Croeso i Gymru (Welcome to Wales)

You know, we hounds have many favourite things but now camping is one of them.

We went on holiday to Wales which is now the fourth country I’ve visited! Camping near Rhyd ddu at the bottom of Mt Snowdon, I had a field, a lake and a hillock to call my own. There was only a little black barking beast to ruin the ambiance but once we laid down the personal space rules, all was well in my new utopia.

You see, house rules don’t apply to camping. I’m allowed on the bed they sleep in. If only they made everything as comfy as this.

I’m allowed to steal food from dad’s hand when he isn’t looking. Well, admittedly I pushed the boundaries there but hey, a girl’s got to try.

I was so exhausted I just couldn’t stop. I zoomed around the campsite, I jumped in the lake and I couldn’t wait to climb the mountain but before that, yes, before that I enjoyed my first Welsh pub, the Cwellyn Arms! There was fuss and treats galore, not to mention a roaring fireplace that I could toast my paws near.

I was sad to leave the pub but the next day we climbed Mount Snowdon and after a long steep journey I’m proud to say that…I’ve slept at the top. In fairness, it was a well earned rest. I scrambled my way over steep rocks and sheep pooh but it was all worth it because after three hours, I made it to the top first. 

Although during the climb I found that the sheep were very bolshy and not at all accommodating with my desire to stare.

However I was disappointed to discover that a train can bring you to the top of the mountain! Although no hounds allowed, so we had to walk down! At least I got a badge for my efforts and it said ‘I climbed Snowdon the hard way.’ Damn right I did! 

 

It has left me wondering whether I’m the first Australian hound to make it to the top of Mount Snowdon?

To say this little holiday had it all, would be an understatement. On the way home we stopped at a lovely café with couches but I wasn’t allowed on them, although I did get to go inside and sneak a crafty lick of a jammy spoon. Nobody saw and I wouldn’t want to ruin it for the other hounds so I just chilled on the floor.

Even though I had just climbed the highest mountain in Wales the day before, I couldn’t believe my luck when we arrived at the beach. It had rained most of the time but when my paws hit sand, the sun came out. In preparation, I stole a couple of dad’s chips and with the last ounce of energy left in my body; I sprinted around the beach like a puppy and threw myself in the sea, fabulous. Afterwards, when my head hit the softness of my bed in the back of the car, it felt like only seconds before we pulled into our driveway at home.

You may think I’ve gone on a bit but one thing is for certain…Wales, rocks!

Pack of Four

Being part of a happy healthy pack is important but when that pack grows, even for a short time, it’s even better.

My good friend Molly came to stay for a few days and once I got over only having seven places to sleep, I enjoyed it. 

Every morning we went for a walk down by the lakes and had a run through the park. It’s just fantastic having someone of equal speed to chase. Molly would bounce and run through the bushes and I would follow with my trusty squeaky Kong ball lodged in my mouth.

Although amongst those bushes, the rabbits linger and it’s safe to say that Molly has more of a penchant for them than I do. Oh God I’ve learnt my lesson from them. I just let them stroll on by but I felt they have been making fun of me lately, just slowly hopping past me and even having the gall to taunt me with that fluffy white tail. Well, they got a shock when Molly burst onto the scene.

Together we investigated, chased, peed and thieved.

Admittedly, I did show off a bit. Molly wasn’t too fond of the water and I may have rubbed it in slightly. I’m not too keen on the water sloshing against my bits but I thought I’d go a little deeper. I played it cool but I was uncomfortably standing on my claws just to keep from drowning. Worth it though.

It was great having company when I was home alone but it’s always good to get the best roaching spots back.

Come again Molly, you’re always welcome.