Last time Buddy woke me up i at 5 in the morning was a month after we got him – Thanksgiving 2005. Everyone at the table kept giving him table scraps of ham and turkey. All night long he cried for me to take him out – was sick as, well, you know.

This morning, he started whining at 5am. I assumed he ate something he shouldn’t have, or the long trip itself upset him. No, none of that. The little ass just wanted to roll around in the dew-covered grass and chase after roosters!! He didn’t have to go, just wanted to herd something, I guess.

Met lovely couple over breakfast (which was fantastic – amazing French toast w/ cream cheese inside, sliced fresh strawberries on top, bacon prepared to perfection – turns out Kate uses an invention by a pre-teen who she saw on a morning talk show – makin bacon. It removes all the fat from bacon and it was perfectly crispy.

He’s from Florida, she from Germany, where they now both reside. Had a fascinating chat about the differences b/t Germany and the US in terms of driving and dog laws.  In Germany:

• Dog owners are taxed and have to pay extra for a more dangerous dog
• Drivers license costs $2500 and requires extensive testing (makes sense, average speed limit on the Autobon is 150mph
• If you speed more than once, you lose your license for life.
• If you drive drunk, you go to jail and lose your license for life
• Dogs go everywhere, including up for Communion in church.

Today was hiking day. We wanted to go out to dinner and our hosts graciously offered to look after Bud, w/ their 3 dogs, while we went out. Wanted to wear him down before inflicting him on the Bauers. Poor dog was tuckered – tongue was wagging b/f we got into car. We decided that Buddy gets sick on the first day of a big road trip, but after that, he seems to do ok.

Missed our exit, so ended up going to Hopeville Pond Park. Not a big park, but a good start to our hiking day.

Then made it to Mount Misery in Pachaug State Forest. Apparently people actually walk up this mountain. Keep in mind, I went to college at an elevation of 3,200 feet, but we drove up it. 441 feet is a lot to walk up from starting point. Luckily, we could drive, and it was a lovely drive indeed. Did park and try to walk up to peak, but was practically walking on all fours (Al and me, that is, since Buddy already has that down) due to the incline. We didn't get much further, but did get these shots of the mountain.

Buddy no longer the country dog he thought he was.  He was exhausted after barely hiking at all. Tongue dragging the ground and could barely move once we got back to B & B - he's a spoiled city dog after all.. wanted his comfy bed and the A/C blasting.

While at Pachaug, saw a few people riding horses. Found my So-Demo lookalike - that was my main show horse. Never have I found Arabians used as rental horses, but this one was definitely Arab - dished face, raised tail, most beautiful of all horse breeds.

Made it back to B & B covered in bug bites. Made a reservation at Stonecraft - it's an Inn as well as restaurant. Beautiful place - had a lovely meal.  Kate and Ron looked after Buddy while we were away. Said he whined for about an hour, then forgot who we were, and became complacent in his new surroundings.  Poor thing is beyond tired now. Out cold on the floor.

When we pulled in from dinner, the 3rd couple staying at the B & B had arrived - NY plates, but had stickers for "Bush '04" and "Abortion kills a beating heart."  Feel sure we'll have much to chat about.

Tomorrow we're going to Mystic to see the Aquarium and Seaport - Again our wonderful hosts will be looking after Buddy.