Once upon a time Chris and I got this great idea that we were going to go camping this summer.
I envisioned it in my head as the best trip ever. We were going to hike and fish and swim and white water raft (all with Harlow of course) and at night we’d eat the fish we’d caught as we sat by the campfire and drank beer and thought about what a great day it was. I think I got this idea shortly after I had watched The River Wild , one of Meryl’s best if you ask me, so the image I imagined in my head was Chris, Harlow and myself rafting down a beautiful river with our camping supplies on board, and then when we would go on land Harlow would be free to roam as he pleased. (Just like Roarke and Maggie did.)
Here’s the thing about me, I always envision things in my head that never turn out to be quite as good.
I kind of forgot that Chris and I own zero camping supplies. And we have zero camping experience. Or rafting experience. Or anything really that would make that trip I had in mind even remotely possible.
And as it turns out it’s actually much harder than expected to find a legit camping site where dogs are allowed to roam as they please. Almost all have strict leash laws. And Har wasn’t about to have any of that.
And then I also remembered I’m pretty sure I don’t think I like camping. At the end of a summer night when it’s still hot and humid and you just want to fall asleep in a cool air conditioned room your only option is a damp and moist sleeping bag in a tent, which is still in fact outside. And yes, I used “moist” intentionally simply because I know 97% of the world hates the word. Panties is a favorite as well.
So slowly but surely our camping trip started to turn into a trip to the Ozarks to see my pal, Sara, and then a quick rendezvous back to Nebraska to celebrate the 4th with our families.
It all turned out for the best because Harlow got to do his favorite thing in the world, which is go for boat rides. I’ve never seen a dog more obsessed with boats than Harlow. Even when the boat was docked, Harlow was on it.
And when he wasn’t on it, he was lying next to it.
“Hey, that’s not fair! Get down from there! GET DOWN!“
“Okay fine then, I’m coming up.” I love narrating Har’s voice.
And after the lake we made a quick stop to my parents house.
To see this little girl.
Harlow’s a great babysitter.
And this kid with the newly buzzed haircut, Knox. Or as I call him now, Carl. If you watch Shameless on Showtime and know the youngest kid, Carl, then you’ll appreciate this reference. Let’s just say it’s not only because of the haircut….
Happy July 1st, everyone! The best holiday of the year is just four days away.
haha I love it! I imagine things in my head all the time and get upset when they dont turn out like my imagination! Clearly things get lost in translation lol. Also Harlow is a rockstar!
Harlow on the steps…OMG! haha…awesome pics. I now want some s'mores and some new jean shorts…you're rockin those! Emelia// http://www.dreambigandbuytheshoes.com
So how far up the stairs/ladder did Harlow make it?! And seriously, isn't the fourth of july THE best? Too bad fireworks and grilling on the river looks to be turning into flashlights and battening down the hatches for the first hurricane of the year for some of us!
I have decided that I would like to go boating with Harlow, and you so you can narrate of course! I narrate for my dogs ALL the time. And I'm very very scared for your family if you have a little Carl running around!!
I'm certain that Harlow and our black lab, Bella would be besties! She absolutely love water and boat rides too. Enjoy the rest of your trip home!
When I die I want to come back as Harlow
you and me both!
That's so funny & awesome that Harlow loves the boat so much!! Sound like a fun weekend & week ahead!! Happy 4th!!
Hahaha loved this story.
I think I want to be Harlow. He has the best life ever.
What Jamie said. Harlow has an amazing life, foreals. I love the family portrait – everyone is smiling!
Oh and HAHAHAH at the Carl reference .. that kid, man. OMG.
one more .. LOL at Harlow's little back feet coming up the stairs!!
I love Harlow. I want to hang out with him
Harlow! Such determination on those stairs, I love it.
I can't believe Harlow climbing those steps, I'm impressed! As a human I wouldn't like to go up them. That's too funny that he loves boats so much!
Amen! Best holiday ever! I love that Harlow loves boats, my dog would just bark at the water..because she's odd like that.
Ah, we have a vizsla (Matilda) and she would TOTALLY try to climb up that stand rather than be separated from her man…and she LOVEs boats.
Vizslas are too awesome for words. I was behind a car today whose bumper sticker said, "When god created Vizslas, he was just showing off." 🙂
haha I love it! I imagine things in my head all the time and get upset when they dont turn out like my imagination! Clearly things get lost in translation lol. Also Harlow is a rockstar!
That lake looks gorgeous!! Much better than camping!
Harlow on the steps…OMG! haha…awesome pics. I now want some s'mores and some new jean shorts…you're rockin those!
Emelia// http://www.dreambigandbuytheshoes.com
What kind of dog is he? I just recently got a dog myself, but I think she is too diva to have any kind of fun!
http://www.tif-fancy.com
Harlow and the boat are a love story for sure.
So how far up the stairs/ladder did Harlow make it?! And seriously, isn't the fourth of july THE best? Too bad fireworks and grilling on the river looks to be turning into flashlights and battening down the hatches for the first hurricane of the year for some of us!
This looks like my kind of camping!
Sound way better than a moist sleeping bag! 😉 Harlow is such a little cutie, so content by those boats haha.
guesswhathollie.blogspot.co.uk
Where is your leopard bathing suit from? love!
harlow's always down for a good time. i like that. sounds like y'all had a great time despite the non camping aspect
Sounds like so much fun! Although, a camping fail post would have been really entertaining 🙂
Well I enjoyed this post, it sounds like you have been having a bloody great time
Harlow and the boat and Harlow wanting to play lifeguard had me in stitches. Your dog is pretty frikkin cool!
Looks like a great little trip!
I have decided that I would like to go boating with Harlow, and you so you can narrate of course! I narrate for my dogs ALL the time. And I'm very very scared for your family if you have a little Carl running around!!
Harlow is so awesome! I am glad you had a great time! Happy 4th!