Kyra - Sniffing around for WiLd MuShRoOmS!

For the past 2 weekends,  I went hiking, while Kyra went k9'yaking at favorite watering hole at Black Hills Regional Park, Maryland (psst: especially since she needed a bath). ;)

There were a few slippery spots along the trails that sloped right into Little Seneca Lake.  And with the heavy rains from tropical storms Irene and Lee that flooded into our region, as well as high humidity and dampness during the course of each day, we decided to go sniffing around for colorful mushrooms.  

Kyra's no expert, but we found a few that mushroomed into interesting colors, textures, shapes and sizes.

Here are a few fresh pics that were taken 
"litter"ally at ground level:

Some yellow-orange ones:

Some strange purple'ish ones:

Some wildly flared ones:

Some pancaked ones:

Some tall, some short ones:

There were a lot more ...

(click image for slideshow) 

We have no clue what most of these are,...

some could be edible, ....

some could be poisonous. 

For Kyra and I, it was a nice day for a Sunday hike 

We could've hunted all day for more wild mushrooms. :)

Only she and her nose had enough, ...

 

 

and soon went k9'yaking again. :)

Master Kyra teaches a Golden the Fine Art of Retrieving

Last Sunday was Doggy Dip Day at our community pool - the official end of our summer season.

But to Kyra, it was her

4th Annual "Go CraZy, JumP RigHT In & Show'Em How it's DoNe Day!"

Over these past 4-1/2 years, not only how I've witnessed how great a swimmer that Kyra's become,
but also how masterful that she's become in applying the Golden rule of lab retrieving!

Rule: Always Return the baton to your owner! 

This year, 15 of Kyra's local K9 pooled around together
during the closing hour of our community pool.

However, only a handful dared to get wet.
(The other k9s mostly went into a panic state went 'forced in' by their owners. )





But for Kyra and a young energetic 1yo Golden Retriever,
it was a lesson between the Master Retriever (Kyra) vs this young apprentice,
as the Golden raced to take Kyra's orange baton.




As the only tool available, the Golden's youthful energy outpawed Kyra
(...although the owner and a few kids would throw in closer to the young Golden).

But in the end, Kyra knew that it's not when you fetch it, ...
but how you retrieve it to your loving owner! ehm,. that's me

So while the Golden triumphantly snatched Kyra's baton in the water,...
Kyra patiently and stealthily tracked behind her. 

As a 1st Degree Master Retriever,
Kyra executed her most clever tactical strategy
to retrieve our orange baton back! 



 
From years of training (28 in people years),
Master Kyra knew that patience and opportunity
would always prevail!
 

 

Yep, ... wait for the "{{{{((Twist & ShaKe)))}}}}"
It worked everytime! 
... at least 3X by my count.

The young'uns only watched and chased in total bewilderment! 

 

- Master Kyra on the Golden rule 

The Kyrasaurus strikes DC causing major boater traffic jams on the Pawtomac!

Washington DC (K9 News Network) - DC Water Police Patrol boats are actively conducting its largest search for the elusive Kyrasaurus, who was last seen retrieving the last traffic river buoy that resulted in the first major backup and traffic boatjam  in DC's recorded history on the Pawtomac.

While no serious injuries were reported and damage was considered minor, angered boaters and paddlers began an immediate hunt for the elusive kyrasaurus monster.  Strategies included baiting the kyrasaurus with double-crested cormorrants or catfish.

Water buoys provide important guidance and control to boaters and paddlers, throughout the Pawtomac River waterway.  Police noted that while kyrasauruses have never attacked people, they can potentially lick your face off. Therefor, if you see the kyrasuarus, please do not attempt to try and capture yourself, but call authorities immediately.  Rewards are also offered to anyone who finds all the buoys, which is believed to by buried somewhere on Roosevelt Island.

Kyra gets Max'd out while 'Fetching'

 






























Labaholics!  Beware!

When it comes to fetching, Kyra exudes lots confidence, especially at her home turf.

Only, she learned that one must never challenge a little young terrier to a game of 'fetch'.  Today, a little dude, "Max" (seen below), deceived her with his youthful innocence and diminutive stature. Sure, Kyra loves a sure thing! But, not only was Max as agile as a Kung Fu Master; but with a tennis ball, he can handle it like Andre Agassi (note:  ... when he had hair) ;)

Looks could be deceiving, especially with Max, ...whose true character became apparent with his expressive nature.


ALBUM - Kyra gets Max’d out (May2011) 

150th Civil War Anniversary - Kyra enlists with US Union Soldiers, as a Sentry

Hope some of you Civil War history buffs/ancestors will be able to attend the numerous events that will be featured at the National Park Battlefields during the next 3-4 years!

This year marks the beginning of the 150th Anniversary of the US Civil War era - perhaps the darkest and deadliest period in our nation's history. During the next 2-3 years, National Park Service (NPS) and the Civil War Trust will mark this historical period by sponsoring/hosting additional special events that include living histories, tours, exhibits and reenactments that highlight all the major battles and American period life between the Confederacy (South) and Union (North). For example, I was told that this year highlights include the first major battle at Manassas in VA; then next year (May 2012), will feature the Battle of Antietam (May); and in 2-3 years will be Battle of Gettysburg (July). Other reenactments will include battles at Missouri, Georgia, etc, as well.

 This weekend at the C&O Canal (Maryland), several volunteers reenacted daily life among Union Soldiers who had encamped and stood guard over this waterway. They each eagerly shared their knowledge of daily life, as well as the important historical events that had occurred by that time.

I hope to be able to attend many of the larger events that are especially close to MD/DC/VA area, ... hopefully with Kyra.  Above is one of the volunteers who posed for a few shot; then afterwards, ... received a BIG LICK from Kyra or better known as her "Wet Badge of Gratitude" 

 

More Photos - Slideshow here

The Kyra Rough'fle Wuffle Shuffle

Kyra wants to demonstrate the National Labrador Dance moves of 'The Rough'fle Wuffle Shuffle!"
(Note: method is also ideal for helping find your lost golf balls)

Now, I know your labs are naturals at this, as well; but as you know, it's all about the execution and technique, ... while making it look all too easy! For example, in the video note the inverted rear leg split with 3/4 torso twist with nicely pointed paws.

Kyra's has had lots of practice lately (nice spring grass). Now everytime she successfully finds or returns a ball or her sacred Sycamore branch, she tends to celebrate by dancing the National Lab "Rough'fle Wuffle Shuffle", ... at least 3X-in-a-row (depending turf length).

Generally, it's good exercise to just show your labs for training purposes. So here's her first YouTube video: Try it at home!
(but be sure to stock up on lots of Rye and Kentucky bluegrass seed)

;)

Kyra's new 2011 Spring & Summer Wardrobe!

This evening after a long day of 'walk', Kyra and I returned and noticed that a plastic bag with items inside was left hanging on our front doorknob.

Inside was a personal note and a set of colorful fabrics - gift from one of her "bestest" K9 pals - a very fashionable beautiful lass, named 'Simone'.   

The note read;

"K! 

Mommy went shopping

and thought you might like

some new bandanas! 

Luv,  Simone"

Kyra now has the latest 2011 Spring & Summer fashion wardrobe (so I told her), which I hope can last into Labor Day in September!

Regardless, Kyra HoWwwLL'd for JoY! :)

Kurious Kyra, the lost Goose & the 'Message in a Bottle'

While hiking last weekend with Kyra along the Potomac and C&O Canal,  we spotted a solitary Greater White-Fronted Goose. This goose is an unusual find in this region, and the first time I've ever seen one.



  
But this is why it's great hiking  & kayaking there, ... there's always surprises from wildlife to interesting artifacts that drift ashore, including faux-wildlife -- often as a result of Kyra's natural disposition to sniff out ... trouble. :/   In fact, since January, we found 2 decoy hunting docks floating - picked up a Mallard, ... but the Ring-Necked duck got away.  

While fetching her sacred Sycamore branch (note: it grew since January), ...

 

Kyra spooked this goose away she stoodby this bottle that drifted onto the banks. 

 

It contained a 'message in a bottle'.

 

It was in a rather large bottle with a screw-capped top,  possibly malt liquor.   Inside was a damp illegible handwritten note that stuck to the sides. So I brought it home and attempted air dry it o/n, but it stuck drying to the side even more. So I considered 2 other options; 1. break the bottle or 2. dislodge it by filling/flushing it with water. This next method worked. After some gentle shaking, the note sloughed off, then curled up. After slowly inverting the bottle a few times, the note evventually flushed towards the neck; and was easily removed from the opening.

Anyway, it's not a particularly remarkable note, although the writer had very neat and meticulous handwriting. While it was not dated, he signed it with an address/phone contact number (hidden). I pasted the message on the image. From what I can profile from the note, the writer is likely in his late 60s-70's and probably tossed it into the Potomac River a few weeks ago, while fishing near his home in Martinsburg, VA ~40miles north of Great Falls. MD.  He's probably retired, who's certainly proud of his service, but nostalgic for his 'brothers' who served with him during "Viet Nam", ... as he spelled it.

Care to join us in a letter writing campaign?

I have no plans of calling him, but may actually reseal the message and put it past Great Falls , where it would have most likely been destroyed, given the rough currents, high flooding and debris flowing through this region recent days and weeks. After some thought on how best to approach this 'find'. Imo, it would be nice for some of us to write this sender (Sgt. C.L. Rice) a short handwritten letter or postcard, thanking him for his service to this country (US). With just a postage stamp and only 10 minutes of your time, it could make his day. You're welcome to include the printed image of his 'message in a bottle' below with your own personal thoughtful message, but please don't mention this site, other than state that a 'friend' had found it.

Truthfully, Kyra had first sniffed it out anyway,.. but she can't read,... yet.

In my "handwritten' letter, I'll write something like this:

To Sgt. C.L. Rice. (US First Infantry Division, Ret.)
408 Virginia Av
City, State
Martinsburg, WV 2540

I read your 'message in a bottle' that was recently discovered along the Potomac near Great Falls, Maryland on April 24, 2011. I wish to thank you for your service to our country during Viet Nam. Your service and the service of your 'brothers' are greatly appreciated. Together, you each made America a great nation.

Forever grateful,
Name
City, State

Kyra's Easter egg hunt through the Virginia Bluebell(y) patch

Kyra's celebrating Easter with an Easter egg hunt through a patch of ...

Virginia Bluebells! 

Only she can't seem to pick up the eggs scent. :/

 Hmmm, ... where are these little morsels of 
wabbit eggs hiding?

 

Kyra visits the 'Pawtuxent Water Park' at Jug Bay (aka Patuxent River Park)

Kyra took me on a roadtrip into Jug Bay Wildlife Refuge - Patuxent River Park in Croom, Maryland.

... she drove. ;-/



Or, as Kyra likes to call it, "Pawtuxent Water Park".



Jug Bay boasts the largest concentration of Ospreys (fish hawks) on the east coast of US.



There were also lots of bald eagles. This juvenile eagle circled low, directly above Kyra and I ...
(... likely after my salami sandwich)



They're all here to build their nests and have clearly built up a very big apetite doing so this spring, ...



Another osprey caught an Atlantic Redfish, which is unusual to find this far upriver from the ocean.



Then again, ospreys could explain why. :/

Also seen, a cleverly camouflaged 'American bittern' ....



and a wily camouflaged 'Labrador retriever'
(aka 'Kyra monster'). 



Overall, it's a great place to visit and take a lab. If you'd like to check out more, pls check the slideshow here

Kyra Supports Canine Cancer Research (Orvis Photo Contest)

Howdy y'all,
 

You read that right, 

... there still be folks named 'Orvis'

But can you dog-gone believe it!   Farmer Kyra's entered a dog contest on her own - the Orvis Cover Dog Photo Contest - to help fund life-saving canine cancer research.    

'Kyra

enter your own dog

Why is it important to Kyra?  Well, my previous loyal lab of 10yrs died too young of cancer a few months before I adopted Kyra, as a pup on St Patrick's Day. So she reck'oned that this be as good a cause as any; and ask that you support her noble effort.

For every dollar donated, Kyra gets a 1 vote!  $5 is the minimum donation at Orvis, so that's all Kyra's a holler'in fer, ... 5 votes. :)

I'll also send anyone a hi-res screensaver image of their choice from my Webshots albums (resol" 1600x1200'ish pixels), if you generously give her 5 votes!  Just shoot me a PM,. lem'me know which one, and it'll be on its way.

So, please vote here: 
http://coverdog.orviscontests.com/contest.html?page=viewInd&id=32393&contestId=4

Y'all have a good day now, y'hear!  :)

Kyra's imitation of the 'Mrs Washington Monument' (2011 DC Kite Festival)

Today was the last day of the Annual Cherry Blossom Festival in DC. And to give spring an added boost of color, it ended with the annual kite festival, 'Wings over Washington'. So to join the festive bursts of spring in full color, Kyra & I decided to trek over there and enjoy the day at The Mall, along the Washington Monument.

1. The day started a bit chilly & grey, but this didn't stop thousands of others to enjoy the day, either.  ...


2. Just like a lab, Kyra instinctively made the best of it; and immediately found the perfect spot to lie down and enjoy all the colorful sites & kites


3. All sorts of kites were flying above ground,...


4. ...as well as on-ground, ...


4. ...and by those who were apparently trying to do both at the same time, ...


5. I told Kyra that I would fly a double-crested cormorrant kite; but oddly, she chew up to pieces.

So instead, we decided to have lunch. I was getting tired, so I made her carry mine (2 water bottles, chicken sandwich, cookies, choco marshmallow sandwich,.. my hat and small towel), as well. But, she refused once I stuffed it all into her backpack:

She barked something, "OHhhhhh, ... NO I WON'T!!" .... and she wouldn't budge.



So, we ate right there.

5. Oh,.. lest I forget. As Kyra gazed at the Washington Monument, she was wondering why the wives of the US Presidents have no Memorials? ... :/

So, here's Kyra's imitation of the 1st ever, "Mrs Washington Monument"




... I hope Martha doesn't mind. 

If anyone's interested, I posted a few more pics of the Washington Kite Festival, best seen as a slideshow here.