Three Ratties And The Tolt River Trail

Today was a bit drizzly in the PNW, but that didn't mean the dogs weren't up for a walk! We decided a change in scenery was what we needed today so we ventured out to Carnation, WA and the Tolt River Trail. This time it was just three out of five dogs who accompanied us. Birdie wanted to stay cuddled up in her blankets in her crate in the car, and Liza was going crazy to be able to stay home by herself because she really really wanted to be able to work on, in peace, a frozen stuffed Kong that she decided had her name on it. It ended up being a very peaceful walk and the three amigos had a great time exploring this place they haven't been to since last February.

I loved this smoothly weathered huge log that had washed up on shore during some storm in the recent past

Very serene Tolt River and all the fall colors and bare branches.

Skip facing me, Jenny's cute little tush, and Tim off in the distance! Tim was feeling pretty frisky in this new place and really wanted to go out and check out the new smells.

Skip always loves to check out the shore and water's edge.

Tim getting brave to get closer to the moving water with his brother Skip.

The boys still seeking and loving this new place.

Tim got really close to the water for a sniff at this piece of wood.

Sweet Jenny, enjoying hanging out with mom while the boys run around like madmen.

Pretty little girl...

Jenny posing on the rocks for me.

It was time to get back on the trail and there were lots of things that needed some pee-mail to be left for the next visitor to read.

Time to practice recall! Look at Tim run to me when I call his name.

Skip is air-bound coming up a small hill, "yes mom, you called?" Good Boy!

Tim taking the same hill! "Here I am mom!"

These rocks make such a great backdrop for three rattie kiddos.

As do these leaves...

Gorgeous Snoqualmie River looking North, downriver. That bridge in the distance is a walking suspension bridge that ends up in a sweet little camp ground where they have yurts and camping spaces.

Snoqualmie River looking South, upriver. That bridge is for cars.

Remember, if you dress for the weather you can still get your rattie out for a fun and enriching day!

Tim (with Skip) Revisits Edmonds, WA

Back in January we took Timken and our foster dog at the time Sybil to Edmonds, WA and this was one of the first really big public experiences Tim had. Here is the blog post from that excursion Sybil and Timken Help Me Celebrate! Part 2 of 2 Scary thing.
A couple of weeks ago we finally made it back to Edmonds and were interested to see if Tim was any more comfortable here than he was about 10 months ago. We decided that we would only walk Tim and Skip together because Skip is very comfortable out and about in public spaces and he has no care about other people (as long as they ignore him), dogs, sights, or sounds. We felt Skip would be a good companion for Tim to model curiosity and calmness in a public environment. We also made sure to go on a weekday thinking things would not be too chaotic or crowded. All in all it worked out pretty well!

And we're off! Once Tim got out of the car he was ready to check out the features of this park. This was a good sign...

Skip and Tim both liked checking out this little rock garden at the entrance.

Tim says, "ok dad let's check this place out and mom can take the photos!

"Wow dad, I think I remember this place from before, let's get a closer look."

Skip and Tim take no time to get us to their favorite part, the sand, drift-wood, brush, and smells...

Tim takes a reassurance break while Skip wishes I could unleash him so he could get to the exploring part.

Skip is always so great at posing for me to take his photo. "cheeeeeeeze"

Yup even at 11 years old Skip says, "I still got it mom".

More climbing....

And this is now one of my most favorite pictures of these boys...

Tim says, "oh yeah this IS fun dad! I love to do this!"

Tim tries to strike a pose like Skip taught him to do....nice!

So back in January this raised walkway over the marina was a really scary thing to Tim.

It still is as you can tell by his body language, but he was more ready to try it this time and he did make it after some stops, reassurance, and salmon treats. This walkway really creaks and you can see through the slats down below. Skip on the other hand says, "what's the big deal Tim?"

I loved the functional artwork here all around the marina. This is a beautiful storm drain cover.

And another cool storm drain cover.

Such a beautiful and peaceful day. The weather was mild especially for Oct.

Whoops, saw the sign too late. Do cute Ratties count? SORRY city of Edmonds Plaza people....

Tim and dad taking in the beautiful boats.

"Hi mom, I love you..."

Skip wonders when will we be motoring again?

"Mom do you think you could put the camera away so we could get moving?"

There were some passersby that worried Tim so he needed another break.

Edmonds-Kingston ferry taking off...

Such beautiful flowers blooming in late Oct!

There are all sorts of these fun bronze sea sculptures hiding around the small beach.

I loved these guys...more bronze sculptures.

Yes mom wanted more posing from the boys.

"Dad do you think mom will be done soon?"

Tim was a little flummoxed by this sea lion baby so dad touched it to show him it was ok....

Skip never misses a chance to get his toes wet...

This is Tim's seagull impression.

All of a sudden there was a very loud train whistle close by. Tim was really not liking this and he started to freak out.

So dad held him until the train was gone. That train blew it's whistle too many times even for our ears.

This is the offending train.

Skips decides to check out the pee-mail while Tim is waiting for the train to be done making all that racket.

This seemed like a nice family. Do you think the people know they have seagulls on their heads?

Time to head back, the train is gone, and all is quiet again at the marina. We had a great time with the boys. Next time we will have to bring the girls along. That will be a hoot!