeshond brought a dead mouse into the house a few years ago. He missed class the day they said that he was supposed to guard, not hunt.
It took both of us to pry his little jaws apart to get rid of it.
Grrr...

[Stucat]

Kenny I do hope you will adopt the dogs. You love dogs and this would help you and them. Now back to your trip. I have communicated with a girl from eastern Kentucky who married a guy from Minnesota's great north country. She lives near Bemedjii and has stated that her neighborhood is wolf infested so I would suggest caution. She has also said that in the summer you need mosquito spray in northern Minnesota. I know how you love the great outdoors and nature but I do believe that I would carry plenty of mosquito spray with me. You might also check out the timber wolf population on the north shore of Lake Superior for your own safety and the safety of your dog. Hopefully she would not take on a timber wolf but you never know.

I do envy you. I would be happy just to take a vacation somewhere this year but it is not looking very favorable right now. Too many obligations at home right now but some day I am planning a vacation that will last at least two or three weeks.

[oruacat2]

Update:

Regarding the trip: First stop - Minneapolis. I've got my hotel room near the Metrodome for the Twins game, and I have a couple of kennels in mind for the mutt for that night while I'm out carousing, drinking beers, and getting into "vaction mode". Last stop, Milwaukee - same plan: hotel, Brewers' game, one night in the kennel for the dog. Those two weeks in between: Duluth, and an assortment of various campgrounds up and down the Northshore of Lake Superior as suggested by the author of that guidebook (and Gopher messageboard participant) I told you about. Somewhere in there I'll shoot inland for Lake Itasca, where I eagerly anticpate stradling the mighty Mississippi River in its infancy.

Regarding the possible dog adoption: Sent in my application, along with some pictures and information, complete with references (it's like adopting a kid, lol). When asked if I had any specific dogs in mind, I told them I was interested in Levi, Sabastian, Bowser (all red males), and two younger female pups: Tootsie (http://acdrescuemi.tripod.com/tootsie.htm) and Zaira (http://acdrescuemi.tripod.com/zaira.htm). Zaira is a very unique white Heeler - not albino, just predominantly white - of about 4 months old. Tootsie (and I'll have to change the name) will be about 3 months old when she becomes available after the vetting process, and is listed as an ACD/Aussie mix. Those are my two favorite breeds, so I'm intrigued, and most folks will tell you that with mixed breeds you avoid most of the possible hereditary health issues that come with purebreeds.

If all goes well, I'll be approved and notified before August 11th, when I leave for my trip, and can stop in and visit the dogs in person either on the way to or from MN. Then I'll drive up later this month with a giant crate in the back of my Jeep and bring one of these hellions home to CKY. Wish me luck!

ps - I'll keep you guys posted along the way

KD

[oruacat2]

Update to my update: Wow, this lady means business - she got back to me QUICK!

Hello Ken, Thank you for submitting an application for one our rescues. I appreciate your sponsoring 2 of our pups back in June. All of the pups you have named are in Michigan now. With me here in Remus, MI is Levi, Sabastian, Zaira and Tootsie. In Lansing, MI is Bowser with his foster family. Bowsers foster family was going to bring him here on August 1st while they went on vacation in Canada, but decided to take him with them. How nice. Bowser and Zaira are ready now. The other pups, Levi- Sabastian- Tootsie, will be ready in a couple of weeks. The boys, Levi and Sabastian, have moved here and are getting used to another change. Tootsie came here a week ago, but they did not leave her with me, and brought her back just yesterday. I need to get Tootsie vetted, but have an appointment on Thursday, August 7th.

I've got a good feeling about this!

KD

[oruacat2]

Uh-oh, she's contacted at least one of my listed references! The ball is rolling!

KD

[capcat]

Will be waiting to see which one, if not all ;), of these pooches you adopt. :thumbup: