Yes, I'm still on Atlanta posts! I promise that this is the LAST one....ok, maybe the second to last one. At this point, you've seen us eat, explore the aquarium and decorate a cake but you haven't seen us kayak! Well, here's your chance.
Since Coco's family mountain house is (surprise, surprise) on a mountain, there was loads and loads of fun to be had. On our first real day on the mountain, we took the kayaks out for a quick little spin around the lake. It was overcast that day but it made for perfect weather. I've got to admit that it's nice to be out of the dry heat of LA every once in a while.
The drive to the lake was full of winding roads and cut through a good chunk of woods. It made me appreciate the nature you can find in the South and quite frankly it made me miss home. The scene at the lake was even more spectacular. I'm used to the manmade Smith Lake back in home in Alabama which is covered with houses, docks and jet skis but there was none of that at this lake. The houses were more hidden and there were absolutely no docks or boat houses jutting off the shore. The land almost seemed untouched.
The beautiful foliage surrounding the lake
The kayaks ready for some action
Pup was pumped for kayaking since he had never been...yes, I was very surprised by this as well. Even I've kayaked a handful of times in my life! He did pretty well for his first time. His kayak didn't tip over and there were no accidents...I like to think it's because I made him wear the life vest. He went on his own little adventure to explore the woods and he was excited to report that he had seen a turtle, snake and a grizzly bear or two (ok, maybe no grizzlies).
Looking for adventure out on the open water
Pup, all psyched and ready to go, in his life vest
Coco showing off her kayaking prowess
Pup looking like a pro kayaker
How adorable! It looks like he won something...but he didn't
When we got bored with kayaking, Coco took us to the falls to keep us occupied. The falls were a hidden gem! It was beautiful...until we got in the water and discovered it was freezing. Early on, MeMe had decided that she wouldn't climb down the rocks and sit by the water with us. She found a little bench and packed her wee bum on it until I convinced her that she had to have fun on this trip. Mames gingerly made her way down, hopping from rock to rock, until she found a comfortable spot. With the vibrant green leaves surrounding us, I decided that it was the perfect moment have a MeMe photoshoot.
Coco leading the treacherous way down to the waterfall
Drumroll please! The waterfall!
MeMe in her ivory tower of no fun
I was quite hesitant to jump off the bebe cliff
Right before I grabbed my top so my boobies wouldn't fall out
MeMe doing her pondering the meaning of life pose
The green from the leaves compliments the red of MeMe's vest
MeMe and Melissa playing a fun game of throw the ball to MeMe
and she'll hit it back to you
MeMe juggling--this is how she spent most of her time entertaining me in high school
Look at this model...what a handsome Pup
We couldn't get enough of kayaking so we went the next day and took Norman along for the fun. We weren't really sure if Norman could swim or not so we figured this would be the best way to find out. There were a few dogs playing in the lake and Norman bounded right into the water. He seemed to like the water only when the other dogs were in it. We tried our best to get him acclimated and get him to swim but he wasn't having it. Then we got the grand idea to put Normie in the kayak with Pup. Let's just say two pups in a kayak may have been a bad idea.
Norman getting used to the water
Making friends wherever he goes
Putting Norman in the kayak
He seems to enjoy the watercraft
And then came the cutest and saddest series of events! Little Norman kept walking back and forth on the kayak and he kept slipping. Pup said that he could tell that Normie wasn't very quick on his little paws and was worried that he would fall in. And that's what he did. I thought he had jumped in and was going to swim back to shore, but once he fell, Pup just plucked little Norman out of the water by grabbing his harness. Norman looked like the most defeated puppy as he was being paddled back to shore. On the upside, he earned the name "Norman the Conqueror of Land and Sea." At least he's got that going for him.
Norman conquering the seas
Right before Normie jumped/fell in the lake
Right after Normie jumped/fell in the lake
Norman was a bit embarrassed after the incident and wouldn't go into the water after that. So Coco stayed with the puppy on land while Pup and I explored the lake. Unlike the previous day, the sun was out and about. Unfortunately, I didn't realize this until we were waaaay out on the lake and I ended up with quite the tan.
Enjoying and tranquility of the lake. Oh and baking in the sun too.
We're like Lewis and Clark exploring new land
Pup looking for snakes in the brush
Pup was hoping to find more animals like he did the first day but we weren't as successful. We did see a family of deer tiptoeing through someone's backyard and a dirty volleyball which we brought back with us. When we returned to Coco and Norman, we found that he was still embarrassed by his little mishap.
Norman hiding from the camera
He's so embarrassed right now
But he's still Norman the Conqueror!
So after a few hours of kayak amusement, we packed up the kayak, hopped in the car and drove back to the house. Pup used this drive home to let his inner puppy out and rode with his head hanging out of the window. Dangerous? I think so. But hey! We were on vacation. Let the little guy have his fun.
