Helen's Home World: June 2023

Tuesday, June 27, 2023

Happy Camper

Got home last week from a wonderful camping trip to New York state. I've always wanted to go to Watkins Glen but since the gorge trail isn't dog friendly, I'd never been. This year two of my sisters and their husbands were able to join me there. It's quite a drive for me to do in one day so my youngest sister, her husband and I made a stop at Westcott Beach State Park that's located on the US side of Lake Ontario. I made it there before my sister and brother-in-law though they had a much shorter drive, an issue at US Customs delayed them a little.

My site at Westcott Beach wasn't very deep but it was wide, so I pulled in across the site facing away from the road. I probably could have backed in as there was lots of room and no ditches on either side of the road. But pulling in the way I did gave more privacy on my site. I had an electric site; my sister and her husband were just the other side of the bathrooms on a non-electric site.

Westcott Beach isn't really a destination campground but it seemed to be well used by locals and boaters. The trails in the park are located on the other side of the highway so we didn't bother with those. We did drive into Sacket's Harbor to see some of the sites and enjoy a beer at a brewery, even though it was a tad chilly.

Wescott Beach

Westcott Beach Marina

Sackets Harbor Battlefield

Teddy enjoying the fire.

We were only there for two nights then it was onto Watkins Glen State Park. We had breakfast in the morning and took our time getting packed up, we arrived in Watkins Glen just after 2pm. My other sister and her husband arrived from Ottawa just after we did, they might have even got to the park before us, but they went to the dump station to fill up with water. We would be in Watkins Glen for 4 nights. We had nice sites on the inside of the first loop quite close to the bathrooms.

The first full day we went to a couple vineyards. Both were very dog friendly, ones I had been to before allowed dogs outside on the patio or deck but in the Watkins Glen area they were allowed inside. The first winery was Castel Grisch, here we shared a couple wine flights and took advantage of their Wifi. This location also had many displays of various sculptures and we wondered of it had been a separate business venture at one time.

The next vineyard was Lakewood. Dogs were allowed inside at this venue too but as they had dogs themselves, we thought my dogs would be more comfortable outside. Here, we bought a bottle of wine to share and enjoyed the view.

We stopped in the town of Watkins Glen and walked the main street on the way back to our campsites. The main street is the state highway and there was lots of truck traffic, Teddy and Liam were not happy with that.

The next day, I went with one of my sisters and her husband to hike the gorge, Teddy and Liam stayed back at camp with my other sister and brother-in-law. We would have a late brunch when we got back. The gorge trail is amazing but somewhat strenuous, 832 steps, one way so if you go back through the gorge you have to do them twice.

After brunch, we all went and did our own things. I took the dogs to see some other local waterfalls.

The next day, breakfast was French toast with apple crisp, whipped cream, syrup and sausages. After breakfast, the guys drove to the Curtiss Museum to see airplanes and motorcycles, while we girls had another day of vineyards ending up at a creamery for a flight of ice cream. Teddy and Liam were again welcome inside the wineries and got to meet some cows. Liam liked the Hazlitt Winery because there was free popcorn and dog biscuits.

French Toast

Hazlitt 1852 Winery

Inside Hazlitt waiting for more popcorn.

Leidenfrost Winery

Outside at Leidenfrost

Shtayburne Farm

Teddy watching cows.

At Hazlitt, we shared two flights, one cider flight and one wine flight. At Leidenfrost, we bought a bottle to share and sat outside to again enjoy the view. At Shtayburne Farm, you could have cheese, ice cream or mixed flights. Our favourite ice cream flavour was carmel kettlecorn. It was a vanilla based ice cream but you could really taste popcorn with burnt carmel.

The next day was again a travel day. My youngest sister, her husband and I were heading back the way we came to Selkirk Shores on Lake Ontario while my other sister and her husband were heading east as they were going to New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

At Selkirk Shores, we had nice electric sites that backed into the tree line and weren't too far from the bathrooms. Most of the other sites, were in open fields or only backed onto the tree line. The beach at Selkirk Shore wasn't dog friendly but we did find a spot on the shoreline were Teddy and Liam could wade.

We would again be here for only two nights. On our one full day, we went to the Salmon River Falls, then drove around trying to find a brewery that must have closed some time ago and a winery that did exist but doesn't make their wine at that location anymore. We then tried a brewery co-located with a restaurant, but dogs weren't even allowed on the patio. It had been calling for rain all day but we were able to enjoy supper and a fire before the rain did come. I was even able to tear down and pack up the next morning while it was only sprinkling.

Salmon River Falls

Town Square Pulaski, NY

Last Fire

All in all, a very good trip. The next one is a little closer to home at Bon Echo Provincial Park where there is a nice dog beach.

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

First Summer Camping Trip

Well technically it was a spring camping trip but you couldn't tell by the weather. We had a hot sunny week of camping. Back in Ottawa they set a temperature record for May, we were better off down by the river as there was little humidity and a nice breeze most of the time off of the water.

Woodlands, Site 183

We had four sites along a road just opposite one of the camper beaches. What with school still in session and it not being a holiday weekend we virtually had the campground to ourselves. The only con to that was that the staff were getting ready for the first big summer weekend so there was lots of grass mowing and whipper snipping going on: that didn't make Teddy a happy camper.

I only left the campground once to visit the Crysler Farm Battlefield, away from the water it was quite hot so we didn't stay long.

Teddy and Liam on the St Lawrence River, Canadian side.

So it really was a week of eating, drinking, reading, relaxing, with short walks and wading in the water. We all took turns preparing a dinner and a breakfast so we each only had to make two meals. I have no pictures of the meals but let me tell you they were good.

Because there was hardly anyone else there, I was able to take the boys wading at the beach and let them off leash to play ball. That made them happy: well, Liam wasn't thrilled about wading but Teddy likes it and it was a great way to cool off. They both liked playing ball and running around.

Of course, there was the usual campfires and music.

Teddy and Liam were good campers but it wasn't busy, no other dogs around or people and kids out for evening strolls, so that really helped.

We'll see how it goes on the next trip which is down to New York state.

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Agility Blessing

May the tunnels not have too much suction,
May the course be fun and fast.
May your dog not stop to say "hello" to the photographers they pass!
May the table not be too slippery,
May the chute house no scary beasts,
May all the yellow parts be touched with one little toe, at least
May the wind be always at your back,
May no bars fall on the ground,
May the A-frame have no stop sign on the top,
May the judge's whistle never sound.
May your dog obey all correct commands,
And ignore the ones that are wrong.
May your heart be light, your feet be sure, and the bond with your dog grow strong.
At the finish line, may great joy abound, regardless of your score,
You have your dog, your dog has you, and who could ask for more?

Written by: PJ Hughes

What is a Title!

Not just a brag, not just a stepping stone to a higher title, not just an adjunct to competitive scores. A Title is a tribute to the dog that bears it, a way to honor that dog, an ultimate memorial. It will remain in the record and in the memory for about as long as anything in this world can remain. Few humans will do as well or better in that regard, and though the dog himself doesn't know or care that his achievements have been noted, a Title says many things in the world of humans, where such things count.

A Title says your dog was intelligent, and adaptable, and good natured. It says that your dog loved you enough to do the things that please you, however crazy they may have sometimes seemed. And a Title says that you loved your dog, that you loved to spend time with him because he was a good dog, and that you believed in him enough to give him yet another chance when he failed, and that in the end your faith was justified.

A Title proves that your dog inspired you to have the special relationship enjoyed by so few, that in the world of disposable creatures, this dog with a Title was greatly loved, and loved greatly in return. And when that dear short life is over, the Title remains as a memorial of the finest kind, the best you can give to a deserving friend, volumes of praise in one small set of initials before or after the name.

A Title is nothing less than love and respect, given and received, permanently recorded.

Written by Sandy Mowery, Wisconsin

The Last Battle

If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this -- the last battle -- can't be won.

You will be sad I understand,
But don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.

We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.
Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end

And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do to me.

Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don't grieve that it must be you
Who has to decide this thing to do;

We've been so close -- we two -- these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.

Author Unknown

Beyond the Rainbow

As much as I loved the life we had and all the times we played,

I was so very tired and knew my time on earth would fade.

I saw a wondrous image then of a place that’s trouble-free,

Where all of us can meet again to spend eternity.

I saw the most beautiful Rainbow, and on the other side

Were animals of every sort as healthy as could be!

My own tired, failing body was fresh and healed and new

I wanted to run with them, but I had something left to do.

I needed to reach out to you, and tell you I’m alright

That this place is truly wonderful,

Then a bright Glow pierced the night.

Twas the Glow of many candles shining bright, strong and bold

I knew then that it held your love in its brilliant shades of gold.

For although we may not be together in the way we used to be,

We are still connected by a cord no eye can see.

So, whenever you need to find me, we’re never far apart,

If you look beyond the Rainbow and listen with your heart.

Do you think the time is right?

May I say goodbye to pain filled days and endless lonely nights?
I've lived my life and done my best, an example tried to be.
So can I take that step beyond, and set my spirit free?
I didn't want to go at first, I fought with all my might.
But something seems to draw me now to a warm and living light.
I want to go, I really do; it's difficult to stay.
But I will try as best I can to live just one more day.
To give you time to care for me and share your love and fears.
I know you're sad and afraid, because I see your tears.
I'll not be far, I promise that, and hope you'll always know,
That my spirit will be close to you wherever you may go.
Thank you so for loving me. You know I love you too,
And that's why it's so hard to say goodbye and end this life with you.
So hold me now just one more time and let me hear you say,
Because you care so much for me, you'll let me go today.

I Loved You Best

So this is where we part, My Friend,

And you'll run on, around the bend.

Gone from sight, but not from mind,

new pleasures there you'll surely find.

I will go on; I'll find the strength,

Life measures quality, not its length.

One long embrace before you leave,

Share one last look, before I grieve.

There are others, that much is true,

But they be they, and they aren't you.

And I, fair, impartial, or so I thought,

Will remember well all you've taught.

Your place I'll hold, you will be missed,

The fur I stroked, the nose I kissed.

And as you journey to your final rest,

Take with you this...I loved you best.

-Jim Willis

The Price We Pay

There is a cycle of love and death that shapes the lives of those who choose to travel in the company of animals.

It is a cycle unlike any other.

To those who have never lived through it's turnings and walked it's rocky path, our willingness to give our hearts with the full knowledge it will be broken seems incomprehensible.

Only we know how small price we pay for what we receive; our grief, no matter how powerful it may be, is an insufficient measure of the joy we have been given.

Suzanne Clother