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January 19, 2016

Local Tourists

There’s still not much snow to speak of, but Chicago is finally settling into its usual frigid winter temperatures. Combined with the whipping wind from Lake Michigan, the general inclination is to make like a bear and hibernate. “Wake me up in May.” It’s easy to get stuck in
There’s still not much snow to speak of, but Chicago is finally settling into its usual frigid winter temperatures. Combined with the whipping wind from Lake Michigan, the general inclination is to make like a bear and hibernate.Rhodesian Ridgeback, blog, chicago, adventure

“Wake me up in May.”

It’s easy to get stuck in a monotonous routine of taking short walks with our heads down. But the winter also provides the opportunity for the brave to get out and explore new places.

So at least a couple times a week I like to take the dogs on a run to a new part of the city. The running keeps us warm, and the new places help us avoid boredom.

Rhodesian Ridgeback, blog, chicago, adventure

The pups were initially a bit skeptical of my plan

Rhodesian Ridgeback, blog, chicago, adventure

But they quickly signed on once they realized treats were involved

Rhodesian Ridgeback, blog, chicago, adventure

I call our gig, Operation Local Tourists

Rhodesian Ridgeback, blog, chicago, adventure

We find cool new places and get to see Chicago in a whole new light. With most of the city tucked away inside, it can seem like we have the whole place to ourselves

Rhodesian Ridgeback, blog, chicago, adventure

“See, Will it says ‘No Dogs’ plural. If Eko and I go in one at a time to chase the birds it’s totally legal.”

Rhodesian Ridgeback, blog, chicago, adventure

At the end of each new route I like to get to a different spot on the lakefront. That cold air is invigorating (in small doses!)

Rhodesian Ridgeback, blog, chicago, adventure

Chicago winters have a well-earned gray reputation, but Eko and Penny help me see the brighter side of the season

Rhodesian Ridgeback, blog, chicago, adventure

Back at home the dogs happily defrost in a sea of blankets and pillows

Sure, we could stay tucked away until spring. But warmth feels so much better when earned after a cold winter adventure!

Comments for Local Tourists

  1. yes, it says DOGS… so you can’t go together but one after another :o) stay warm and comfy :o)

  2. Karen says:

    The fur babies coats look so nice, would you be able to give me the brand name, thanks!

  3. Victoria says:

    Brave, Brave souls! We go out for our exercise but its always a little shorter time for us than the dogs want – they love the cold – me I could definitely watch from inside (of course it would not be as much fun)

  4. Lisette says:

    Thank you for this post! Last month(s) it was all rain over here (The Netherlands) and now it’s freezing, so Kunya and I are hibernating. But now I’m inspired to go out!
    So.., how can I break this to our aging warmth loving dog…?

  5. We all enjoy the -15 morning walks for a few days, but then we need to warm up and take more than a 20 min. walk once again. Today, we are going above zero again, so I see more action coming out way! Enjoy, and get that fireplace fired up!

  6. Kismet says:

    No thanks, I’m a tropical bird who is native to southern Asia. I’d have to wait until the ivy covers the outfield wall in Wrigley.

  7. your photos are completely delightful and the pups look too cute in their winter gear. Your idea of being a “tourist” in your own city is marvelous! We run into the same problem all of the time with parks that don’t allow dogs. It’s quite frustrating!

  8. Cupcake says:

    Keeping on the move in the cold is a good plan. If you stand still you’ll freeze in place! Pillows, blankets, and sun puddles are also a good plan!

    Love and licks,
    Cupcake

  9. Jesse says:

    They look so stylish in those jackets. They also always look so content and comfortable when they are lounging around the house.

  10. Eve says:

    OH yeah the wintertime blues! Just loved the photos & the 2nd one with the EKO face had me thinking “WHAT YOU TALKING ABOUT WILL???? With Gary Coleman’s voice in my head! Enjoy the warming up, of course that’s my favorite part! The FIRE! Have a good one!

  11. Here’s to catching some great new local haunts followed by nice warm defrostings. 🙂

  12. Great photos of the “kids”…..you’re right – “cozy” is appreciated so much when it comes at the end of a “frosty” walk around the city. I’m sure all of you enjoy the exercise and fresh air but there’s just nothing like a fire in the fireplace, fleece, and a family cuddled up on a couch!

    Pam and Sam

  13. Enjoy your new adventures seeing the sites in the winter.

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