Tales and Trails

  Last Sunday, the open road called, leading us on a delightful journey to reunite with my former colleague, Jana, and our wonderful canine friend, Willi, in the picturesque village of Kallmünz, Bavaria, Germany . The day was a beautiful blend of heartwarming reunions, stunning landscapes, and the quiet charm of traditional Bavarian life. We set off bright and early around 8 am, and thanks to Germany's excellent autobahns, the 2.5-hour drive was incredibly smooth and fast. There's truly something special about Bavaria; its pristine landscapes, well-kept towns, and rolling hills always make for a refreshing visit. The Story of Willi: A Journey to His Forever Home Our visit was particularly meaningful as it allowed us to see Willi, a sweet soul who had a rough start. My dear friend Jana, our angel, stepped in at the eleventh hour to give him the loving home he truly deserved. Willi had sadly been returned from an adoption, then moved to a temporary foster home with a strict one-m...

  October 2023 My beloved Mia, a golden-hearted girl with a spirit far younger than her years, absolutely loved the water. So, I made it my mission to take her to the sea one last time. Our destination? The famous Pluto Beach in Bibione, Italy. But because Mia was already an older lady (11 years young!), I didn't want her to endure a marathon car ride. Senior dogs need comfort, frequent breaks, and a slower pace. So, we turned the journey into a two-part adventure, breaking up the long haul with a pit stop in the Austrian Alps. This trip wasn't just a holiday; it was a thank-you letter to my best friend. Part 1: Austria – The Lake of a Million Sticks We broke the drive in Gmunden , Austria , right on the shores of Traunsee . We stayed in a cute hotel with incredibly friendly staff, and the best part? The lake was literally our front yard. I must have thrown at least a million sticks for Mia to fetch. She paddled happily, refusing to believe that "tired" was a concept...

  September 2023 The wanderlust bug bit again, and this time, the compass needle pointed north. Way north. Mia (my canine co-pilot and Chief Sniffing Officer) and I were ready for our next grand adventure: conquering the German Baltic coast! Originally, I had my heart set on the glitz and glamour of Timmendorfer Strand but apparently, everyone else had the same idea. Either way, finding accommodation that didn't require selling a kidney was impossible. Enter Sierksdorf : the quieter, quirkier cousin next door. I found a perfect apartment with a balcony there, and spoiler alert: it was the best "Plan B" ever. The Great Beach Commute Our apartment was a solid 20-minute walk to the designated dog beach. Since it was September, the strict German "Ordnung" (order) was still in effect, meaning Mia couldn't just frolic on any beach she pleased. But honestly? We didn't mind. The walk took us through a lovely park, which served as an excellent pre-game warmup f...