Photo Courtesty Depositphotos/_fla
The next few months are going to be big for “us”. I admit that some of the excitement won’t include Chester and Gretel, but it will be affecting them.
In 12 days, I leave to spend 4 days in Las Vegas at Superzoo, one of the biggest pet-product retail shoes in the country. I went two years ago and it was pretty awesome. Those who attend Superzoo get the first peek at some of the newest products and trends. Most pet companies plan the release of their new stuff around Supezoo and reveal them first there.
While Chester and Gretel will have to sit home with Doggy Daddy for this one, I”ll come back with some new treats and toys they get to try out. I’ll be sharing some of my greatest finds with you too so stay tuned.
The first big adventure for Chester and Gretel comes at the end of this month. We’re taking a 10-day road trip that will pass through 6 states and focus on hiking to the highest point in Colorado – a 14er called Mount Elbert. Our sea-level-dwelling pack has never hiked at that elevation, and rarely hike in areas notorious for afternoon lightening storms, so this will be a true adventure. We’re going to spend a few days hiking at elevation before we attempt it and will have a plan B if it proves to be too much for us.
We’ll be sharing the trip as we go in pictures on Facebook and Instagram. Be sure to follow us both places to get the whole picture (yep, pun intended) because we are not going to be posting the same photos to each.
So you think setting our sights on a peak 30 feet higher than the highest point in Washington State – the infamous Mt. Rainier – is crazy? It will certainly be a challenge that takes preparation. We’re not exactly newbies at this whole thing though. The hike itself is typical of a more difficult hike around here – 8.5 miles round trip with around 1,000 feet of elevation gain per mile. Chester and Gretel climbed Mailbox Peak, which was harder. We just have to make sure to get some more good hikes in around here and do a little more research on hiking in Colorado weather.
Mailbox Peak Trail – Yes, it’s really this steep
On the way back from Colorado, we will pass through Salt Lake City where Doggy Daddy will drop me off to attend the Summer Outdoor Retailer Show on his way back to Seattle. This is like Superzoo for people stuff. Specifically, this is where outdoor-focused brands like North Face, Osprey Packs, and Ruffwear come to reveal their new products.
This will be my first year attending so I am super excited. I am going to get to meet some of the outdoor bloggers I met online for the first time in person. Again, Chester and Gretel won’t be with me for this one but I plan to come back with some cool adventure stuff for myself. When I score the dogs score because it means they will be going on more adventures with me while I try the new stuff out.
We’re going to be hitting the trails even harder when I get back from the Outdoor Retailer Show because Gretel and I have some training to do. In late August or early September Gretel and I are going go on a girls-only, long-distance hike by ourselves. I still have to decide which trail we are going to hike but it will be a 4 – 6 day backpacking trip to somewhere beautiful. This will be the second time I’ve ever backpacked and camped on the trail alone and the first time was only for one night. I’ve wanted to do a trip like this for years but you can thank the ticking clock of age and the movie Wild for finally giving me the guts to do it.
Before you worry about such a big undertaking for us, and the fact that we will be alone (well, except for strangers we run into on the trail), know that this is actually a scaled-down adventure. I originally planned for us to hike section J of the Pacific Crest Trail over 12 days. However, I realized that an undertaking of that size, with the little time we would have to prepare, would be on the verge of unsafe. This shorter trip is totally within our capability. Also, we will be bringing a device with us that will serve as an emergency locator just in case something bad happened. It will also allow Doggy Daddy and I to text messages to each other. If everything works out, there will be a place online you can watch our progress on a map too.
We hope you follow along with our adventures!
Do you have any big adventures of your own coming up?
Caren Gittleman says
DAMN I lead a boring life!!!!!! You have some amazing things on the horizon! Hell yes I will be following to see the amazing photos you take and to read about your adventures! Have fun and be safe!
Jessica Rhae says
Ha, ha. Thanks Caren. Adventuring is hard you know but we do it for our friends and fans so they can live vicariously through us. Someone has to suck it up ya know 😉
Mary says
That all sounds like fun. We have never hike in Colorado, well not much anyway. I think you should pass through Jackson Hole and say hello.
Kyley & Ammo the Dachshund says
Sounds like some fun adventures! Wish Ammo and I could fit in some more road trips and outdoor adventures this summer but we’ve just dived into a DIY kitchen renovations. So it’s staycations for us until it’s done over the next few months! Can’t wait to follow along virtually with you!
Jessica Rhae says
You can always pitch a tent in the back yard and do some glamping 🙂 I am sure it will be nice to have a new kitchen to cook in. We don’t own a house so are always stuck with what we have buy my Grandma designed her own house specifically around the gourmet kitchen.
Dolly the Doxie says
Grandma here. So jealous you are going to SuperZoo! I was secretly hoping to go but my disability claim is still not settled, so no cash. For sure I am going to Global no stopping me. Sounds like you must be feeling pretty good to plan the hikes. I’ll try not to lecture you and Gretel as I know you will be safe. Let me know if Canada Goose is at the retailers show, its on my list when I visit Vancouver.
Jessica Rhae says
I went to Superzoo in 2013 and wasn’t sure I was going again but decided to give it a second try this year. Honestly, most, if not all, of the brands at Superzoo will also be at Global… so you’re not missing too much.
I have been feeling a lot better and it’s great. As things go when time marches on, I am sure I will be feeling “down” again sometime. I just want to seize the moment and do what I can, while I can.
Cupcake says
Mom takes me hiking once every week or so. She doesn’t even like elevation of one foot. And we rarely stay out for more than an hour. You guys are wicked brave. C and G, you will do great! You’re the bravest and strongest doggies ever!
Love and licks,
Cupcake
Emma says
We are jealous. If only we lived in the area we would love to hike with you. Minnesota doesn’t have hiking like that. Southern Germany did, when Mom lived there. Have a great time on all the upcoming adventures!