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June 1, 2012

The Adventure’s Just Begun

On this little adventure of ours we have kayaked in the Atlantic, surfed in the Pacific and sampled just about every hotel shampoo in between.  We have traveled over ten thousand miles, visited over thirty states and been chased by miniature donkeys on two separate occasions.  Eko has lived over
On this little adventure of ours we have kayaked in the Atlantic, surfed in the Pacific and sampled just about every hotel shampoo in between.  We have traveled over ten thousand miles, visited over thirty states and been chased by miniature donkeys on two separate occasions.  Eko has lived over half of his life on the road and I’m pretty sure my family submitted a “Missing Person” claim to the authorities.  To be fair, all I said to them before we left was, “Hey, I’m going out for a drive with Eko, we’ll be back later!”    

dog friendly road trip

The donkeys were nice enough…until their pen was accidentally left unlocked.  Thankfully all species were unarmed.  We later made peace with the donkeys by giving them some carrots 

This once-in-a-lifetime road trip has led us to discover some of the most amazing pet-friendly destinations in the country.  The places we’ve visited were incredible, but the best part of the journey has always been sharing our story on the blog.  The question now is what is the next chapter of that story?

road trip with your dog

I certainly hope the next chapter doesn’t involve another growth spurt

Some readers have dreamed big and said that Eko and I should go to Alaska, others have suggested an African or European adventure, and we even got one suggestion that said we should go on a cruise!  All of those adventures sound amazing (Eko would make an outstanding first mate) but I have a different adventure in mind.  Over the course of our trip I have learned that it’s not where you are that matters – it’s what you do that counts.  It’s easy to forget that we only get one shot at each day, but thankfully our pets are there to remind us.  I mean, Eko knows he’s getting breakfast every day, but each time I pour that food into his bowl he acts like it’s Christmas morning.  That excitement is definitely contagious.

dog friendly road trip

C’mon, how could that face make you anything but excited and ready to seize the day?

To make sure we seize the day – carpe dogem­ – Eko and I are putting together a bucket list.  We’ll, I’m coming up with most of the ideas but Eko is typing them in a list.  In any event, we are hard at work in our secret lab (the car) coming up with a list of adventures, challenges, activities and events to attempt in the coming months. The first item on our list?  “Live in the same place for more than one week.”  So that we can check that box, Eko and I are moving to Chicago.  Permanently.  The road had been incredible, but I have to admit that I am looking forward to the day when someone can ask me where I live and I don’t have to respond, “It’s complicated.”  We will tackle all of the items on our bucket list from our home base in Chicago, but aside from that, our list is only limited by what we can dream up.

road trip with your dog

As you may have noticed, dreaming things up is a specialty of ours

The plan is to take the next week or so to drive to Chicago.  We’ll stop at Yellowstone, Mount Rushmore and other fun destinations along the way.  We’ll get settled in Chicago and then make one last dash back to New Jersey to bring our trip full circle (and pick up our stuff – which hopefully my family has not already sold).  After that, we’ll be in the Windy City full time.

road trip with your dog

Here’s hoping our human/canine friends and family remember us!

While we may wake up in the same place every day, you can be sure that no two days will ever be the same.  For our bucket list, no goal is too small (hug Mr. Eko every day) and no challenge is too great (the first cross-species presidential ticket??) – the important part is simply that we make the most of every moment.  There’s always room for more lines on our list, so if you have an activity you love to do with your pet that you think we should try, be sure to let me know!  The more ideas the better, so leave a comment or shoot me an email at [email protected].  Help us dream big! The road trip may be coming to a close, but the journey is far from over.  Thanks for following along – there’s plenty more to come!

Comments for The Adventure’s Just Begun

  1. Shannon says:

    Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful journey – its been so much fun to follow you on your trip. One of my biggest disappointments is that I didnt start reading your blog until after you had already visited Maine. Would have loved to meet Eko (and you too) – he has such a precious face! Good luck with your new adventure.

  2. Looking forward to your home bound adventures!

  3. Leslie says:

    Chicago is awesome! Scott and I will certainly look forward to visiting you and meeting Eko – I hope you guys won’t mind 🙂 Cheers to your adventures home!

  4. EKinna says:

    You & Eko have lived a six months that most of us can only dream of. What an amazing experience you must have. But I know living out of the suitcase can get old. Much luck and greater experience to both of you. Chicago will be a great city to live. Looks like Eko has finally grown into his ears!

  5. dana harader says:

    We would love following your adventures in moving, then blurbs about your day to day activities…..I still say a book about your travels with all the pix would be a welcome purchase for all of your newfound fans and friends! Good luck in your new home, and if you are ever in Dallas again, let us know-maybe we will see you on the trolley!

  6. hollythumper says:

    You all should stop in Stearns KY and take the scenic train ride. It is the Big South Fork Scenic Railway. It is pet friendly with hiking trails, a concession stand. My mom and aunt own a gift shop in the depot building and we sell homemade fudge. Its a fun trip and a coal mining history lesson all rolled into 1. Hope to see you all there!

  7. Tur says:

    Well, Eko & Will, best wishes to you two, and I second the other reader’s thought on getting a book out, I will buy it for sure, with all the wonderful information you’d put into that book, it’d be a treasure to people like us, oh well, I confess, I’d buy the book just to look at Eko’s pictures! Thank you so very much for starting and sharing this journey!!

  8. Mom says:

    Hurray! My boys are coming home!

  9. Doonzer says:

    But I reckon I got to light out for the territory ahead of the rest, because Aunt Sally she’s going to adopt me and sivilize me, and I can’t stand it. I been there before. Huck Finn (and Will + Eko)

  10. Uncle Austin says:

    Dude Eko:

    The adventure continues. Great news! Does Eko enjoy deep dish pizza and gyros?

    The Kodak moment Im looking to see is Eko posed with The Lions of Tsavo in The Field Museum

  11. Cdasay12 says:

    WIll and Eko…don’t stop the pictures and blogs. Myself and Champ look forward to reading all about your adventures each day!

    safe travels to Chicago!!

  12. Kevin says:

    Hi Will – Welcome to Chicago. I’m a friend of Helen’s from ND (saw her link to your blog on Facebook) and actually grew up in NJ as well. Been happily following your adventures and can recommend Chicago as a great, dog-friendly city. Look forward to reading the conclusion and maybe running into you and Eko at Cody’s Pub for a beer this summer.

  13. Karen says:

    Welcome to the Windy City! My dog, Rush, and I read and enjoy your blog and the great photos! We hope to see you around town. If youd like my dog friendly recommendations (highly endorsed by Rush) for just about anything – just ask…

  14. Ana Bachman says:

    I like reading and following these adventures. Happy trails!

  15. Jobi Harris says:

    I love your blog and your writing and your positiveness and your excitement about life, and everything! Chicago is a wonderful place and I hope you are happy there. You give me great inspiration to hit the road, It would be pretty interesting to find out how cat friendly different places are! Happy trails! Your friend, Fisher Harris

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