Happy 4th Birthday to Sky!

It's hard to believe that Sky and her siblings from the Parker/Trixie litter (GrCH Hibourne's It's All About Me BROM X CH Graytsky's I'm Not Really A Waitress CD RN OA OAJ BROM) turned 4 years old today.  Boy has time flown by!

Sky enjoyed her "happy birthday" biscuit this morning!

Fork Mtn Ridge Trail, May 20 2012

This region is known for the diversity of plants and wildlife.  We came across some Pink Lady Slippers on our hike last Sunday, as well as some Painted Trillium.  

Susan and Bandit, taking some great photo's (like the one above).  This was new hike to me, and one I will do again (Linda, you'll like this one too!)

 

Rizzie, Sky and I enjoying the scenery.  This area is above 5000 ft, and was comfortable in the 60's to low 70's.  I made the mistake of forgetting sunscreen though and am paying for it now with peeling skin.

As you can see, parts of the trail were a bit overgrown, not many people use this trail even though it opens up to some beautiful meadows and follows along an old rail bed into the location of a logging camp that was very active in the early 1900's. 

Yes, there really is a trail in here!  If we had a difficult time spotting it, we just followed the dogs, they were always right!  We walked about 6 miles this day.

Mini Vacation in Brevard NC 5-17-12

Furman having a heart to heart with Sky about being a good dog and settling down.

Joe and Anne made "Dutch Babies" for breakfast, sort of like a popover, they were tasty!

Sky at the waterfall that feeds the lake at Sequoyah Woods, the neighborhood Furman and Anne live in. The funny story was Anne taping trying to get Sky to stand still for the photo and my frustration after the 4th time she moved. But I think the result was worth the effort lol!

The fish trying to get away, he was still on the line with the fly in his mouth, so it was an unsuccessful attempt. Had he only known that Joe is a "catch and release" fisherman, he could have saved himself the effort.

Very nice Rainbow Trout

A perfect day at the lake!

Sky enjoying a snooze on the deck at the Owen's home, she loves the sun.

Anne and Sky hanging out on their glider, after a fun day walking and at the lake

On the way home we stopped to get a picture of Sky on the sway bridge on trail behind Pisgah forest ranger station. She had no problem with the bridge swaying while she trotted over it. good girl Sky!

More pics from Pendleton May 2012

This old church and cemetary were near the agility trial site, couldn't resist stopping and looking around.  Was suprised to find the church open, it is in very good shape, even has a piano and small organ inside. 
The balcony area was for "people of color", there is even a separate staircase in the back the gives access to the balcony.  The church was originaly built in 1797 (see info below).

The cemetary was fascinating with many interesting stories; however, it started raining and I had to get to the trial, so will have to wait until the next time to explore more here.

This statue was at the T. Ed Garrison arena where the agility trial was held.  The name of it is "Pure Pleasure", very fitting.

Canaan Dog Trial, Pendleton SC 5/12-13/2012

Sky was wonderful in the Open Agility classes this past weekend in Pendleton SC.  She is showing great confidence, responsiveness, and having an absolute blast!  My handling could use more than a little tweaking, and we have a few opportunities on weaves, but I could not be more proud of our girl!

Showing great focus, Sky is ready to head to the next obstacle, there is a great agility dog inside her, she follows in her mother Trixie's pawprints!  What a great way to spend Mothers Day weekend!

Cabin Flats May 6 2012

Our dog statue at the house with summer time hat.

Sky and I had a wonderful 4 mi walk up at Cabin Flats today, it borders the Balsam Preserve, nice flat roadbeds and lots of water for the dogs to cool off in.  This particular little creek had a picnic table and cooking fire ring just on the other side, will make a perfect place to stop and relax and have a few bites at another time.

This is the old cabin along the trail, it is in a terrible state of disrepair, but someone is mowing around the apple trees that are in the meadows close by.  

This sign is actually on the Balsam Preserve side of the gate, but thought it would be a perfect photo opp!  We saw many lovely wildflowers on todays hike, along with a baby bird just testing it's wings, a lizard, and most exciting, Sky pointed a grouse at the edge of the trail and held her point until the grouse flushed!  I was so excited of course I failed to get a picture, but I am so proud of her holding on this wild bird!