Day 3 - Well Rested and Ready

Our day began with our walk. Jason told us of a wonderful park just down the street. What a great find.

Of course Luna was noticed for her fantastic off-leash behavior. I was told Boulder is a really really dog friendly area, and we saw a few really great dogs on our short hike during Day 2. At this morning's park, it looked like there was some private dog training going on. The park was big enough so Luna and I stayed at least 100yds away and just did our thing. We walked around the playground equipment. I checked my email and some gossip pages on my phone. We just walked around. I expect Luna to follow me and she follows me, and sniffs ahead, and waits for me, and follows me some more. I take her picture. It's just what we do.

Luna is an experienced model. Sometimes she'll smile for the camera. Sometimes I swear she's saying, "Just take your 12,000th picture. Let's go."

The person who I think was receiving some private training said to us as we passed by her, "How do you do that? How do you get her to stay by you while you walk around like you're not even paying attention?"

Now, how could I answer a relationship question like that with just a short, "pat," "magical" answer? I didn't really know what to say so I said, "We've been together 7 years. I expect her to follow me." The person who I think was the trainer said, "Yes! That's the attitude I want you to have! You EXPECT him to follow you!" As Luna and I walked back up the hilly street to have our breakfasts, we saw the woman casually walking around with her arms crossed and her humongous Bernese Mountain Dog following and sniffing behind her. It was really sweet. Ambassador Luna spreads her goodness again.

After our walk and breakfast, Jason left for a 3+ hour ride. Oy. Luna told me she was tired...

It was back to Super Comfy Bed for Luna

While Jason rode, Luna and I caught up on I'm a D.O.G.! and other computer things. We also made some lunch. One of my favorite vacation treats is a turkey reuben sandwich. Cooking in our rental has been slightly challenging. Before a trip, I make a list of the meals I think we'll enjoy and a grocery list of what we'll need. I try to bring a lot of our own things so I don't have to re-buy them, and I've been told that I bring too much (not by Jason, he would never say that). I like to be prepared and independent, and you just never know what kind of grocery store you'll find. I knew we'd have Whole Foods access, and I thought I'd try to be that "trusting" kind of person I've been encouraged to be. I decided not to bring non-stick spray or foil. The rental - with a full kitchen - would probably have those, right? Dang it. It didn't. I need a Safeway grocery store...

Anyway, cooking has been a bit challenging because I've had to use butter to keep everything from sticking to the 18/10 stainless steel fry pan. Oy. It works ok, but it adds so many calories and just doesn't work as well as non-stick spray on a non-stick pan. I've spent a lot of time scrubbing out the one pan so far!

The turkey reuben went ok. Some of the cheese fell out as I put it into the pan and that created a seriously sticky sticking issue, but I think I did pretty well!

Vacation Turkey Reuben

Jason had some troubles along his ride (roads closed due to Boulder fires and a huge cross wind) and returned pretty tired... After a shower, lunch and a nap, he was ready for an adventure. Luna said she was So Ready!

The Pack trekked to Chautauqua Park. A super busy huge outdoor area with easy to hard trails. We took a medium one that at least had some shade, but we climbed over 500 ft in rocky rocky terrain in about 2 minutes and we were a bit winded and unsure where we were. It all turned out perfectly and we got some great pictures.

Jason and his Peanut near the end of the trail


L&L and all our supplies


The Downsized Pack of Three - Still. Awesome.

We decided to rest and hydrate a bit in the huge yard space. Shade and a breeze made it absolutely dreamy. We saw this and had to smile and capture it:

Sleepy Sleepy College Students - the book on the left is clearly marked "USED."
When I zoomed in on the photo on the computer, I could see the book is an Anatomy book...

After the jaunt through Chautauqua Park, we drove up Flagstaff Road to the top of one of the "foothills" of the Rocky Mountains. Jason looked like perfection...well, of course, because that is what he is.

This may end up being my favorite photo of the trip

Then it was time to return to our rental. Made a quick stop at Safeway for non-stick spray and foil. I'm noticing the higher altitude and less activity is a total appetite suppressant. Doesn't mean I'm not eating a ton...I'm forcing myself because I don't want to miss out on anything because I didn't eat enough. Trust me, the nutrition and caloric intake are quite high...

You know Luna was a little tired since she looked like this while I was preparing my chicken quesadilla:

Dreamy Sweet Luna

Though she'd be ready for any adventure we told her to follow us on, we think it'll be a Sunday Night Football kind of night and another day of outdoor fun tomorrow!