Travelin' Dogs

 

On Thursday, Bill mentioned that we need to follow up on getting the dogs eligible for crossing the Canadian Border. 

That turned out easy!

A quick call to Center Valley Vets and an immediate response from Donna, the receptionist, meant Bill could drive over to the neighborhood vet clinic and pick up written certification that both Bridie and Foster were current on their rabies vaccinations.

And, that's all that's needed to cross the border.  

We both agreed that, with this unusually nice and open winter weather, a drive to Canada would be fun. 

Yesterday morning while I was walking with Bridie back from the hay field, I met Bill on the lane headed to the wood pile with his firewood bag.

"Today seems like a good day to go to Canada," he said as he passed by. 

"Might as well," I responded. 

Half an hour later, after loading up dogs, documentation and passports, we were on our way. 

As we were approaching Naples, Bill announced, "Well, now I'll tell the real reason for going to Canada."

"What's that?" I asked. 

"Sturgeon Station," he quipped. 

Bill has been anxious to make his first visit to the new convenience store/Sonic on the hill north of Bonners Ferry, but he also wanted to go to Canada.

So, we combined the two, spending about 15 minutes in the Kootenai Tribal business, which opened about a month ago. 

While strolling around the store looking at displays, I met Christa, a very friendly and welcoming employee with lots of good words about the construction (blue pine ceiling and openness), staff and the store itself. 

For jerky lovers, here's a scoop:  Christa told me the store has more than 100 kinds of jerky. 

She also told me that Sturgeon Station will be celebrating its grand opening next week:  Jan. 5, 6, 7. 

I must also mention that, on our way back, we once again stopped at the Sturgeon Station Sonic for ice cream treats. 

Anyway, as we approached the Porthill border crossing, Bill pulled out his passport card and the dogs' documentation, while I handed him my passport.

Easy peasy entering Canada with dogs and the same is true on the return.  The Canadian Border agent seemed really fascinated with the dogs, especially Foster. 

On our approach to Canada, Bill had noted the possibility of fog, as a low white cloud at the lower level of the mountains enveloped the Kootenai Valley to our left. 

Sure enough, we drove through gloomy fog in Creston and decided to head west toward Salmo where elevation could get us back into sun and blue skies. 

Well, that turned out fine, but the snow was getting deeper the further we drove, so we turned around and decided to take the dogs for a walk at the Kootenay-Columbia Discovery Centre where we had visited on an earlier trip this year. 

 https://www.explorecrestonvalley.com/post/kootenay-columbia-discovery-centre-society

It was pretty foggy at the centre, but that actually created a nice mood for photographs. 

We didn't see birds while walking the wonderful board walk, gravel or grassy trails, like we had on our previous visit, but we did see a muskrat, literally in its own little world,  busily doing its thing alongside the trail. 

We also met another interesting and friendly couple with a dog named Mike. Again, Bridie had a good learning experience and passed the test with flying colors.  

We were pleased that both Bridie and Foster stood or sat quietly while we visited with Bernard and Alice. 

Fun folks and definitely outdoors enthusiasts.

It was a fun outing in a beautiful and well-managed area.  Our walk with the dogs was followed by lunch at Jimmy's Pub and Grill at the hotel in downtown Creston. 

Yesterday provided another great test for the possibility of taking our dogs on road trips.  They are so mellow and flexible and they LOVE to go. I think we're going to have a lot of fun with them on future trips. 

Today, we say good bye to 2023, and I want to wish my sister Barbara and my sister-in-law Joyce Happy Birthdays. 

Hope everyone has a safe and happy New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

Enjoy the photos.