Follow me to Schnoodle Creek

Sorry I’ve been so absent but I’ve stepped away from triathlon for a while so I could focus on other pursuits, namely, my new house! I bought it in June 2015 and have been working on it in my spare time. Its got just the right amount of projects and renovating to be done so I decided to start another blog to share my projects, tips and tricks, interior design ideas and more.

Hope you’ll follow me to Schnoodle Creek Creative!

Home is where the dog is.

Adventures in the Wild

Saturday Memphis and I went “hiking” at the nearby Greenway Water Preserve. Since moving home, I’ve ran this loop quite often but since I’ve been sidelined, Memphis and I have walked it twice. Leading into Saturday’s hike, we had some rain so there were definitely some muddy parts willing to suck your boots in but Memphis seemed undaunted and just flew through those areas.

We were the only ones out there so I was able to let him off the leash once we got off the single track part onto the 2 mile loop around the mangroves and water. Sometimes the Black Flash would go wondering a little too far into the mangroves but did listen to me when I told him to back out. I’m worried about gators and crabs. As we got about 1/4 mile in, there is a clear spot that opens to the Indian River and you can see out across the way to the bridge. I let Memphis wade in and threw a stick for him.

He was somewhat hesitant at first to leave the ground to swim but eventually after a couple of times he did and proudly swam back towards shore with a large stick in his mouth. This dog just loves the water so he was happy to be running around free all wet and shaggy.

We continued on as he sniffed crab holes and animal scents and luckily spotted the web where a very large banana spider was hanging out. The web stretched the width of the trail and was sporting several bugs in its web so clearly the spider was not starving. I really don’t like spiders but I can admire them from afar.

As we wound our way around, Memphis would take of sprinting ahead and eventually stop, turn around and look for me and either trot back some or continue on. He’s really good about keeping me in his sights. Even though this is a 2.75 mile walk, he has done really well both times and only later was exhausted.

There’s a reason he’s called the Black Flash

I on the other hand was wearing some old hiking boots I was trying out for an upcoming trip only to sadly agree with myself that they are way too small to use anymore. Its really a shame because they are super nice, full Italian leather Scarpa boots. I got two blisters immediately and couldn’t wait to get them off of my feet.

We finished the hike as the sun was going down which is always the best way to end a day’s activity. We got a couple of more shots before heading back to the car and home for a shower for both of us.

This morning I found a tick on Memphis’ head. I got the body detached but couldn’t get the head out so I took him to the vet’s because I feared disease and infection. They said the head should eventually be forced out by the skin and that Lyme disease isn’t common here in the South. Good thing to know!

I’m really glad we have such a nice trail near by but I’m looking forward to heading to Sebastian soon to check out a much larger piece of land where hopefully I’ll be running in April. And yes, for all of you dealing with snow, ice and sleet, I had shorts and a t-shirt on 🙂

As my legs start to get healthier, I’m looking forward to running this track again but it has been nice to slow down and see things I normally wouldn’t see like the abandoned bird’s nest. Now that I know Memphis can do the whole loop, maybe I’ll bring him on a run out there as he’s normally running anyways, the only thing that slows us down is him marking something every other second, damn male dogs!

Do you like to switch up your workouts? Do you train with your dog?

Thankful for Memphis

Memphis, my 3 year old-ish Schnoodle, is the love of my life and my partner in crime. He loves receiving belly rubs, treats, and of course attention. He loves to swim and paddle around for hours on end which unfortunately means he also pees for hours on end afterwards!

This black ball of energy is a Humane Society rescue who was with a young family the first 8 months of his life and was apparently too much energy for the family who had a new born (probably not the best idea to get a puppy and a newborn at the same time). Regardless, I found him while browsing for dogs online when I was living in Jacksonville. I thought there was no way he would still be available by the time I made it to the shelter over the weekend in Vero.

Taken right after I adopted him but had to wait 2 days to pick him up

Low and behold he was there and all mine! Since that Martin Luther King Jr day in 2011 when I picked him up, we have become inseparable and has been adopted by many friends. He has lots of aunts and uncles both in Vero Beach and Jacksonville. He’s a welcome sight for many customers at my store especially the little ones because he’s so gentle with them and loves to shake his butt when he wags his tail.

Memphis is certainly a unique dog as I like to think most dogs are. We have gotten into a comfortable routine but he is always up for a car trip with his mom and is so easy to travel with that I like taking him with me. Plus, he can sing. Anyone who has been around Memphis’ singing knows what I’m talking about!

Memphis and Obie are best buds (most of the time)

 

 

This Thanksgiving, while we’re not doing anything big, I’m thankful for The Black Flash and all of the joy and laughter he brings not just to myself but to my friends, family and customers. He’s a one of a kind dog and I’m thankful for that.