The Travelling Play date or will groom for room.
I'll be posting my route later and if you happen to be on it...well...a visit from the Risa sheepie mobile could be just around the corner. If you are at the end of a long day of driving...a place to park the trailer would be extremely appreciated. So, is it cold enough for ya yet? brr, helping (and I use that term loosely) Carl back up the trailer into the driveway this evening...I think I almost froze my feet to the ground. Yes, is the answer...to the question "Is she crazy?" The plan is to cross the Canadian/US border at Detroit....anything past that is negotiable. More info to follow. |
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| First stop can be my place! Lots of room to park the trailer and we can even put you and any dogs up overnite inside!
I know it is only about 5-6 hours away from Ottawa..... but might be worth the stop! P.S. I am off on the 11th of December for one's son's birthday...the other one is flying home for Christmas...but shuuusshhh it is a birthday surprise......hint hint.. |
| Nicole, you are most definitely worth the stop! The big problem I see is that I had planned on leaving on Tuesday morning (weather permitting)...now it looks more like Wednesday....that's THIS week. The offer of the driveway is really appreciated since this will be my first time driving the van/trailer combo and I'm sure I'll be more than ready for an early stop....but if that's not convenient....???
Dawnie really wants to see what other sheepies are doing to be naughty and she is very willing to mentor anyone in sheepie-stealth 101. She can also jump straight up ...all fours....so lessons from a top notch flight instructor can be arranged. She has also mastered bulldozing. So perhaps some short mini lesson/stops for a romp and a chat with anyone else that's not too far off the main highway. |
| Michele - that sounds like such a fun trip!
We are a bit out of the way to the north, but would love a visit. Chewie has this pond he would love to show to Dawnie! 
Mankato, MN is the nearest town, is you want to map us. We are less than a mile off a main highway. Plenty of space on the farm to park too. |
come to fla.. nice and warm here and i have plenty of room  |
Carl's wife wrote: Nicole, you are most definitely worth the stop! The big problem I see is that I had planned on leaving on Tuesday morning (weather permitting)...now it looks more like Wednesday....that's THIS week. The offer of the driveway is really appreciated since this will be my first time driving the van/trailer combo and I'm sure I'll be more than ready for an early stop....but if that's not convenient....???
I have either Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon off this week,too...Not sure which one, so will check once at work and post at lunchtime. Traffic is awful from 3:30 to 6:30 pm, beytween Oshawa and Milton, so gauge your time to pass through the GTA before or after...unless you enjoy stop and go traffic for an hour of so... 
Dixie can teach anyone to scale a babygate...! Nicole...not signed in... |
I'll make room for someone who will groom these two beasts!  And if you're in OKC before Friday, there' are really three because Leo (11 mo old rescue who's new family are friends) is here while mom and dad are skiing in CO. How much more fun could you possibly ask for? Three kids, three huge sheepies and one of them is completely unruly.  Come on down! |
| I can see a MAJOR road trip is in order here! lol
I always said to Carl "we should just go from place to place and groom dogs". Just to let everyone know before they get disappointed. Carl will not be coming on the trip to Utah with me. So no grooming guru...just the sidekick....you know hero support...lol. This morning we got DUMPED on with snow. Schools are closed. Virgil when he went out just gave up and peed on the porch! lol Josie took one bounce and promptly disappeared. But at least it is warmer than yesterday. Chewie will NOT I repeat NOT be showing Dawnie the pond. She is finally clean and white and I have to live with her in a travel trailer for 2 months. OH, the nightmares that conjures up. I'll do the "google" thing for a map today so I get a better idea who/where/when I'll be visiting. Thanks everyone....I did tell Carl I was invited to Florida and he said it's not on the way....I said "scenic route!". |
| Hey Michelle,
Is it just you and Carl or dogs, too? (edit: scratch that, I just reread your last post-- it's early, forgive me!) So let me rephrase that. Is it just you and Dawn or are you bringing any of the other furkids, too? |
| Come over to the UK while you are at it- you are always welcome |
| Michele, why are you traveling for 2 months? |
| You are always welcome here in AZ....and talk about scenery....lots of it..... |
I guess upstate NY is a bit out of the way  |
Carl's wife wrote: The big problem I see is that I had planned on leaving on Tuesday morning (weather permitting)...now it looks more like Wednesday....that's THIS week. The offer of the driveway is really appreciated since this will be my first time driving the van/trailer combo and I'm sure I'll be more than ready for an early stop....but if that's not convenient....???
I am off Tuesday afternoon, so should be home by 1 or so. Wednesday you are still welcome, but it will be someone else greeting you at first... How big is your rig? Number of feet? Do you need hook-ups? We have had trailers for years, so hubby can check anything out that needs checking lol.. Pm'ing you! |
| Southern California isn't too far from Utah. |
| Jill....It will be me, the two footer kids(12 and 13 yold) with Dawn, Brigham, Jeffurry, and Gidget.
Elissa...if I went to Cali we'd end up on the computer looking up relatives! Paula O. couldn't travel for 2 months....must stay in Utah for a while and sell a house and see my two older kids. Ginny....if I could come and see you...you know I would. Wanna tag along? There's room! I understand from my son (the one at Utah State) that his last final is the 12th and we pick him up on the 13th. |
| Just curious, bridge or tunnel coming into Detroit? |
| Carl has told me a zillion times not to cross the bridge with the trailer.....so I guess tunnel. Any reason? I had also thought of crossing at Sarnia instead...anyone have comments to make on that? I've got all the dogs health certs and rabies certs....my passport and the kids' birth certs (gonna apply for US passports while we are in the states).
So here is our proposed parade route |
| When we go to Amber's in Welland/Niagra Falls we go through Sarnia. Usually much less traffic and less waiting at the border. Bridge vs tunnel we almost always take the tunnel because it's a little closer to where I live; about 40 miles east of the city. |
| I'm wondering why they have you going to Flint? I -94 from Port Huron to Chicago is a straight shot west and seems easier to me. Depending on how large your trailer is it may be scary to use the tunnel, if you do don't worry that it leaks . It's been that way forever and is totally safe. |
| Well, I can see the bridge from my office at work in Detroit, I could watch you come in! Holly's right, the tunnel does leak like crazy but, luckily, it's cold so the leaks will probably be frozen!
I'm curious why you wouldn't want to take the bridge in the trailer, too. It seems like it would be a lot easier to maneuver on there. The tunnel is tight! Are you sure it isn't because Carl has an irrational fear of bridges? 
It is a much straighter shot to go through Detroit and just grab 94 there and take it across. I think Sarnia with Flint, 69 and all that business might be a pain. |
| Hi Michelle,
Sigh with all the snow and bad weather I'm going to be sitting here biting my nails until you arrive safely at each destination. Keep checking in with us okay? How nice of so many to offer you places to stay and visit them! You have to love this forum and all the nice people that hang out here. I hope you are able to log on or else have someone else write reports of your adventures. I'll be thinking of you. Marianne |
| It's not "on the way", but you are more than welcome to a room if you need one in Utah! |
| So are you on the road??
Do you have a computer with? One of my computer illiterate friends got a laptop for Christmas. She is on vacation in Florida at the moment. All excited to take her new computer with and keep up with chat (on our basset rescue board). I hadn't seen any posts from her.... Well, I was talking with our mutual friend Lisa, who is also our webmaster for our forum. She got this call from Jannette (in FL) asking "how do I get on the internet?" and Lisa replies - "click on the icon like you do at home". Jannette replies "I did and nothing happens"!!! Crazy Jannette, it never occurred to her you actually have to be someplace there is wireless service for it to work!!!  She will never live this one down. |
| All,
Just to update you Michele did get away yesterday, a day late due to a substantial winter storm Sunday and Monday, but nevertheless the Risa Show/Travel Rig rolls! It was quite a thrash to get everything ready to go. I got home from business travel late Friday evening and from Saturday morning on it seems I haven't stopped, nor did Michele and the kids. Of course the 4 footers knew something was up and had to be "right there" all the time as well. Anyway, after getting the trailer mostly sorted out over the weekend, giving the van an oil change, all fluids topped-up and a good general once over, bathing and grooming two of the travelling dogs and helping with Bedlam Bob (one of Jeffurry's nick names) and actually going to work on Tuesday etc. etc., I finally hooked up the van and trailer "permanently" yesterday morning and walked Michele through the hook-up and dis-connect procedures, it is much more than just dropping the trailer tongue onto the tow ball as there are weight distribution bars, an anti-sway bar, an electrical "umbilical" cord and electrical checks, brake adjustments etc. Once that was done and half the house ended up in the trailer as well, I drove out to the main highway entrance with her stopping for gas and final tyre pressure checks/inflation and as well as fine tuning the brake controller. At 13:20 hrs I bade farewell to my bride, kids, half my kennel and quite the chunck of family assets for a few months. That really sucked.
It seems the trailer tows really well, this is the first time we have had it on the road since we bought it this spring  - long story - and Michele made quite good time arriving at Nicole's (Bosley's Mom) home a little west of Toronto by 21:30 hrs, including a couple of brief stops. Apparently all the dogs had a grand time playing in Bosley's yard (and Nicole thought it was her property right ) and then everyone settled down to food and a well deserved night of rest. Hopefully Michele will be able to contact me nightly and I'll let you all know how things go. The big issue today is of course to cross the border. All papers are in order but they could go through everything with a fine tooth comb if they so choose, hopefully they will basically waive her through. And since so many have said to use the bridge at Detroit it seems she will do that. Indeed now that it has been mentioned yes the tunnel seemed quite tight when we drove through it some years ago. (No I don't have an irrational fear of bridges - I just wanted to avoid potentially high winds on the bridge in winter when the roadway could potentially be slippery.)
Thanks to everyone for their words of support and concern for my gang as they travel. Really wish I could have made the trip with them but there was simply no way it could be afforded or even arranged with 4 dogs staying with me. Thanks and Cheers Carl |
| Thanks for the update Carl!
I hope the border crossing goes smoothly today. |
| What a whirlwind of a visit! That gal, Michelel sure has guts...
They arrived here before 9:00PM, and by 11:00PM everyone was all tucked in for bed..But those 2 hours were busy...! First of all, Michelle is a hoot! All bubbly, and cheery etc...What a great gal The 2 kids are very well-behaved...I was totally impressed. No complaints, and so helpful with the dogs...Really nice children. And they brought a homemade dessert, cake, cherry topping and Cool Whip...With a bit leftover for us tonite..! Delicious! Now for the dogs...I hardly saw Gidget, and no wonder..a chi would have been trampled on by all the running feet...so she waas kept safe in her crate. telling everyone to stay out of her face! Jeffurry, the bedlington terrier, and and my foster MacGregor, Wheaten terrier, looked at each other and instant bond..Michelle kept calling them the little terrierists.. They were soooo cute playing together..
Dawn has springs on her feet...She does jump up and down on one spot...Very happy, silly sheepie..And Brigham, the afghan, is, well, so thiinnnn! With my portly two I couldn't get over the bones..! Very nice, friendly pooch..So regal looking, but silly, too....He LOVED (or tried to) MacGregor...
So with them all running around in and out of the house, and us setting up baby-gates in strategic places, and moving them as required, they all settled down to sleep..nice and happy and tired. Then this morning, up for a bit of a run, feed, pack and gone...Michelle and crew left at the same time as me, off to work. They left me with a nice, stuffed sheepie with a rose in its mouth! Bon voyage and I do hope Michelle and the gang stop by on their way back.... |
| Thanks for the update Carl! Sounds like your crew is off to a great start, the border usually isn't too bad so hopefully they sailed through. |
| Oh the joys of wireless internet!
I was able to email Carl from the front seat of the Risa Mobile! I wanted to thank everyone for all the good wishes. I think that they might have saved my life....what a day! Nicole! Jeff would like to know ...where is that MacGregor guy today?...he was looking all over for him when he was let out for a potty at the truck stop. Bosley made me cry....he is just like my Martin all sweet and lovey...made me miss my moo moo dog. Dixie is quite the character. Surveying her yard from inside the fire pit! I think she figured that was the "safe" zone. I'm so glad the MacGregor has you to find him a forever home. He is a real doll!! Thanks once again for all your kindness. You went above and beyond the call of duty and it is greatly appreciated. If anyone has their magic wands working.....could you please turn off the wind? And park all the truckers for the next few days? I'm getting really tired of being pushed around!!!! But I finally figured out how to anticipate....the truck comes up...and just before it gets even with the van I get hit with a gust of wind...knocks me to the right then "sucks" me to the left...then just after the truck passes I get hit again with the "tail" wind. Fine when it is just one truck...harder when they are in packs and almost a nervous breakdown when you are surrounded. Nicole called me brave....no stupid and very crazy....those are much better words. So today I had to deal with the WIND and trucks....and crossing the border...very easy....and going over the bridge...again not bad at all. Then I find that the map I've printed off isn't up to date. The exit I had listed is closed....and there is nothing on the map to indicate where I'm going ...on what freeway...what the next town is....but I did remember that Butterstotch had said something about 94 W.....saved my bacon she did!!! So right now I'm parked in Battle Creek Michigan. I had a bit of a problem with the furnace in the trailer (I think Carl might have figured it out long distance...we'll see what Michele can do tomorrow) so I got a room for the night. Matt has already been in the pool and the hot tub (he was upset he didn't get the chance to try Bosley's mom's out while we were there). Kassie has had her shower and I'm going to get there myself after Matt. Brigham and Jeffurry are on the bed. Jeff at Kassie's feet and Brigham with his head on My Pillow!! Dawn is wandering around trying to see if Jeff left any cookies and Gidget is in the bathroom while Matt takes a shower. I was going to upload some pictures but I've left the connection cord in the van and I am NOT going out there again. brrrrr Right now I miss home so much. We won't even talk about how weird it is to just take out two big dogs....I keep going back to the van thinking I've got to get someone else out. Carl....thank goodness he was so thorough about the van and trailer or I'm sure I'd be in much more trouble. Thanks sweetheart for being so anal retentive....lol....it seems to always pay off big time for me. The man froze to death trying to make sure we would be safe and well. What more could a gal want? I'll try to check here once a day. And post some pictures. Take good care all....it's scary out there!!! |
| Michigan City, Indiana mmm...nice place...too bad no sheepies but Dawnie!
The kids are in love with the food prices....remember I have a teenage boy I'm trying to feed. lol I've discovered WiFi!! Wow this is cool.....sitting in a parking lot emailing and posting on the forum. Dogs are deserving of a big walk...so gonna do that before I tackle getting past Chicago. Anyone I should be waving too? |
| I hope your loop around Chicago goes well. Are you going to hit rush hour? We did well coming back from the nationals - not too bad. We were a bit later - it was dark - so after 8pm or so.
I hope you, the kids and dogs are all having a good time. |
| Chicago was easy!! Now just a straight shot on 80 practically to my daughter's door. Had to come back and edit to say I'm in Iowa...next stop Des Moines.
Battery on the notebook is low so will be charging it as I drive so when I stop I can post some pictures. Got to voice chat with Carl last night.....you just have to love technology when it allows you to connect with those you love when you are far from home. Thanks all for thoughts and prayers. Risa Mobile back on the road! |
Just a couple of pics....I know, late... 
Here is the view that we got most of the evening that Michelle's crew stayed over... 
And here are Jeffurry and MacGregor (the mini-sheepie) checking each other out... 
I still am waiting to here if we will be seeing the gang on the way back! Here's hoping that we fit into the return schedule! |
| Cute pics, it's nice they all got along. |
| Looks and sounds like they all had fun. |
| Safe Journey! Really enjoying the commentary! Wish Vegas was on your route. |
| Too bad you aren't stopping in Florida....I would love to meet your Afghan Hound. I used to own am apricot/black faced Afghan Hound named Joey. She was beautiful.
Be safe! |
| So I'm now in the Rock Springs WY KOA. I have to say that I'm very impressed with the KOA's that I've been too....clean....nice places to visit. This one has a fenced in run area for the dogs!
11 I have to tell a story about Dawn. We have all the crates in the back of the big van. We had Jeff out for a potty and Dawnie decided she needed to get into her bed....so she jumps into the van and straight into JEFF'S bed!!! I didn't think she'd be able to get out without backing out... but the minx turned around and settled down. So we took a pic.....to follow. Without the dogs I'd be a popsicle....we ran out of propane last night and the dogs were the only thing standing between me and a lifetime as a statue. We were certainly a pile...and forget the 3 dog night....this was a 4 dog one. Final destination in sight...tomorrow I hope to have this trailer off my van and settled for a while. It will be a nice change driving without it. |
| Great pictures Nicole!! THANKS FOR POSTING.
WOW, Michelle what an exciting trip, what an ADVENTURE!!!!!!!!!!! You ARE a brave woman! |
| Cute picture of Dawnie in the little crate. My labs have done that too! It is amazing the spaces they can squeeze into.
Other than the lack of heat (bbrrrr!) it sounds like you had a nice and speedy trip. Have fun. |
Okay, so Michele's photo of Dawnie in Furry Head's crate has been approved so here it is.
Remember this is a very small crate and I can't for the life of me figure out how she even got her head and shoulders in there, let alone all of her and then topped it off by turning around. I guess she got this talent from her Uncle Martin. Martin is only as big as his head and he can fit wherever his head goes - yeah right Great MaMoo - and yet Dawnie seems to have figured that one out. Now who was the pain-in-the-butt who actually locked her in dear wifey? Thanks and Cheers Carl |
| See, this is good to know. What a space saver! I've been wasting so much space on a bigger crate! When I could have gotten away with one much smaller...
Great picture! |
| Carl...no one locked Dawnie in....she CLOSED the door after herself! What do you think??? She was born in a barn? !?! lol
So I have ARRIVED!! Haven't figured out where I'm parking the trailer for whatever amount of time I'm here...the original plan fell through. So tomorrow my job is to find a place I can park the trailer and get it off of the van so I can drive without using a ton of gas. I got to hug my older daughter...and Kassie and Sara and I all cried while Matthew looked on shaking his head. The next few days are going to be hectic...but I'll try to post soonest. |
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