We are hopefully getting close to getting us a male Shiloh Shepherd addition to the family. The little fur-ball Samson, who’s not born yet (but already has his spot and name on our “kid” hauler SUV) is coming from Azzaro Shiloh Shepherds in VA and Roseland Shilohs in PA.
If we’re lucky, we’ll be picking him up in Virginia sometime around June 1-3.
2013 International Motorcycle Show was held at Charlotte Convention Center Feb. 22-24. We made the trip up, and had a great time, as usual.
Maggie is turning 15 months, and still growing. We had her spayed a few weeks back, as we do not plan to breed her. We both still work. Imagine that. We’d love to breed, with about 15 acres, space is not an issue. Time is though. Breeding these magnificent dogs, do it right, and devote all the time is not possible while still working.
Maggie is still filling out nicely, and is now longer, taller and heavier than any German Shepherd we’ve ever had, and is currently around 85-88 pounds She is still a kid, and so she sometimes acts like a kid, spunky as she is. She is probably the most intelligent dog I have ever trained. Positive reinforcement and setting her up to success when training is the key. We still have a lot to do.
We had her one year hip X-rays done a while back. Sent the radiographs to OFA for reading, and came back with both hips good. We were jumping for joy, because the the local vet had initially read one side as questionable.
Our primary breeder was not successful on the last try for a winter litter. We have been waiting a long time for our male Shiloh addition, and decided to extend our search. At this time, it looks like Azzaro Shiloh Shepherds in Virginia will have a male for us. Nancy is an energetic, compassionate individual who takes the responsibility of breeding very seriously. We’ll just hope for the best, and keep our fingers crossed. We can’t wait to meet them.
We decided to make a run up to Laurinburg, NC to visit the 2012 Scotland Highland Games at The Blue House, Laurinburg. You'll never get tired of listening to bagpipe music, and the ones playing were good players for sure.
The Highland Games are events held throughout the year in Scotland and other countries as a way of celebrating Scottish and Celtic culture and heritage, especially that of the Scottish Highlands. Certain aspects of the games are so well known as to have become emblematic of Scotland, such as the bagpipes, the kilt, and the heavy events, especially the caber toss. While centred on competitions in piping and drumming, dancing, and Scottish heavy athletics, the games also include entertainment and exhibits related to other aspects of Scottish and Gaelic culture. A nice show of sheep herding done by Aussie Shepherds were also done.
Very nice set up show. We really liked it.
We had planned to ride the Trace a while back, but didn’t get to it until now.
Day 1 – 9/22/12
Home to Oxford, AL. Around 400 miles for the day. No pictures. Just riding interstate. Plan on getting to Natchez,MS tomorrow, Sunday. Bikes running good as always. Topped off the clutch reservoir in Oxford. Somehow I overlooked this when I prepped the bikes before leaving. Ended up at 84 degrees and clear skies. Looks like the forecast is good for the days to come, with a cold front dipping into the south, cooling the air down to camping-level.
Day 2 – 9/23/12
Oxford, AL to Natchez, MS. 411 miles for the day. Interstate riding 2.nd day. Nice weather, but the temperature is too high. Ended up at Natchez State Park, where we camped. Sleeping in a tent in 85 degrees is not my cup of tea. Anyway, we ate supper at the camp site, and crashed after that.
Day 3 – 9/24/12
Broke camp, and rode across Mississippi river to Louisiana. Ate breakfast and returned to Natchez, where we stopped at St. Mary Basilica. This is a gorgeous place. Was able to take some shots inside, including a few HDR shots.
What a beautiful and peaceful place.
We then proceeded to Natchez Historical Park. Nothing much to see there, so we decided to start up The Trace. Went across to Vicksburg to visit the Military Park. However, it just got too hot, and we opted for a hotel room for the night. Going to the Military park tomorrow.
Day 4 – 9/25/12
Up bright eyed and bushy-tailed, packed up, and headed to the military park. The park is MUCH bigger than expected, and took us around 3 hours to go though, including stops.
USS Cairo
Steam chambers (I guess) driving the huge wheel that propels the boat forward.
Part of the bow
17000 + civil war soldiers buried here, many unnamed.
Early morning light
After getting done there, we headed up I20 into Jackson in order to save some time. The goal was to get to Tupelo, MS. Followed The Trace for the rest the way to Tupelo. The Trace matches the BRP (Blue Ridge Parkway) in pure beauty, but lacks the twisties of the BRP.
Overall a very good day, although it was on the hot side in the afternoon.
Day 5 – 9/26/12
Up early to visit Elvis Presley’s birth place in Tupelo, MS after eating bfast at Waffle House. Spent a good deal of time at the birth place. Actually a very nice place, and I’m not an Elvis fan (Lois is).
The King’s Plymouth
He was born and grew up in this little shotgun house
Elvis at 13 years old with a Ladybug in his hair
Fountain outside the Elvis museum (10 sec exposure)
Continued up The Trace. Weather was beautiful, but still hot in the afternoon. Made stops here and there.
Natchez Trace bridge just south of Nashville, TN
We finally ended up in Nashville, where we had supper at Loveless cafe.
This cafe is a very famous place to eat, according to all the pictures. Nice people, and the food was very good too.
Super 8 was next stop for the night.
Day 6 – 9/27/12
After a good breakfast, we headed along I40, and headed through Pigeon Forge / Gatlinburg, then Blueridge Parkway. Had time to drop by Clingmans Dome (highest point in the Smokies).
Stop at Blue Ridge Parkway
Supper was had at Clyde’s in Waynesville, and pitched the tent at Moonshine Campground for the night.
Day 7 – 9/28/2012
Departed the campground, and couldn’t resist going back to Clyde’s for breakfast. Fuel up the bikes, and headed towards home via he Blue Ridge Parkway, through Rosman, and down US 128 to SC scenic hwy 11, and Hwy 9 home.
About 2000 miles for the trip. A little warmer than we would like for riding temperature. The weather was very nice otherwise.