During our trip through the mountains, we stayed at Big meadows Lodge in Shenandoah National Park. It gave us a lot more time to spend exploring and hiking. The place had little cabin style rooms. Each had a little porch looking out into the woods. There was no cell service, internet, or TV. I wasn’t sure how the kids would take it. But, they were amazing. Molson didn’t mind either.
My rule with the kids is that they are allowed to jump on hotel beds as much as they want. So, they took advantage of that (don’t tell the manager).
Molson was a bit tuckered out from all the exploring during the day and took a little nap before we headed up to the mountain top to watch the sunset that night. He didn’t seem to have a real big appetite either. He only ate 2 cans of food during the entire 2 days. But, he lead the way on every trail and his tail rarely stopped wagging.
He hung out with us on the porch for a little while.
Then we went inside and got settled in. Elliot’s teacher, Mrs. Brooks, gave him a book called Love That Dog right before the end of the school year, knowing what he was going through. This was the perfect opportunity to read it together. The kids sat quietly as we read the whole book together in the cabin. It was a very sad book which caused all of us to show Molson a lot of extra love that night.
After we woke up, we headed into the lodge for breakfast before heading back out on the road.
Elliot filled out the Bear Sighting Journal twice. Once for the mama bear and cubs we saw the night before, and once for the bear in the lobby. Because, well, he’s Elliot.
I think I could have lived in that cabin and been fine.
The kids were sad to leave too and asked if we could stay a few more days. Mister Molson didn’t seem to have an opinion either way. He’s always up for anything. So, we got back on the road for another morning driving through the mountains and then on down to the beach.
Ah yes! As I read this, I recalled another memory from our Skyline Drive days – French Toast at Big Meadows!
Love the BEAR sighting book!
AND REALLY LOVE the bear sightings!
Tim, Thank you for reminding me on each of your posts, of all that is really important in life : friendship ,unconditional love, companionship, nonjudgmental acceptance,and patience….. all of the things that a dog and family offer in this lifetime…..I appreciate your sharing. Aunt Colleen
the cabin sounds peaceful, with no TV, internet or cell service – that’s the way life used to be. please give Mr. Molson and yourselves a big hug from me. and tell Mr Molson to eat his food! <3
Thanks. I will! We recently switched from can food to real fool like steak, chicken, liver, pork, and other butcher shop food so he has been eating better. So he’s getting spoiled and eating better food so it’s a win-win
I wish this whole story was under different circumstances however it is what is and you are surely making the best of it, Hugs to all.
Thank you Mr. Molson for taking me back a bit to my childhood……no cell service and no internet!!! Sometimes as my sweet mom would say “Sitting quiet is okay”!! She was a huge animal lover and would have loved you Mr. Molson. Someday you will meet and she will give you lots of hugs and kisses.