Swimming in the Laurels

Posted on October 24, 2016 by Ammo

Hiking in the Laurels with Friends

When my sister was about 3 weeks old my cousins came to visit from the south. That little white dog is my cousin Sharkie, and the bigger dog on the right is my newly rescued cousin, Scout. And of course you know me and Trooper!

Hiking in the Laurels with Friends

Since it’s rude not to take your guests on fun adventures when they visit you, of course I had to take them to the river for some swimming fun!

Hiking in the Laurels with Friends

And don’t worry, my sister came along for the fun too. Although she was much too young to join in the water activities.

Hiking in the Laurels with Friends

Trooper and Scout became fast friends and took to the water in no time. Especially Scout who I think may be part fish.

Hiking in the Laurels with Friends

Now I tend to be a little more reserved with my swimming, and I usually don’t like to swim unless I have my life vest* on. But unfortunately this was a spur of the moment trip and I forgot to pack it! (Same with the other dogs who have life vests too).

While mom always keeps a watchful eye on me when I’m around the water, she had to watch my sister too.

*affiliate link

Hiking in the Laurels with Friends

So my pal Trooper stepped up to keep a watchful eye on me when I finally decided it was so hot that I had to test out the water.

Hiking in the Laurels with Friends

What a great pal, making sure I got to shore safely each time.

Hiking in the Laurels with Friends

Next time I’ll be sure to pack my life vest, but it’s good to know I’ve got friends that will help me out!

Does your dog like to swim?

Pet Friendly Road Trip Adventures: Great Smoky Mountains

Posted on June 8, 2015 by Ammo

My week long road trip recap continues on the blog this week! Last week I shared my adventures in Washington, D.C. and the Shenandoah National Park and then headed on to today’s adventures, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Pet Friendly Road Trip // The Great Smoky Mountains // Ammo the Dachshund

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park // Pet Friendly Travel // Ammo the Dachshund

The Great Smoky Mountains straddles the border of North Carolina and Tennessee and the drive is beautiful with an amazing view of the Smokies.

Skyline Drive // The Smokies // Pet Friendly // Ammo the Dachshund

The Blue Ridge Parkway made my drive that much better, and I couldn’t get enough wind in my face!

The Great Smoky Mountains // Dog Selfie // Ammo the Dachshund

Of course I couldn’t help but stop along a few overlooks to take some selfies. Who doesn’t love a good selfie?

Pet Friendly Smoky Mountains // Ammo the Dachshund

My first stop in the Smokies was the Oconaluftee Visitor Center where I shared a picnic lunch and met up with my Uncle Taylor, who lives in North Carolina, for the day.

Oconaluftee Trail // Pet Friendly Smoky Mountains // Ammo the Dachshund

After lunch I set out to hike the Oconaluftee Trail, one of the two pet friendly trails in the Smoky Mountains National Park.

Oconaluftee Trail // Pet Friendly Smoky Mountains // Ammo the Dachshund

This 1.5 mile trail (one way) is relatively flat and follows along Oconaluftee River. I probably would have enjoyed a bit more challenging hike, but unfortunately most of the more scenic trails in the park are off limits to dogs. But I’m always one to follow the rules, because they are there to keep everyone safe.

Oconaluftee Trail // Pet Friendly Smoky Mountains // Ammo the Dachshund

I still had a blast taking dips in the river to cool off and despite the fact that this trail isn’t as tucked into the wilderness as I typically like, I got quite a fill of wildlife….

Elk // The Smoky Mountains // Ammo the Dachshund

….I met Elk for the first time!

Elk // The Smoky Mountains // Ammo the Dachshund

Although to me they just looked like smaller than average ponies!

Cherokee N.C. // Pet Friendly // Ammo the Dachshund

After I reached the end of the Oconaluftee trail I was surprised to find myself in the outskirts of a small town, Cherokee, N.C.

Cherokee N.C. // Pet Friendly // Ammo the Dachshund

It was quite the contrast from my nature filled hiking trail, and I found myself suddenly immersed in a touristy town.

Cherokee N.C. // Pet Friendly // Ammo the Dachshund

I had a blast exploring the town, stopping for ice cream, watching other tourists ride the mechanical bull, and I even met some larger than life farm animals! It was a fun little surprise at the end of my trail that I very much enjoyed.

Cherokee N.C. // Pet Friendly // Ammo the Dachshund

Eventually it was time to hit the road again, and I headed off to my accommodations for the night in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

I’ll be back to share more about my road trip adventures the rest of this week, so stay tuned!

Any other pups out there hiked in the Smoky Mountains before? I wish I had had time to check out the other pet friendly trail in the park, the Gatlinburg Trail, but perhaps next time!

P.S. for anyone wondering where my super comfy car travel bed comes from – check out my post about Pet Safe Travel.

Hiking Glen Onoko Falls with Dogs

Posted on July 3, 2014 by Ammo

As you saw yesterday, I went on a weekend camping adventure to the Pocono Mountains – in search of fun! Well aside from lounging around the campsite, my pal Shilah the Husky and I also went on a day-time adventure to hike the nearby Glen Onoko Falls.