We took a camping trip 2 weeks ago with some neighbors.  This trip was to the dunes on Lake Michigan.  I inserted a couple of pictures, one of the dunes at sunset, and the other is Triton my English Mastiff.  He is a puppy of ten months and this was his first trip.  He absolutely loved the experience.  As you can see, his normal mode is very mellow.  He had fun playing with other dogs in the campground.  We made new friends, people walked up and asked to pet him and that is how the conversation normally begins.  He is very social, loves kids, and other dogs.  This makes him a great camping companion.  He is quiet and doesn’t disturb the neighbors, which is even better.

We spent four days at Silver Lake.  One day we took a trip to a beach on Lake Michigan.  He loves the water, he sinks more then he swims.  Watching him bite at waves, trying to catch them in his mouth is hysterical.  He also paws at the waves as they come in trying to bat them down.  The only thing he would not do was climb the stairs to the top of the dunes.  He looked up at forty stairs, sat down, and basically decided that was more work then it was worth.  No amount of prodding would get him up the steps.  I think it is ironic such a powerful dog was too lazy to climb a few stairs.  So, we went back to the campground and took a swim in the lake.  He had more then enough energy for that!!

All in all this was a great weekend, and a great experience for him.  I encourage people to take their dogs with them on camping and backpacking trips.  These experiences help to better socialize them and enrich their lives, as well as ours.  I enjoy having him with me and we will certainly be taking more trips this summer.  Bring your dog along with you and enjoy the summer!!!