Sadie McCrady's East Coast Greenway Adventure

It's Over!

2009-06-17T14:00:00.000-07:00

Well, this will be my final posting to this blog. About that, I feel both happy and sad. Either way, it's time to go back to being a normal dog living a normal dog's life. Naw!! If you could have seen my face you would have seen a BIG doggie grin! But the trip is over and I met some great animals and humans along the way. This was quite an adventure. I can't wait to see what Dan will do with me next.

As I'm sure you know Dan and I finished in South Portland and Portland, Maine. This picture shows us riding into South Portland to be met by more than 25 dogs and humans. The bike rider behind us wearing the red helmet is the South Portland mayor. Although he is not owned by a dog, he seemed nice to me. The mayor read a proclamation and I received an entire cake made for dogs. Yummy!

Dan was totally surprised when we got to South Portland and his daughter Julie from Denver and his friend Matt from Annapolis were waiting there to be part of the celebration. I can tell when Dan is faking it and he was not! They stayed through the weekend since Dan needed more time to sufficiently celebrate.

The day ended in Portland where we were again met by more than 25 dogs and humans. I received many gifts and Dan had his last TV interview. Two stations decided to film separately while doing a single interview. On TV the interview looked different due to editing and deciding what to air. I saw it aired on both channels at 6 pm and 11 pm.

And finally, since this is the last blog I'll post, I must give credit to the other human I own: Dan's wife Eileen. Dan is a better human because of Eileen and, therefore, a better human for me to own. Eileen deserves more credit for this trip than anyone knows. Eileen, you weren't pedaling or riding in my limo, but you were there for the whole trip. Thanks!

For more great pictures of the end of this ride, check out: http://gallery.me.com/barretttony

It's the end of the line!

2009-06-14T10:02:00.000-07:00

The trip is over and quite a trip it was! There will be one more posting here as soon as Dan gets pictures off the various cameras used at the final day's festivities. Stay tuned for one more blog...

Day 21 - Can you believe it?

2009-06-12T19:54:00.000-07:00

Bob, Dan and I left the Ne'r Beach Motel in Moody and headed toward Old Orchard Beach. We did stop at Sooper Dogs in Saco so I could meet Sydney and her humans Tim and Amy Lambert. I also got two gifts - a crab toy that squeaks and a treat for later. Sooper Dogs is a bike-friendly dog store that has everything my friends could ever want. Get your humans to take you there- it's worth it!

We are now in OOB. I played in the ocean for a while, then Dan gave me a bath for my entrance tomorrow. Bob and Dan spent some time without me at the boardwalk. I didn't mind, now I'm a nap ahead of Dan - not easy to do.

We leave late morning tomorrow for Portland. I think we are all very excited!

Day 20 - Maine!!!!!

2009-06-11T17:19:00.001-07:00

Well, if the trip was Maryland to Maine we'd be done. We left Newburyport this morning at 6 am and we checked into the Ne'r Beach Motel in Moody, Maine. We met Mike and Nancy O'Brien, owners of the motel, and they were super. This is a motel near the ECG that is bike-friendly, pet-friendly, and supports the ECG. Who would want to stay anywhere else? This is Mike and Nancy with the "talent."

In New Hampshire I got another opportunity to rest for a bit and I convinced Dan to sit with me. It's nice to smell the roses or look out at the water.

In Portsmouth, New Hampshire, we met Bob Klotz. We arranged to ride the rest of the way to Moody, Maine, from there. It's around 30 miles. Dab chose the restaurant where we would meet based on an infrequent stop in the area and what Dan thought might be the local specialty. Dan seemed to appreciate Bob's company for the conclusion of our longest day of this trip. Having just met Bob, I thought he was nice, but I felt sad for him - he had no dog to take care of him.

Come meet Sadie and join the fun in Portland, ME on Saturday, June 13

2009-06-11T05:38:00.000-07:00

BIKE RIDE: bicyclists(and dogs in trailers) meet at 1:00 PM at Wainwright Recreation Fields in South Portland for a 6-mile ride along the South Portland Greenbelt.

WALK: A little before 2:00 PM, dogs & walkers join Sadie for a ¼-mile walk from the Liberty Ship Memorial to meet Mayor Tom Blake.

WALK: At the ferry terminal, a little before 3:00 PM, walk with Sadie to East End Beach to meet City Councilman Kevin Donoghue.

Interviews with Sadie at 3:30 PM at East End beach. ‘Dog bones’ for all dogs.

Day 19 - Goodbye Boston!

2009-06-10T18:33:00.000-07:00

I left the Boston area today. I actually stayed in Brookline, but it was VERY close to Boston. These were my hosts in Boston, from left to right, Chris, Meghan, and Molly. I'm the cute one up front. I liked these three - I felt very much at home for the two days. They didn't ever feed me but Dan said Meghan's quite the cook and Chris really knows how to deliver pizza! Thanks guys!

When we left Boston we saw a guy yelling "Yea, Greenway!" Then he started following us. I would have outrun him but Dan was slowing me down. Turned out it was Stephen Winslow, a Greenway ambassador, who became our guide for a while. There sure are a lot of Greenway people around!

We were to meet another guide who would take us into Newburyport, MA. We got there early. Dan spent his time doing I-don't-know-what, while I rested. Dan could sure learn something from me!

During the day Dan got calls for interviews and one for a photo op as we enter Newburyport. The photo actually happened, but we don't know what will appear in print and what won't. After telling the photographer we will enter the city in about 30 minutes, the back wheel of the bike stopped spinning freely and a tire on my limo went flat. Dan managed to get us going with only a 15-minute delay. It all worked out. By the way, thank you Riverside Cycles for the repairs at no charge.

Tonight we sleep in Newburyport, a most beautiful town that deserves another visit. Our host Elizabeth Marcus gave Dan a tour, bought him dinner, and bought him ice cream. I got the best deal though - she scratched my back! Here's a picture of my host Elizabeth and my guide Conrad Willeman.

Walkin' in the rain

2009-06-09T14:29:00.000-07:00

Rain, rain, rain - but I don't care. I like getting wet. Dan, on the other hand, wore some sort of moisture deflector. I'll never understand humans! Anyway, we walked and walked anyway. It was comforting to see that Dan's legs can move without making small circular motions.

Dan didn't take any pictures on our walk. We did stop so he could have lunch with an ECG board member. We also got home in time for another phone interview with a reporter from Newburyport (tomorrow's target city). Dan will call when we get close so that a "live" picture will accompany the article.

Tomorrow begins the longest 2-day portion of the trip. Dan looks a little nervous and I saw him set the alarm for 5:30 am! The weather is calling for morning rain, but a cool day all day. I run much better when it's cool because I haven't mastered the "layered" concept,

Boston!

2009-06-08T17:39:00.001-07:00

This morning I said goodbye to my new friend Cali and her humans, Todd and Amy, I enjoyed my time with Cali. Breakfast for Dan was pancakes and eggs. Cali's humans treated him too good!

The Charles River Bike Path was gorgeous. It wasn't the prettiest trail, but it was the trail closest to Boston. This fact alone made it pretty darn great.

Seeing the Boston skyline from the trail was a real treat also. I knew I would make it, but I wasn't sure about Dan. I would have been such a hassel to have to replace the engine for my limo in the middle of the trip.

Tomorrow we will walk and walk and walk. The weather is calling for rain (seems appropriate for our rest day), but we will not be deterred. Dan promised me a walk along the Charles River and play time - as long as we work in a nap or two!

Massachusetts!

2009-06-07T18:20:00.000-07:00

Day 16 - We leave Bob and Karen in Rhode Island and head for Massachusetts. The visit was wonderful and we felt like part of their family. However, their daughter's dog was a Newfoundland, which made me feel like a very small part of the family! The future son-in-law showed Dan how to use his phone to see Google maps. Dan thought Chris was great except that Chris should have shared this information about two weeks ago. The fact that we hadn't met Chris yet did not seem to take Chris off the hook for that one.

Three different people stopped to give Dan cash for ECG, including the couple to the left. Massachusetts is starting off to be a very friendly state.

The picture to the right shows what I do whenever the bike pulling my limousine stops. There's always time and there's always room to lay down for a bit!

We are now staying at Todd and Amy's house. I like Todd - he wanted a picture with me.

They have a dog named Cali that donated to my bike trip. Cali is also a yellow lab, which means she is beautiful. We hung out tonight with a neighbor named Murphy.

Tomorrow is BOSTON!!!!!!!!

Day 15 - Rhode Island!

2009-06-06T18:37:00.000-07:00

We left the Whitehaven B&B this morning. It was a great place to stay in the Putnam, CT, area. Ruth and her husband were nice abd they fed Dan and Eileen lots of good food for breakfast. They also had two dogs, Sofie and Ferro, and a dog swimming pool. The humans called it a water feature but it was a dog swimming pool. I should know -I had two great times splashing about in it!

This was a day of riding and seeing RI. What a great state. They have definitely spent some time getting beautiful trails done. Some of the best trails I've seen were here. As a bonus the wildlife gets close enough to sniff!

Watch a YouTube of Sadie on Fox News

2009-06-06T15:35:00.000-07:00

Day 14 - Anniversary & Rest!

2009-06-05T13:34:00.000-07:00

Today is Dan's and Eileen's anniversary and Dan's and my rest day. I was incognito all day - no interviews and no cameras. Dan did drop the bike off to get the brakes adjusted. There are a lot of hills in New England and I wasn't sure Dan was going to stop once yesterday as we cruised down one to a stop sign! The bike shop didn't charge anything (obviously he saw me and recognized who I am). Tomorrow we enter Rhode Island and get picked up in Providence.

Day 13

2009-06-04T17:35:00.000-07:00

We head toward Putnam, CT. The day starts with yet another interview at a produce stand (permanent type). The reporter interviews Dan and the owner of the stand has her own questions. Pictures are taken (I look great). As we prepare to leave the owner gives us a pint of strawberries and on we go.

Soon we come across two ladies pushing baby carriages who tell us they know who we are and they know we have a blog because they heard about it on the local country-western radio station!

Later we ride toward a person standing in the road taking pictures as we approach. When we get there he tells Dan that he wanted pictures of the famous duo he read about on greenway.org. He invites us to his house to rest and get a snack. Dan just had lunch so we say No thanks and continue on our way.

When we get to our pick-up spot, Dan gets donations from two employees as we wait for our ride. Everyone makes a fuss about how good I look (no surprise there).

We end our day at a B&B in Putnam, CT, that Dan and Eileen have chosen to spend their 33rd anniversary (see picture below). It was a good choice - they have two dogs I'm enjoying playing with. Tomorrow we rest.

Day 12 - I'm a Star!

2009-06-03T18:59:00.000-07:00

Well, Day 11 just skipped right passed me. It was a day of resting primarily. Yes, Dan did nap! Our host (Steve Mitchell) also loaned Dan a car. Since we were alone and had a car, Dan could go anywhere he wanted for the finest lunch CT had to offer. You guessed it, didn't you? Dan used his GPS to find a Subway. Nothing like trying the local food!

This day ended with a deck cook-out and we met many new friends. It was a great relaxing day.

Then comes Day 12. I choose to call this "the normal day of a star." Dan set his alarm for 7 am but we were awakened at 6:45 by Steve yelling "Time to get up! Fox called and they want us in the studio by 8 am! I done caught me a celebrity!" (Steve is a funny guy.) I get up and do my business then I get served breakfast. We get all the bike gear in the minivan. Dan is dressed like he's going biking instead of the truth - he's benefitting from hanging out with a star.

The three of us (Dan, Steve & me) get the bike and the trailer and all the gear in the correct elevators and roll everything down hallways until we're met by the lady in charge. We're to get everything hooked up, put it in the hallway, and wait in the snack room (with the other stars for the morning show). Dan looks nervous, I was just sleepy.

At 8:30 they call us to the door of the studio so we can roll everything in during the commercial. We hear comments like "Just how long is that bike?" and "The studio's not big enough." But we get it in there and they move it this way and that - I just watched, being the star. Before it was our turn we saw two news people doing their thing, then the weatherman, It was all one room but each corner looked like another set. Then it was our turn. I expected Dan to do the talking - I was riding to the top on my looks and the way I get in and out of the trailer. Everyone exclaimed over me when the piece was done. Even the news persons came over for the opportunity to touch me on the head.

Then we leave and the humans must eat. We don't get to the actual ride until 11:30 where we begin the ride at Yale University. However, the first portion of the trail is closed. Steve talks to Russ, the gatekeeper, and explains who I am. Gates are opened and Russ escorts us through the restricted area. In this picture, Yale is in the background.

The bike has problems again and Dillon Pronovost, owner of Chesire Cycle & Repair, fixes the probems. Dillon says there is no charge since it is for a star. This is my friend Dillon: While at the bike shop, a reporter drives up and says she needs to interview us for her paper. Again, I allow Dan to answer her questions. We then go across the street to a gas station for a drink. The owner and two of his customers ask if they can have a picture taken with me. I have always allowed that.

When we are two miles from Steve's house in this gloomy, rainy day, a car stops and asks if we would like to spend the night at their place. We say no, we are staying with Steve. They just wanted to make sure I was taken care of. I suppose this sounds like special day to some, but I am a star - one gets used to it.

Day 10 - More CT

2009-06-01T18:16:00.000-07:00

People have asked Dan and me why it takes us so long to travel from one spot to another. I decided to show you those things that make this trip so long. There's walking along the beach, sitting at an overlook, and just rolling in the grass. These are important things that I prefer we not miss. I'm just happy Dan doesn't keep me from what I think is important!

Today we biked through some of the most beautiful places. I didn't realize that CT has so many great beaches and overlooks. There weren't many off-road trails, but the roads looked safe and the view was worth the time spent. It doesn't seem too bad to spend tonight and the next several days in this state.

My favorite interaction happened today. As we biked through Bridgeport, a man came out to the road waving his arms at Dan. We stopped and he said "I saw you - I saw you - I saw you!" Dan didn't know what to make of this and thought the guy might have been drinking. Then the guy came right to us. He was sober and explained "I saw you on the noon TV news today. I saw you! You're biking across the country with your dog." We got a kick out of that. The man then shook Dan's hand like he was pumping water. The last thing I heard him say was "I'll be damned - I done caught me a celebrity!"

Good-bye NY, Hello CT

2009-05-31T18:37:00.000-07:00

It took us longer than expected to depart NY and enter CT. This is a picture of the sign welcoming us into CT. It took so long to get here it seemed worthy of a picture!

Because of the length of time leaving NY (Dan was lost a lot of the time), we ended up staying the night at LaQuinta. Tomorrow is another biking day followed by a rest day. We'll have to use these days to make up the time lost. I believe there is a media event on Tuesday, so we may have to get back to our schedule using tomorrow only. We are still getting marvelous support from other ECG members, so we are not worried. Tomorrow is a cooler day and we expect a good biking day. Breakfast at 6:30 and departing soon after 7. Let's see what CT looks like!

Day 8 - Manhattan!

2009-05-30T20:17:00.001-07:00

My hosts for days 6 and 7 actually spent day 8 riding with me from Edison, NJ to the Newark Penn Station in Newark, NJ. That's a lot of time spent with us travelers, but is that all? No, they also drive me through the Holland Tunnel and drop me off at the trail in Manhattan. These folks, Mike and Anne Kruimer, have no end to their generosity (remember, they also gave me Mackenzie). The picture above shows them on the K-Train, a bike specially designed for them. Thanks Mike and Anne!

Day 8 brings us to Manhattan. This is the best trail I have seen so far. I don't get out to run as much as I would like because Dan makes good time, but the scenery is spectacular! I always thought that Manhattan was a busy place with too much traffic. That's why you have to love the East Coast Greenway - this trail was incredible.

The day finishes with my new host Oscar Hernandez and his neighbor Anthony helping put away the bike - Dan was way too tired! Then Oscar provided Dan and guests (e.g. Karen Votava) with cold beer, good music, and appetizers. This was followed by dinner for Dan et al. What did he cook? How about brown rice mixed with tomatoes, onions, various peppers, and topped with clams, shrimp, scallops, and lobster tail? Based on the way Dan was eating, this guy can cook up a storm! Thanks Oscar - you're going to be hard to beat!

Day 7 - Rest!

2009-05-29T14:53:00.000-07:00

Let me start off by saying I didn't need a rest - Dan did. I was ready to go and go, but I have a human with me slowing me down. It looks now like that was a good decision though. Dan slept for 10 hours, woke up for breakfast, took a nap, woke up for lunch, and took another nap. Of course, I slept the same amount of time, but I was just keeping Dan company.

As you can read, this was a day for resting and it was needed. Besides, it rained hard in the morning and again around 6 pm. There's nothing like good timing when you want a rest AND to avoid rain!

The only activity I did today was to play with my new friend Mackenzie. She threw the ball for me and we had fun together. I'm going to miss her. I'd better close for now and check on Dan. Who knows, he could be napping again!

Hello, New Jersey!

2009-05-28T16:39:00.000-07:00

It's day 6 and Dan says that NJ is a fine place to ride a bike. The ECG has done a good job here - the trails are nice and signs mark the way. Above is a picture of one of the ECG kiosks. We can thank one of my hosts, Mike Kruimer, for the kiosk you see above. I also thank Mike and his wonderful wife Anne for taking in this exhausted duo - Dan and I plan on being asleep before 8 pm.

Most of the trail on the way to Edison was hard-pack with periodic muddy sections. I just ran along but the mud would fly up and stick to my belly. I looked like I was black under and white on top. I didn't mind at all and I guess Dan liked it because he let me go swimming. I then hopped out of the water and rolled in the mud. Dan must have liked that also because I was invited to swim a second time.

Day 5 - Events Day

2009-05-27T19:40:00.000-07:00

This is Scott Maits, his two dogs and the historic house he lives in. Scott provided a guided tour of the Philadelphia area and kept me from getting lost. Scott knows his information and he was generous with his time.

Scott set up an event at a school. I got petted by a zillion kids and had to perform my tricks over and over. Dan seemed proud of me - you know I looked good! Kids and adults were sitting on the bike and asking Dan many questions about the bike and me. Dan met a new friend who helped adjust the gears. It was another great day.

When Dan and I were about a half a mile outside Bristol borough, PA, we met Bucks County Commissioner Diane Marseglio and a police escort. We followed a policeman riding his bike and the Commissioner (with a police car behind us holding up all traffic) as we entered Bristol borough. It was a sight that is hard to describe, but I believe all the dogs behind us being held up in traffic were happy for me.

Bristol looked like a happy town with plenty of water to swim in, a great park where my friends could play, and neat looking old buildings, one of which Dan ate at. He told me later the food was really good.

There was a large arrival party and they looked happy to see me get there. I suppose some of them might have been happy to see Dan, but I was clearly the star! Per the picture below and listing them from the left to the right, there were Spencer Finch (Director of Sustainable Development at Pennsylvania Environment Council); Dan; Rick Dalton (Department of Natural Resources); Diane Marseglio (Bucks County Commissioner); Robyn Trunell (Borough Council); Andy Hamilton (Pennsyvania ECG Committee Chair) ; Jeff Darwak (with the Bucks County redevelopment Aurthority); and Don Fisher (ECG Board Member). I don't know what all these things mean, but I was impressed they came to see me arrive. I like Bristol and I want to come back!

Day 4

2009-05-26T17:08:00.001-07:00

Day 4 in Delaware was windy, rainy, and cold. If the wind was supposed to be at my back (per weather.com) then Dan and I were facing the wrong way! That being said, the ride today was... dare I say it... FUN! Dan might have been too cold some of the time, but I never was. We both enjoyed the tempature drop and could have done many extra miles. We had a GREAT day!

H E L L L L O, Wilmington!!!! Here I am eating at the Riverfront Market. I like it here, but the food tastes the same...

Tomorrow we go through Philadelphia. Dan has asked me to perform for a school at 11:30. At 4:45 we are supposed to get a police escort into the city of Bristol, PA. I'll know more tomorrow!

Tonight I am staying with my friend Shyly. She owns a lovely woman named Dianna who has gone way out of her way to make us all very comfortable. Dan is cooking steaks right now and I will never understand why I never get any. Oh well, he seems happy and that makes me happy!

Day 3 Ends Well!

2009-05-25T17:32:00.000-07:00

Day three certainly ended well. How can you beat 100 people partying with food, drinks, and a live band? Obviously, I didn't partake in this human food and beverage, but I could tell Dan was enjoying himself. Dan had me doing tricks over and over but I got lots of extra petting and I do love to impress humans. Dan also took advantage of the time to show off the Sun bicycle. Many asked questions and many tried the bike on for size. I drew the line there - I sit in my trailer only if Dan is at the hyelm. It was a fabulous time and I think we're going to have more bloggers! I am tired! Tomorrow we ride again!

Some Photos from Day 1 - courtesy of Chris & Carrie Sapienza

2009-05-25T13:49:00.000-07:00

Chris had to remind me that even though I had a good day, I have quite a few left to go!

Nick asks a good question . . .

Many of my friends came out to see us - Dan got his drink first but I drank MUCH more than he did!

Day 3 Starts Well

2009-05-25T05:35:00.001-07:00

Here at Biller's Bikes in Havre de Grace, Walter (shown above - standing, not being held) worked last night and this morning giving my Sun EZ Sport the "new bike tune-up." I can tell you Walter is extremely thorough and he likes his work. It was a pleasure to watch him check every bolt and screw. Walter is also impressed with Sun bicycles.

It turned out that our breakdown yesterday was caused by a $2 plastic part that isn't a necessary piece to have. Walter said it's just one of those things that can happen. Thank you, Walter. I'll be back on the road tomorrow!

Day 2 - Not as good as Day 1!

2009-05-24T18:05:00.001-07:00

As the title indicates, Day 2 was not as good as Day 1. Actually, the hills were better, but the bike broke down and the day ended early. As I think about it, maybe Day 2 was better than Day 1! After all, I was so hot and tired. Every time Dan stopped I flopped in the grass. I didn' see Dan flopping, but he sure was sweating. It was only later this evening that we found out why.

Eileen picked us up on the EGW trail. That was more difficult than you might think since we hadn't seen a town for over 10 miles and Eileen's GPS started with the question What town do you want? Dan eventually went out into the road and yelled toward a driver with his window down "Where am I? What town is near here?" The driver gave Dan two or three choices, most we couldn't understand. Eileen resorted to solving the problem the old fashioned way - she looked at a map.

So we got picked up and rode the rest of the way in an air conditioned car. I can't understand why Dan doesn't finish the trip that way. Anyway, lucky for us our next stop was Biller's Bikes in Havre de Grace. This was a good time to be spending the night at a bike shop. That's where we met Walter and Mara Biller - wonderful people. They even have two cats to play with. Actually only one cause the other one scares me.

Walter checked the bike out and said "This bike is unrideable!" At least that made Dan feel better. Walter fixed the bike and we learned that the problems actually started during Day 1. Maybe that means Dan's next day biking will be much too easy!

Dan has decided to make Monday our rest day instead of Tuesday. Walter and Mara are having a biking party tomorrow and expect more than 100 people to attend. Dan will show his bike, trailer, signs, flags, and ME! This may be a day worth spending here talking and passing out palm cards.

The pictures above are from the Torrey C Brown Trail (aka Northern Central Railroad Trail). This was a wonderful 7.25 miles of biking ending in Monkton, MD.

More later...

Day 1 is Complete!

2009-05-23T17:04:00.000-07:00

Day 1 of this tripwas started in style. Dan's brother-in-law and good friend Joe Sampugnaro volunteered to contact the neighbors in our community (including my four-legged friends) to invite them to a mimosa party. This party would be held in the parking lot in front of my house at 8:30 am - my deoarture was scheduled for 9 am. The party was certainly a success! Approximately 30 neighbors came AND two bikers who had just arrived from Germany. I guess that made this party an international affair!

Our ride today was difficult. The tempature was around 90 and the humidity was high. This would also be (hopefully) one of the hilliest days. That being said, we only have to get there and the hosting couple said they would have dinner ready whenever I arrived - no pressure. This allowed Dan to take as many breaks as he needed - I was hot and tired but I didn't need any breaks!

When I neared the hosting couple's house, they had seven screaming people on the main road with signs! One said "Free Beer!" and another said "I'll drive you to Maine for $100." I don't know what these mean because I can't read! It was quite unexpected and Dan said it made every hill worthwhile! Thank you Chris and Carrie Sapienza!

Dan hopes to add more pictures and a video tommorrow. It is 9 pm and he looks exhausted!

2009-05-21T18:33:00.000-07:00

Dan, Eileen, and I went to downtown Annapolis today to meet Ellen O. Moyer, the mayor of the city of Annapolis. She would proclaim today East Coast Greenway Day and officially kick-off our trip to Portland, Maine. Here we are waiting her arrival.

I got to meet the mayor - she seemed nice (so far).

She gave Dan the proclamation and made Dan, Eileen and our friends who volunteered to take pictures and hand out palm cards official Ambassadors to the city of Annapolis. That was pretty cool, I guess.

Then the mayor gave me a large blue crab squeaky toy from Paws Pet Boutique! This is a wonderful lady! She's got my vote!

Oh, boy - this is really going to happen!

2009-05-20T16:20:00.000-07:00

I've been planning this trip for several months now and have had Dan in training for that period of time. But now, it's time to make this dream real! You can see I've had Dan change my training sign to one that will let people know what we're really up against! My limousine, fully loaded (trailer, all gear, my food and, most important, ME!) weighs 195 lbs. Dan won't tell me his personal weight but firmly believes it will be quite a bit less by the time we arrive in Portland, ME :-)~

You can see the Chesapeake Bay in the background of one of these photos - this is a "Port to Port" journey.

I've made my list and now I'm checking it twice!

2009-05-16T08:27:00.000-07:00

Today, I helped Dan gather all our equipment for the trip. I AM EXHAUSTED!!! I'm sure glad I don't have to pedal 850 miles with this load! Dan thinks he can put all of this on the bike. Check back tomorrow to see what happens.

I keep trying to tell my cat, Rocky, that no cats are allowed on this trip. He keeps trying to convince me to take him . . .

The countdown begins . . .

2009-05-15T07:34:00.000-07:00

So this is my first posting!!!

In case you haven't heard, I am undertaking a HUGE adventure. My human, Dan McCrady, is taking me from my house in Annapolis, MD to Portland, ME one of my favorite spots to visit. We're leaving on Saturday, May 23rd 2009 and are travelling about 850 miles on the East Coast Greenway (ECG) - a fabulous multi-use trail that connects Florida to Maine!! We have one week left before our trip begins and Dan is running around trying to get everything ready. He's packing our bike and making sure my limousine (he calls it a trailer - whatever!) is ready for the trip. I will get plenty of exercise along the way. I plan to have Dan let me walk or run 5 - 10 miles each day. Not at once, though. I'm not that crazy! Please also check out our website for more info on what we're doing, when we're doing it and our motivation for this whole adventure!

See you on the trail!