Here are the characters in our merry band of road trippers!
Glen
Driver, Mechanic and Sanity checker.
Glen is the husband and dog daddy in our team. He drives the truck, sets up the camper and calls things like they are. If his overachieving wife over schedules, over routes, or over plans, he puts the brakes on, literally and figuratively. Glen is a third generation Floridian, therefore, he hates cold weather and avoids snow whenever possible. He retired five years ago from the automotive industry. He loves watching motorcycle races as it reminds him of his glory days when he careened around the tracks himself. When you see that our itinerary includes several motorcycle events or races, you will know that is all Glen’s doing! Glen misses his garage and his motorcycles that he is restoring, but recognized that if we didn’t do this trip now, we might never do it.
Cathy
Planner, Writer, and Navigator.
Cathy dreams of exotic places and likes to think she has a gypsy soul. Maps are her porn. She doesn’t want to miss anything and sometimes forgets to stop and smell the roses while on the road. She also sometimes forgets that we are traveling in a 22 foot travel trailer and heads the caravan down narrow one lane roads or bridges. Cathy just recently retired after 36 years as a historian for Manatee County, Florida. She thinks one of the most exciting things about retirement is that she will never have to suffer through a Florida summer again! Cathy writes historical fiction and trains the dogs in Canine Nosework. Occasionally, our route might divert for a Nosework trial or seminar. Cathy misses her family and friends, but is grateful for cell service whenever she can find it!
Cory
Serious, sensitive canine.
Cory is a seven year old Chesapeake Bay Retriever who started her career in the obedience ring. From there, she became certified as a service dog for Cathy when Cathy was having balance and walking problems due to Multiple Sclerosis and arthritis. Her service dog career ended when another “service dog” attacked her in a restaurant. Cory began Nosework training to rebuild her confidence after the attack. Using her nose to search for scent is her “happy place.” She has won many titles and awards for her work in the scent field. Cory is observant and detailed. She can be counted on to give a realistic picture about our travels. Because Cory is very aware of her surroundings, she often wears a bandana when out in public that says, “I need space.”
Lark
Party animal.
Lark is a two year old red Doberman Pinscher. She thinks her job is to keep us entertained and laughing, and she is right! Life is not boring with Lark around. Lark’s favorite thing to do is hunt for her “stuffies” and fling the nasty, wet toys in someone’s lap. Lark is a beauty queen, competing in conformation shows, but she also uses her brains in scentwork. She is quick to learn and often surprises us with her abilities. Lark is all bark and no bite. She was bred to guard and protect “her people,” but she has a wide group of friends. All it takes is a yummy treat, and you’re in her circle! Lark always looks on the bright side and will report on the fun aspects of our travel, at least from a dog’s point of view. This includes chasing small rodents, swimming and chewing on sticks.