My resolution to write about every place I stay is taking a hit from moving too fast and being too stressed. For my own future reference, when I am trying to put together my Year Three itinerary eleven months and a couple weeks from now, I went from Allentown to:
Barber Homestead in Westport, NY (independent) for two days
Jacques Cartier State Park in Morristown, NY (state park) for two days
Cedar Beach Campground in Eganville, Ontario (independent) for two days
Lake Saint Peter Provincial Park in Lake Saint Peter, Ontario (province) for two days
This is not how I want to travel. It’s made worse right now because of Zelda, of course, because it’s not relaxing at all to be traveling with an injured dog. I was stressed yesterday about how pink her stitches looked, debating whether I should find a vet to take a look. Finally decided that the problem was probably that she was jumping too much and I’d wait and see. They look better today and she’s getting seriously restless. She’s still limping heavily, but she wants to go for her walks. She was ridiculously excited this morning when I got her leash out. Hmm, and I just remembered that I totally forgot to give her the painkiller she’s supposed to have this evening. Must do that.
But Lake Saint Peter first — I’m not going to remember this park, unfortunately. No walks means that we haven’t seen anything but our campsite. It’s a nice campsite, surrounded by trees, feels very private, even though there’s plenty of other campsites within hearing distance. Many ferns, many birch trees, and a generous supply of plants that look like they might be poison ivy, but I hope are not. There’s a total fire ban on, so no lovely smell of campfires at night, and it’s been overcast and rainy, so no stars either. I know that there’s a lake somewhere — I suspect it’s a nice lake — but it’s not within walking distance for a dog that can’t walk. So basically, I have been sitting inside the van, feeling tired and anxious.
Fortunately, it is a very peaceful view from the window.
Tomorrow, I head out to pick up R. I’ll get him first thing in the morning and then we’re going to make a long, long drive — over six hours — into Vermont. We’ll be camping at a state park there through the weekend, no electricity, but good company. And maybe Zelda will get to go to an animal acupuncturist, because of course they have those in Vermont.
“Pennies in a stream
Falling leaves a sycamore
Moonlight in Vermont”
One of my favorite songs. Always wanted to see Vermont just because of that song. I suspect Zelda feels like she already saw an acupuncturist and it didn’t go well. I’m glad she’s feeling energetic. It seems to me when Simba had her back problem she got some sort of medication to keep her somewhat sedate since the pain medication fools them into thinking they’re better than they are.
Great window view you and Zelda have.
She’s really seeming pretty great. Walking with a limp, but very eager to get out and about. And Vermont is lovely! Of all the states I’ve visited, it’s one of my favorites. Arkansas is another — such a pretty state.
I thought acupuncture was snake oil until the vet recommended it for my brothers dog. She was down in her hind quarters and could not walk. What a miracle it seemed like when she could rise and walk again after a treatment! Made me a believer. In the past when my dogs started to get that “must have walk NOW” attitude it typically meant they were on the mend. Sorry to hear about Zeldas attack, that must have been so terrifying for you both.
It definitely was for me! She’s seeming un-fazed by the whole thing — we met a dog yesterday and she greeted it with the same sort of friendliness as always. And yes, she’s very much on the mend. A little bit of a limp left, but eager to walk!
I wonder if Zelda (and you) would be content taking walks in a stroller for a while?
I’m fairly sure she would not tolerate that at all — she wants to get down and investigate, even when I’m carrying her. But she’s doing well, so hopefully will be walking normally again soon!
Glad you’re going to see R.
If you come south through my part of Massachusetts, even if you can’t stop…let me know. I’d drive to have coffee with you. And/or to meet R.
I won’t be headed south with R — this is a one-week escapade for him, before I take him back to Toronto. But when I do come south later on, I’m definitely visiting your driveway!