While the kids were on Spring break, we took a couple of days and headed down to Brown County, Indiana to hike in the state's largest state park and check out the unique shops in downtown Nashville. We rented an adorable bungalow cottage from
Robinwood Inn that allowed us to bring Rory along with us. This was his first vacation trip and a trial run before we decide if he will be traveling with us when we go to Florida later this summer.
Here's Rory, ready to roll. He traveled really well, and hopefully will be able to join us on many adventures over the years. After reading up on traveling with dogs, I was worried he might get carsick, but he seemed to take in all in stride; even though it rained during our drive, so we didn't stop let him out and walk as much as we had planned.
The bungalow was right in the heart of the shopping district, and we were able to walk everywhere we wanted to go. It was perfect for our family of four and a dog. We were even able to walk and bring Rory into a couple of pet friendly shops, where he made fast friends of the sales people who fed him lots of treats. If the weather had been just a little bit better, he could have sat with us on the patio when we went to dinner. Unfortunately, it was just a bit to cold and rainy; maybe next time.
The bungalow had a full kitchen, with a 1940's stove, so we did have dinner at home one evening. The stove was adorable, but I did have some issues getting it to the correct temperature. Everything was beautifully styled, but I don't think it's something I could live with long term, but for a long weekend, it was fine.
Rory, by the front door, checking out the porch area.
Looking out into the garden, near the porch swing.
Hanging out on the swing with Kevin, while waiting for dinner to finishing baking.
The little fenced garden was lovely, and the first Spring flowers were in bloom; just right for a dog and his girl. The houses in the background are some of the many shops in Nashville.
Rory like people watching out the fence, but he wasn't as amused when "his" people were outside and he was inside. We took a few strolls around town, and he made friends everywhere we went.
There was a little fountain in the garden and the kids dug up old, corroded pennies from the dirt around the fountain. They each got to pick three to keep, and the rest were returned "for other kids to find."
Dorothy, picking dandelions, just outside the garden gates. You can see a bit of the town and the shops, behind her.
We went to Brown County State Park both days were in there, and got in a few good hikes. The entrance to the park still has a covered bridge.
Rory was a huge fan of hiking; partly because of all the exciting new things to smell.
Rory and I stayed at the bottom of the fire tower while Kevin and the kids climbed to the top.
The kids did well, but tired out a bit on the first day. The trail was a little longer (and up and down) than we thought, and with rain threatening, we made them keep moving, rather than go at a more leisurely pace.
Photo credit: Dorothy.
Photo credit: Malcolm.
What can I say? The dog is happy in the woods.
We passed by the stables, so Kevin and Dorothy went to say, "Hi!" to the horses. I kept Rory back on the trail even though he was very interested in saying hello.
Kevin and the kids climbed an even higher fire watchtower while Rory and I watched from below again.
Our hikes on day 2 were a bit muddier than on the first day. Rory had even more chances to get dirty since the kids were inside the nature center for part of our visit. Kevin walked the dog around while I was inside with the kids. Dorothy got to feed the turtles, and both kids touched a rat snake. Then I took Rory for a while (outside) and Kevin went in while it was snake feeding time.
He's been muddier, but he was still pretty dirty. It's the sign of a good hike.
The kids, all dressed up, on our last morning in town. We were headed to a brunch for my aunt's 80th birthday. I had a hard time finding everything I wanted for their outfits, but in the end, I love how their clothes turned out. Dorothy's dress is last year's white eyelet Easter dress. I
finally found a cardigan in a nice spring-y color for her, and it happened to match Malcolm' tie perfectly. I bought his shirt, pants, and tie all at the same store (Crazy 8), but didn't like the colors or shape of the sweater vest they had to pair with the outfit. I finally found a V-neck cardigan (with grey elbow patches - so cute!) at H&M, which just opened a couple of weeks ago at our local mall. I was thinking I wanted a navy or white sweater vest, but I think I like the V-neck cardigan better.
A last look at the bungalow before heading off to our last Spring break adventure.
It was a small, quick trip, but we had a lot of fun, and I was glad we were able to make it to the party. It was a fantastic trial run for traveling with the dog, and we learned a lot about what works and made some plans for how we will do things in the future. I'm even considering staying in the same place when I take my yearly solo birthday vacation, I liked it so much.
