We live on the Columbia River with paws in two states - Oregon and Washington. That Columbia River, same one as Lewis 'n Clark. This time of year, salmon friends migrate to the coast, then come back later when it warms up. Like windsurfers and paddlers.
Come on baby, light my fire! Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org
Smoke on the water means it's undercover doxie wa-wa season.
Fireplace season. Lap dog season!
I live outside all summer long on the wa-wa. But I'm hanging on the inside now, all zen by the fireplace. Wa-wa is snow or smokin' this time of year.
The long hairs and big dogs love snow.
I like it - in my yard - in my puffy coat - with my BFF frisbee - for about 5 minutes. Can't find ball or stick in all that white stuff - and my dinky toes sink in.
My old basset bro Elvis had no problem with snow. That's because he had Ugg boot paws - big 'ol wide surf dog feet. And a lot more insulation.
You probably won't meet a lot of surfing doxie wa-wa's or chiweenies. Our kind are better at surfing laps than slopes.
Our beach looks different this time of year, too.
Here's Hood River AKA Dog River sandbar AKA snowbar:
Dog River (Hood River,) where it meets the Columbia. Photo (c) Barb Ayers, DodDiary.org
Hood River rushes downhill from Mt Hood, through the City of Hood River, to the Columbia. Our sandbar is the secret spot where two rivers meet. That magical dog beach where dogs of all species meet up. Our hometown sits on the baby toes of the big Kahuna - Mount Hood. Snow dog central.
It's beginning to look a liot like Christmas! Small town USA - downtown Hood River. Photo (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org
Hood River's first name was Dog River.
Of course.
But I like the way-cool dog town name better.
Of course.
Here in the Columbia River Gorge, standup paddle boarders, SUP dogs, windsurfers, kite surfers, kayakers, white water rafters, outriggers, skiers, boarders, hikers, bikers and adventure dogs hang out - hang loose.
In summers, we get gnarly waves and surf - even though we're two hours from the coast. How cool is that? The Gorge is the windsurfing capital of the world. A rad town for rad dudes like me 'n you. Runnin' with the big dogs!
Just another ho-hum dog beach in the Gorge. Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org
Check out this old pic - it's our river, 90 years ago - and that's not dog years!
Photo (c) History Museum of Hood River County http://historichoodriver.com
Talk about a snowbar!!
That was the winter of 1929 in Hood River. Our big ol' gnarly river was, like, totally frozen over. Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!
Mom says there's a thing called a 100 year storm. I'm asking you Diary, for nothing 100 year-ish this winter, please. Could you put in a good word for us? Last year was ruff - Snowmeggadon. I hope we're good for another 100 years. But that's not what the weather dudes are sayin.'
Better surf than sorry. Burrow under cover!
Your 007 doxie,