06/09/2025
We're back from an impromptu traverse of the country with the whole gang. An estimated 18 hours of driving across 3 days, up to west Cumbria following the sudden passing of my (Becky's) grandma. The dogs have been outstanding, spending hour upon hour in the car with only relatively short walks on the beach between all the family visits and long drives. Darwin has been our solid, reliable travel buddy as usual, but we are especially impressed with Astrid (on her first trip to Cumbria, immaculate behaviour on the beach and incredible patience for such an energetic, young malinois), and Mendel (truly the best companion dog in emotional times, next time anyone asks why we have a non-sporty dog I will be showing them the many photos of Mendel delivering a well-timed cuddle on this trip).
There's been a lot of going through old photos, talking about the people and dogs who shaped us. Emotional but lovely.
1. Full gang on Seascale beach
2. A walk with Becky's parents on Drigg beach
3. Our regular stop off in Birmingham for the mid-drive walk
4. Mendel enjoying Mendel-height cottage windows
5. Astrid enjoying a well earned nap by the fire
6. Darwin being the most patient boy in the car
7. Astrid and Mendel pile-on
8. Our last walk spot before the drive home
9. Our gang
10. Grandma and Jet ~2006
11. Grandma with the family Airedale, Teddy ~1940s
12. Becky (in the buggy!), parents and grandad on a walk with Treacle ~1995
13. Grandma and Mendel, 2023
14. Grandad and Darwin, 2023
