What's That Rattle?

Almost didn’t go to watch the sunset last night. We said goodbye to the day and met a new friend as the sky changed colors.
“Strangers stoppin’ strangers, just to shake their hand…Everybody’s playing in the heart of gold band, heart of gold band.” Let’s keep talking with each other.

It’s no secret we love DC’s Rock Creek Park, our home base national park. Today, Archie and Freck were able to earn their BARK Ranger badges and take advantage of a cute photo opp. Thanks to the kind human rangers for a fun chat and helping to preserve our park for two and four legged creatures to enjoy.

National Park Service US Bark Rangers

Foster Freckles and Resident Dog Archibald enjoying the snow!

Sled from Logan Hardware
Adoptable Freckles from Humane Rescue Alliance! Find out more about her here! https://www.petplace.com/pet-adoption/dogs/57104483/PP1165

We decided to try out fostering - meet Freckles!

Freckles is a happy, pouncy pit/pug/frenchie/pig? Look at those ears and curly tail! 💜 35ish lbs, long body, 1 yo. People and treat focused, very energetic and wiggly. Interested in Archie but more interested in food and toys. Young and still mouthy - will need to learn to redirect. Knows sit, seems to have awareness of leave it, off, come. She is on her way to being a great pet! Contact us or DC’s Humane Rescue Alliance.

*Eclipse Chasing, 2024, Part 4*

Including a couple amazing shots taken by our new pal and eclipse expert, Noah. He narrated sciencey highlights throughout the eclipse, pointing out changes in light over the water and official names for the freakin’ cool visions in the sky. Totality was breathtaking, spiritual, and emotional. Experience it if you can. 🌞🌘❤️

Archie wants to know where we want to head next! 😎🐾🌎

*Eclipse Chasing, 2024, Part 3*

What a day! No reception was no surprise. And we were living in the moment anyway! Here’s some pics, including some of the . 🐾

*Eclipse 2024, Part 2 *

Current view. Eclipse will be over the front of the van but this water view is good for now!

*Eclipse Chasing, 2024, Part 1*

Left DC for New England or maybe Canada 🥰 on Saturday. Drove our average monthly miles (and hours!) in a day 😆 and got to a Vermont Walmart around 9 pm. By Sunday morning, we had reassessed (checking pivotalweather.com and Google maps obsessively) and decided to head to Maine. Between Sandy’s driving and my Julie McCoy cruise directing, we had a plan. And thanks to Maine’s Rangeley Lakes Chamber of Commerce thorough eclipse planning website, we had a list of viewing spots to check out. We landed at the Shelton Noyes Overlook around 4pm yesterday and knew this was the place! Beautiful views of frozen lakes, mountains, and, a clear, clear sky. Went to bed with 2 other camper vans and a couple car campers. A 4am insomnia attack was soothed by a jillion stars seemingly within arm’s reach. Awoke to a full parking lot and the chatter of fellow eclipse enthusiasts.

Rangeley Lake

Sometimes we do things and other people take the pictures! 🙂 We went on a wonderful guided nature walk hosted by North Port Parks & Rec. Robin from The Environmental Conservancy of North Port And Surrounding Areas was a great guide and we enjoyed meeting everyone else too! Sandy's parents' dog Orthus even joined as Archie's buddy. We love county and city parks. Florida has so many, and they have a full schedule of activities. Travel Tip: When visiting a new place, check out the county website for local events!

Today was a good reminder of the “why” of social media - real connections! We’ve been following and messaging with for about five years, and finally crossed paths today! We met at a park and walked and talked with ease. Our time was brief, but it was so nice to meet Pat and Ellen in person. Happy travels, and see ya on here!

Robbie's childhood bestie, Laura, needs a kidney transplant! Laura is the coolest math teacher around, a mom to two awesome young women, and rocks hot pink hair like no one else!

Please help Laura find a living donor by sharing her National Kidney Registry page www.notkidneyingaround.com . This is an incredibly helpful, simple thing that you can do to support her find a match.

You can also follow Not Kidneying Around: Laura Widmer Needs a Kidney here on FB or on instagram. There is a pinned, featured post on those pages that makes it easy to share from there, too!

Thanks for your support!

Laura Widmer Needs a Kidney | Can You Help? Laura Widmer Needs a Kidney | Can You Help?