Let the Summer Begin!

Memorial Day weekend usually marks the unofficial start of summer. Down here in the land of perpetual summer, however, this weekend marked the unofficial start of summer boating. The water temps are in the mid 80s, the winds have calmed to 5 to 10 knots, and the bay waters are smooth to a light chop. Perfect for an excursion to the backcountry.

Zuzu and Tootie were eager to go once we lowered the boat into the water. Grabbing the boat bag, packing the cooler, and reaching for the swimsuit all but confirmed that we were going for a boat ride.

Our rescue Vizslas absolutely love going for boat rides, which completely surprised us. For two girls who panic during thunderstorms, when its raining, or when a bicycle is near, who cower when you pick up the laundry basket or abruptly raise your arm, and who are afraid of the dark, they love riding on the boat, skimming across the water.


They love going to the sandbar near Marvin Key. It is their water world, their sandy playground. It was out here on June 30, 2010 when Zuzu and Tootie explored their independence, ran free with only the water as a boundary, and, we believe, connected with us on a new level. From that trip forward, Zuzu and Tootie trust us more, rely on us more, and hang out with us more. We have become a pack, a family.

Zuzu and Tootie could smell Lady and Brandy who were already on the sandbar when we arrived. They were happy to see their friends after the twenty minute boat ride.

There wasn't a lot of exposed sand this time out, but there was enough for the dogs to run and the water was shallow enough for wading...and a quick poop. Wayne was right behind Tootie with a plastic baggie.

Tootie and Zuzu were happy to have sand in their toes.

And they enjoyed wading in the warm water. Tootie was watching Val on his boat wondering, no doubt, if he was searching for treats.

Edie, Casey, and Kimberly arrived with their canine gang of Bart, Pebbles, Oakley, and Jack. They anchored around the bend on the other side of the sandbar where the horseshoe crabs are, so we decided to walk over and greet them. Tootie was happy to go exploring!

The deeper water didn't dissuade our brave red dogs. They trudged on wading through the depths with their toes barely gripping the sandy bottom.

Lady and Brandy took to the shore, which Zuzu and Tootie thought was a very good idea.

It's a bit easier to run on the shoreline.

After a quick greeting, the dogs were wondering what Kimberly and Edie were doing with the boat. No horseshoes due to the high low tide, so it was time to move the boat closer to the others. 

While Kimberly pulled the boat across the flat, the dogs eagerly followed, Oakley in the lead.

Jack, however, had the better plan. Riding on the bow as Kimberly pulled him across the water. That's the life!

Meanwhile, the others were trying to keep up.

Bart and Pebbles became interested in something else as Zuzu and Tootie continued to pursue Edie's boat.

Once back at our boat, Zuzu and Tootie wanted some quiet time or, more likely, a soft spot on which to relax...the cushioned cuddy cabin. They were in there for a little while until a couple of other boats arrived with more dogs. The activity brought our curious hounds out of the cabin.

Now they had to decide if they wanted to stay on the boat or rejoin the gang.

Edie brought Bart over to say hi and to try to entice them off the boat.

And it worked. They thanked Edie for looking out for them. They love Edie!

The rest of the morning/afternoon was spent hanging out on the sandbar, talking about dogs, politics, and life. Jack found a dry spot on Wayne's lap while Zuzu and Tootie stayed close with Lady (or is it Brandy) and Bart and Pebbles played in the distance.

Three hours later, we made our way back to Sugarloaf Key and pointed the boat towards our canal; the orange-red flowers of the Poinciana tree were our beacon. The tree is spectacular this time of year as the blossoms pop against the blue sky and green foliage. Just another sign that summer has arrived!