Bug's Big Adventure Weekend

So last weekend was pretty busy for us. Big sis had her first track meet of the season, and so it would also be a big test for "Bug" (one of the few nicknames for Dinah). The meet was a jamboree so nothing official. I have to say that I am very proud of my "Big Bug". She threw the discus for the first time for a whopping 43'9". She also did the long jump and the 800m run, she did those events last year as well.



As for Bug well, she didn't take to well to the meet business. Actually, she didn't take to well to being out and about much at all. It was still a bit cool and there was a pretty good breeze blowing and Bug doesn't much care for big breezes. So Robin and Bug ended up spending much of the time stuck in the car where Bug was more apt to be pleasant. At one point she had finally taken up the whole back seat, forcing Robin to sit up front in the drivers seat completely bored out of her mind while little bit napped the day away.

Happy Birthday Atticus!!!

!

Photo Courtesy of:
Tom Ryan

Today, Atticus M. Finch turns a whopping 10 years old. Who is Atticus M. Finch? Atticus M. Finch is an amazing Miniature Schnauzer who's probably hiked more miles than we have and through way more ardent conditions than we could ever imagine. We've had the pleasure of getting to know Atticus and his mate Tom Ryan through our outdoor blogging exploits. Late last year, Tom's book, "Following Atticus", made a grand debut on bookshelves. Previous to that we were fortunate enough to win an advanced readers copy and were sent on a virtual adventure as we followed Atticus and Tom and learned more about their lives as well as Atticus's precursor Max while reading "Following Atticus".

If you remember correctly, we reviewed the book late last year and if you love adventure or stories with spirit, then you will love "Following Atticus". To celebrate Atticus's 10th birthday, Tom and Atticus would very much appreciate everyone purchasing a copy of their book. It is Tom's birthday wish for Atticus to hit the NY Times best seller's list. If they do so, then they will donate $1,000 to the Jimmy Fund and a $1,000 to Angell Animal Medical Center, two organizations that both Tom and Atticus believe in and support full-heartedly. If you ask us, that's the greatest birthday gift anyone could ask for.

Photo Courtesy of
Tom Ryan

If you've been meaning to buy the book, for yourself or as a gift, take some time today or this week and get a copy. All the big stores should have it (i.e. Barnes and Noble, Amazon, etc.) and yes the e-book counts as well. We think that Tom and Atticus should have already been on the NY Times best seller list, and they've been close, so let's put them over the hump and get them on the list. I couldn't think of another pair that deserves it as much as Tom and Atticus.

Oh, and don't forget to keep up with Tom and Atticus' adventure over on their blog and Facebook page.

Happy Trails,
Tim and Robin

We're Still Around

First off, let us just wish everyone a very belated Happy February as well as a belated Happy Valentine's Day. From the looks of it, Spring has sprung rather early for the most of us, and it's quite strange. What's unfortunate, is we haven't been able to get out and enjoy it as much as we'd like, but that's quite alright, we've got very good reason, and we shall be changing that all soon enough.

We're pretty sure that all of you are wondering how life is going with a newborn, and we'll be honest in that it's been stressful, pleasurable, nerve-racking, blissful, fearful, and joyous all wrapped into one. We've done quite a bit with little Miss Dinah since she's come into this world. A few weeks back we made a trip up to Cumberland Gap NHP just to get of the house for a while. We had been cooped up for a while and Robin was climbing the walls. Dinah made her first, but likely not last trip to the Iron Furnace at Cumberland Gap. Of course she was oblivious to the whole thing. What did you expect? Infants sleep, a lot. Well, at least when they are feeling well.

Guest Post from Amy and Nate of Marking My Territory

When we asked in earlier posts about guest posts, Amy and Nate of the blog Marking My Territory were happy to help us out with a post. Below is their guest post for Appalachia & Beyond and in our opinion is a great post that leads us to remember some of the essentials about hiking with our four-legged companions. We couldn't agree more, that research of the trails you're hiking is tantamount before heading out with your "best friends". We hope you enjoy the post.

P.S. We are all doing great by the way. Some major adjustments have been made and we are starting to get the hang of the whole baby thing again. We should be back to regular blogging in a couple more weeks so we apologize in advance for those who are missing the FGR's and what not, we're sure you all understand. Now to the Guest Post.

Camera Hounds

Getting on the trails with our dogs is a highlight of our outdoor activities. It's great to get out and test not only our limits, but also to watch how our dogs grow, adapt and learn how to handle new challenges. (And the blissful satisfaction of finally wearing out a slightly-crazed 18-month-old pup cannot be underestimated!) However, our experiences have brought to light some things that are important to take into account when hiking with man's best friend.

First Walk (Not quite a hike)

On New Years Eve day, the weather was phenomenal, and considering it was likely going to be the last pretty day for a little while we decided to take full advantage of it and get out for a bit. Granted we've been out a couple times since the wee little one arrived almost two weeks ago, it's not been any getting out that we wanted to do. It seems that when you go out because you have to it feels more like a chore than it does anything else regardless if you've been cooped up for any length of time (just ask Robin). It was different this time. Yes, we did hit the big local box mart but not before we got outside and filled our lungs with some much needed fresh air.