Outbound Hound - Travel Unleashed

Today I got an email from a friend asking me if I’ve stuck to, or quit on my new year’s resolutions. Already!! It’s only been 16-days. It’s tough that while I’m writing out my hopes and desires for 2011 there are a contingent of people out there who seem like they’re waiting for us “well-wishers” to fail. This is why I’d like to give a bit of encouragement to you all this post holiday season.

As humans, we likely have the all too familiar “get healthy/lose weight” goal listed on our to-dos. As dog owners, we also have a list of resolutions that are Fido focused – with anything from mastering that inconsistent come command to giving your dog the happiest life possible. And if no one else has said this to you yet, I’d like to be the first to say – “you can do it!” Whatever has made it to your list of wants and desires for 2011 it’s yours for the taking.

To get you started, I recommend picking one thing off your list and making a plan for how you can make that resolution/goal a reality. It may take you a day to accomplish or it may take you three months. Don’t worry, it’s not a race J you’ve got all year.

For those of you with fitness goals (you and/or your dogs), you can “get two dogs with one bone” here. The tried and true method, of course, is getting out and walking your dog at least once a day. A recent issue of AKC Family Dog has highlighted some additional recommendations that sound like fun for both you and your pup.

• Running agility
• Practice “doga”
• Participate in the YMCA Power of Pets program (offered locally at the Silver Spring YMCA)

There are also an endless number of outdoor activities, a myriad of which we feature here at Outbound Hound. Are you going for a fitter you and more balanced pup in 2011? If so, please share what activities you will be doing to obtain that goal. Have a different goal? We’d love to read about it so please share!

If you’ve been following us on Facebook then you know that our very own Julie got a shout out on the Browns Automotive Group Blog. We love getting mentions in the blogosphere and Julie earned hers due to the car trouble she ran into on a recent trip from Michigan back to Virginia. I ran into my own car trouble just the weekend prior on a trip from Upstate New York south to Virginia, so now I think we might be the leading experts in juggling car care and dog care enroute.

About half way through my 500 mile drive I watched the various warning indicators illuminate one by one on my dash – battery light, ABS, airbag, on and on. About that same time my air conditioning quit, which was a huge concern since I’m very vigilant about keeping Cannon cool on any summer ride. As I was looking for an exit that indicated any type of civilization my car started lurching bit as it struggled to accelerate up a small hill. I called my hubby so someone knew just where I was and so I could talk through a plan of attack.

Just minutes later I was off the interstate, sitting in a restaurant parking lot and thinking about a tow cause my car was now not starting. My very first concern through all of this was how to keep Cannon safe and comfortable. I got him out of the hot car and into the shade. I pulled out his travel bowl and filled it with water. We hung out in the shade, called Geico for that tow which I made sure would accommodate me and an 80lb dog. We worked through which auto shop was nearby and open on a Sunday afternoon and even what hotels were close which would accommodate dogs, because who knows how long this adventure could last.

A new alternator and four hours later I was grateful for the kindness of strangers (especially the PepBoys that let Cannon and I hang out inside their shop for all that time) and for being prepared for those road side troubles you just can’t foresee. Check out the following list to keep you and your pup just a little safer if you have troubles on the road this summer.

• Keep your cellphone charged. Your car charger won’t help you if your car has no juice.
• Know who call in the case of an emergency and know their number. You may not always be close to home – does your auto insurance company provide roadside assistance?
• Carry a basic emergency kit in your vehicle. Include a flashlight for night time breakdowns.
• Pack enough water for both you and your dog to keep you hydrated for several hours. Include travel bowl for your pup… it’s funny but frustrating to get him to drink out of the bottle : )
• Travel with a leash at all times.
• Add an extra scoop or two in your dog’s travel bag. You never know when you’ll need an extra day of travel.
• Have a power bar or two in your own travel bag to keep yourself going on the road.
• Store a blanket in the car. It’s good for keeping warm on a cold day or creating shade on a hot one.

Also, we highly recommend checking out that blog post by Browns Automotive Group, it could save you and your pup a lot of stress during vacation season.

In this month’s issue of Backpacker Magazine they listed their “10 Essentials: Update your survival kit for 2010.” There were some great ideas from First aid kits to GPS units. It got me thinking, what updates or new gear do I want on my personal top ten items to shop list for this spring?

1. Gaiters | Until Julie and I break the curse of precipitation when we go hiking looks like this one’s a must. I typically exclusively hike in trail running shoes, so the Mountain Hardwear Seta Strapless Running Gaiters are my favorites at the moment.

 

2. Absorbent Dog Towel | Stop laughing. I know I’m way behind on this purchase but since I’ve got plenty of towels still left over from college (no… seriously) they’re fine for drying the dog. After the soggy trip to Savage River Lodge I got a wakeup call that regular towels just aren’t good enough.

 

3. Sleeping Bag | I have one already but after last year’s camping trips I learned that it just doesn’t hold up against the cold temps in the Blue Ridge Mountains. I’m doing research now to find the perfect women’s, long, down filled bag. Since I’ve got an orange tent I’m hoping I can get it in green… love this color combo!

 

4. Canister Stove | I’ve been dreaming of getting one ever since my brother, Keith, and I took a killer 15 mile hike on the Appalachian Trail (AT) in fall of ’08. It was October and there was already frost on top of the mountain. After 8 miles we needed a lunch break (cup of noodles) and hot cocoa. Keith pulled a canister stove out of his backpack and whipped up a fast and hot lunch for us both. I burned my tongue but it was worth it. I’m kinda hot (harhar) on the Jetboil Flash Cooking System.

 

5. Lip Protector | A couple weeks ago Julie asked me “if you were stranded on an island, what one item would you want with you?” My answer – “chapstick.” May sound kinda lame but after kayaking Costa Brava in Spain last summer without lip protection I learned my lesson when it comes to the stuff. The next morning it looked like I’d had an overzealous Dr inject me with collagan… and it was painful. I picked up Cover Your Mouth by Origins. Best lip protection I’ve ever used and it makes your lips look so moist and healthy. I swear by it.

 

6. Sports Bras | Don’t know about you but it’s really important for me to keep “the girls” locked and loaded when I’m hiking. This usually doesn’t provide many options for cute underwear. Everything that looks half way decent is usually built for low impact activities. I’ve found the Drishti Bra at Lululemon and I want to give it go. After all, who says you can’t feel sexy when you’re out hiking?

 

7. Rain Pants | Again, after Savage River Lodge I learned the importance of rain pants. Julie had them, I did not. Cold and wet is a bad combo. Jules seems to like her Marmot’s so that’s likely what I’ll aim to get. Tried and true in long please.

 

8. Dog Bed | If you’ve seen our photo albums then you’ve likely seen shots of Cannon on a dog bed in the campsite, possibly even under a blanket. Listen, he likes to be snuggly and warm. That’s why I’ve been shopping around for new beds. Ruffwear’s got this Mt. Bachelor Pad that not only has a great name but it can also go from the car to the campsite.

 

9. Camera Upgrade | This one might actually be on the “seriously Katina, you’re dreaming” list. But I’d love to get a new camera for shots out on the trail. I love my current Canon Powershot but would love to get a Canon Digital SLR. Everyone’s gotta have a dream.

 

10. Car | My current ride is worn and not suitable for travel for me let alone my pup. Cross-over, wagon… what’s a girl to do? Better start saving!

Got a wish list of your own? We’d love to hear what’s in your catalog of wants & needs!