07/15/2023

Greetings from St. Louis! Woof! Our adventurous journey from the west coast has been an absolute blast. From the breathtaking landscapes of Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, and now Missouri, we've embarked on an incredible paw-some adventure across numerous states. Each stop has brought us new experiences and cherished memories.

Let me tell you about one of our amazing wildlife encounters! During our stay at Waubonsie State Park in Iowa, we were surrounded by adorable raccoons. They seemed to be everywhere, and during one of our walks, we had the pleasure of observing a mom and her three little ones. I was a good doggo, staying quietly by Andy's side as he captured precious photos of them. It was truly a magical sight, witnessing these furry creatures venturing out even in broad daylight.

One thing we've discovered along the way is that camping at state parks is even more amazing than we expected. The natural beauty, serene surroundings, and ample opportunities for adventure have left us in awe. From hiking through lush forests to waking up to stunning lake views, each state park has offered its own unique charm. We've enjoyed roasting marshmallows by the campfire and stargazing under the clear night sky. The tranquility of these parks has provided us with much-needed moments of relaxation and connection with nature.

On the other paw, Andy had a funny surprise at an RV park. The place boasted "160+ full hookup sites," but upon arrival, we discovered they only had 18 available. Andy contacted the owner, who mentioned they were remodeling, though we're still puzzled as to what exactly was being remodeled without any additional land. Despite this unexpected twist, we adapted, turning it into a memorable tale to share with fellow adventurers.

Speaking of Andy, his passion for photography has truly flourished during our journey. Armed with his trusty Sony a7R IV camera and Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens, he has been capturing remarkable shots of breathtaking landscapes, wildlife, and candid moments. The camera has become an extension of his creative spirit, allowing him to freeze time and immortalize the beauty we encounter along the way. His goal is to eventually sell his captivating images on his website, sharing the wonders of our travels with the world.

Now that we have a few weeks in one spot, Andy has time to fine-tune his craft and hopefully have everything up and running by 8/1. He's eagerly working on curating his best shots, editing them to perfection, and creating an online gallery that truly showcases the essence of our journey. It's an exciting endeavor, and we can't wait to share it with all of you.

But wait, there's more! Starting on 7/20, we'll be taking a trip down memory lane with Throwback Thursday. Every week, we'll share a favorite photo from our past adventures. Get ready for some extraordinary gems from our underwater escapades, mountain hikes, and unexpected encounters with wildlife. It's a chance to relive those cherished moments and reminisce about the incredible sights and experiences that have shaped our journey.

Remember, your support means the world to us. Whether it's through likes, shares, texts, or messages, each interaction fuels our spirits and encourages us to continue sharing our adventures with you. Thank you for being a part of our journey! Woof! 🐾📸

Pictures included are random shots from our trip.