Best Dog Hikes Alabama Update

I've got to tell you, while I am really pleased with the new book, "Best Dog Hikes Alabama", and how it's shaping up, I've had the most difficult time getting it together.

With only 3 months left  until the deadline for turning the manuscript in to Falcon Guides I still have 20 hikes to go to wrap it up. I thought I would have been done by now (I'm the "teacher's pet" when it comes to deadlines, always getting the manuscript done WELL in advance of the deadline) but this one has been one challenge after the other.

First, like many of you, I flu, crashed, and burned the last couple of weeks. First time in decades I had the flu, so that has put a crimp in things

Secondly, my hiking pard Archer T. Dog had issues. TPLO surgery, as a matter of fact, to correct his cranial cruciate ligament (knees and such). We were hiking at Blakeley Historic Park on the Alabama Gulf Coast in October. We knew it would have to be corrected sooner or later. Turned out to be sooner. 

So off to Birmingham we went for surgery. The staff and surgeons at Veterinary Surgery of Birmingham did a great job and were very attentive. But, Archer has been down since mid-November and so have I taking care of him.

Well, the good news is he is off rehab now and we're getting ready to test out his bionic leg. Hopefully we're both well enough to get this train back on the track. The bad news is that when the book is over, he'll be going back in to have his OTHER back leg operated on! I'm sure he'll do just fine and will be his bouncy self again before long.

So, off we go! Back at it! With luck we'll be visiting the Wehle Nature Center and their open weekend this Saturday. We'll let you know how it goes. 

Cheers!!

Winter Hiking with Your Dog

I love winter hiking. Give me a day of hiking with a brisk winter wind and a cloudless, deep blue sky any day. Or better yet, a trail covered with a blanket of snow. And better still, share the hike with your best friend – your dog.

With the latest arctic blast making its way through the country and, yes, we are feeling it along the Gulf Coast as well with wind chills hitting 5 degrees tonight, and since I am currently in the middle of writing my latest book, “Best Dog Hikes Alabama”, I thought it only appropriate to share with you four essential tips for keeping your dog safe and happy while winter hiking:

1. Get Into Gear:

·        Jacket: If your dog has minimal fur and gets cold easily this is a must. Of course if they’ve never worn one before, try it on and have them wear it at home before heading out on the trail.

·        Booties: If you’re hiking in snow or over icy, frozen ground, booties will keep Fido’s paws from getting clogged.

·        Fluorescent or Bright, Easy-to-See Leash: Good to have in snowy conditions so if you’re hiking with your pup on a leash and you drop it you can more easily find them. A flashing collar is also useful when hiking in snow.

2. Ya Gotta Eat (and Drink)

·        Food: Your dog will be burning more calories so you will need to feed them more when hiking in cold weather. Also bring some snacks to keep their energy up. You might even try an energy trail mix.

·        Water: Just like you they need to stay hydrated and cold weather means they need more water. 

3. Choose a Dog-Friendly Trail

While many trails say they are dog friendly in the winter with extremely cold temperatures, snow, and ice that could change. Make sure your dog can hike the distance you plan to hike and the difficulty rating you plan to hike.

Consider hiking a trail that has easy access points along the route such as forest service roads or easy turn-arounds that you can use to bug out quickly in case of emergency or if your pet is struggling.

4. Try before You Fly

Before heading out on a winter hike you should take your dog out on a few short wintery treks to make sure they can even handle the weather. Just because they love to romp in the back yard when the wind chill is 10 degrees doesn’t mean they can make a hike for an extended period of time in the same weather.

5. Be Sure to Take Frequent Breaks

Stop often and check on how your pet friend is doing. If you’re hiking in deeper snow check that it isn’t clinging to their belly and clean it off. Also clean their paws if it’s packing between their pads and toes. 

You can find more winter weather hiking tips for you and your dog at Kurgo Products.

July, 1969

Hello, again, everyone. Welcome to the New Year! I hope all of you had a fantastic holiday.

It’s back to putting the old pen to paper, or fingers to the keyboard, for me. Still have a lot of projects floating out there and I’ll be updating you on those here on the blog in the next few weeks including an update on the “Best Dog Hikes Alabama” manuscript which is coming along nicely. I’m quite happy with it so far.

One project that I am finally getting to put some time into is the manuscript for “Everyone’s Gone to the Moon”. As I’ve mentioned before, this will be the story not only of the preparations, launch, landing, and return of Apollo 11, our first manned lunar landing, but also a look at the world in July 1969. It will focus on other space news that occurred during the month, like the story of the Soviet space program literally going up in smoke, world news and events like the fight for Civil Rights and equality, and the pop culture that shaped a generation.

It will also highlight what life was like in 1969 with stories from everyday people about their struggles and what the moon landing meant to them. I am just starting to collect those stories and could use your help.

I am looking for interesting, compelling stories about life in July 1969. Maybe you or someone you know has such a story to tell - maybe you worked at one of the NASA facilities (we're talking the everyday people: cafeteria workers, tour guides, public relations). Maybe you met with Apollo astronauts during that time or were at the launch. Maybe you were part of the history outside of the space program fighting for Civil Rights, women's equality, returning home from Vietnam, or protesting the war. Or maybe you were having a unique life experience during July 1969. 

If so, drop me a line on my website’s contact page. Just jot a brief note down about your story and if it fits I will be in contact.

So, the journey begins. I think this will be a fascinating one. I’ll keep you updated.