Backpacking

[DennisL]

At the beginning of April...we're preparing to take a short trip to the Smokey Mountains (Tenn.). We'll, of course, be taking Wesley who will then be about 9 months old. We plan on doing quite a bit of backpacking and camping and I was hoping to get some advice (and recommendations) about backpacks for dogs / training /and any other items I should be thinking about....any ideas??? We really think Wesley is going to love this ...he absolutely loves doing short hikes through the hammocks with us now....thanks

[This message has been edited by DennisL (edited 02-20-2002).]

 

[Sound Bay Newfs]

On the Newf special on Animal Planet a few weeks ago, it mentioned that if you are backpacking near water, not to let your newf carry your sleeping bag, unless you plan on sleeping in a wet sleeping bag! Have fun!
Lynn

 

[Miyax]

Dennis,

This might help:http://www.dogworks.com/corepage.htm The site offers backpacking gear and books on backpacking with your dog (beginners and intermediate).

I'm considering getting their gear for Ese. I'm so envious!! You'll have a ton of fun, I just know it!

------------------
A tribute to his Newfoundland:
"... beauty without vanity
strength without insolence
courage without ferocity
and all the virtues of man without his vices"
- Lord Byron, 1808

 

[bridge2itnf@aol.com]

WOW that sounds like so much fun , but remember not to load your 9 month old baby with heavy stuff. remember those joints. Didnt mean to put a damper on things, just concerned.And probally over protective, but i cant help it, just the mother in me i guess. anyway have a good time, im sure u guys know what u are doing

Bridget
--------------------
Until We Newf Again

 

[Kanela]

Dennis, here's a wonderful site to Backpacking with your dog that I just love. Scroll to the bottom of the page and you'll see yellow links to everything about hiking and packpacking with Newfies.

Enjoy! Take pictures!

Kanela

------------------
"To err is human.
To forgive, canine."
Newfieland.org

 

[Jeannie]

I hope I don't burst your bubble about backpacking with your newf at the Smokey Mountains Park. We took our girls there with the same intent a few years ago. There are only one or two trails that allow dogs. You can get this info from the park ahead of time so you can plan your trips. Also, remember the terrain is very steep, so if your newf if not in good condition, he may be sore after the first day

------------------
Jeannie and the rescues
Sara, Samantha and Panda
www.newfland.com

 

[misamala00]

I'm with Briget this time. At nine months I wouldn't put any load on my newfy's back - just an empty pack for a dog to get used to it.
I'm sure you'll have lots of fun.

Mirjam & Misha

 

[DennisL]

Thanks everyone for all your suggestions and input. The web sites have proven a great help....and please don't worry ...we won't be loading poor Wesley down....just his favorite liver treats and toys

. We're just hoping he will enjoy carrying a lite day pack. Also interesting about the trial limitations in the Smokey Mountains ...we have never encountered this type of restriction before ...so we will definately be checking in on that issue.

Once again ...thank you everyone!

 

[bridge2itnf@aol.com]

Bridget
-------------------
Until WE Newf Again

 

[HPond]

Smoky Mountains! Wesley will love it. Sounds like a great trip.

 

[kzdz]

What a lucky dog! I'm sure he'll love every minute.

 

[DennisL]

...to be completely honest with everyone ....we're planning our entire trip around Wesley .....boy, talk about being owned by a Newfie ...

..and we love every minute of it !!!!!!!!!!!

Oh, btw, Howard, our minature longhaired dachshound (and of course, Wesley's best friend...fun to see..12lbs. vs 100)is going as well...our oldest daughter carries him in one of those baby backpacks. Should be quite the adventure!

[This message has been edited by DennisL (edited 02-22-2002).]

 

[kzdz]

That sounds about right! Why shouldn't we plan our vacations around the newfs?!

You absolutely have to take a lot of pictures.

 

[Jeannie]

You mean there are such things as vacations that does not evolve around newf???

If I can't take my newfs--I don't go. Plain and simple. I long to go on a cruse, but till they offer one for dogs, I guess I won't be going!!

------------------
Jeannie and the rescues
Sara, Samantha and Panda
www.newfland.com

 

[madcap]

The trail restrictions in the Smokies are the real deal. I asked a ranger about it, and he was sort of apologetic. He suggested they really don't enforce it much, but you're not allowed to have dogs on most of the trails. I live in the area, so as an alternative I go to Big South Fork or Cherokee National Forest. Both are great spots with terrain similar to the Smokies but more dog friendly.

Here are photos from a recent hiking trip Xena and I took in Big South Fork ...
http://www.opposable-thumbs.com/bigsouthfork/november2001/photoindex.shtml

 

[Sound Bay Newfs]

What great photos!! They make me feel like I was right there. Thanks for sharing your vacation with us.
Lynn

 

[Jeannie]

Great photos. Looks like everyone had a wonderful time. Can you post what trails and which parks allows dogs. We love the Smokies, but have not been for some time because of no place to walk with the dogs

------------------
Jeannie and the rescues
Sara, Samantha and Panda
www.newfland.com

 

[DennisL]

madcap ...great pictures !!! ..and thanks for the suggestions.

A few days ago we followed up with a call to the Smokey Mts. Park and the ranger confirmed what all have been saying. He mentioned that they generally "look away" from day time "off season" hiking with your dog ...but enforcement is very important to them during "season" and within public camping and rec. areas.

Can you suggest any particular trails that would be short hikes for our puppy within the other parks? ...and perhaps incude a lot of water

...our Wesley seldom sees a dry day !!! ...he was out lying in the water sprinkles this morning ....

 

[madcap]

Here are a few suggestions of alternatives to the Smokies. Sorry, but I don't know which trails do allow dogs in the Smokies. Once I found out about the policy I just started looking elsewhere. If Xena can't go, I'm not going, either:

At Big South Fork, try the Angel Falls Overlook. That's where the photos I posted are from. Here are details:
http://www.thebackpacker.com/trails/tn/trail_539.php

Also, the Leatherwood parking lot has a few other trailheads that are worth exploring. Water everywhere, so your Newf will love it. I don't hike anywhere that Xena can't go swimming.

Another suggestion is the Bowater pocket wildernesses. I just started hiking those, beginning with Piney River Trail, which was a really great hike. Again, no lack of water.
http://sites.gulf.net/yustaga/HIKE28.htm

And finally, my favorite place is Frozen Head State Park. Unfortunately, Tennessee is in a budget crisis and they've closed the state parks. But I'm hoping they'll be re-opened by this summer. Frozen Head usually has flowing water, though in the heat of the summer the creeks can dry up. I like it because the trails are really nice and there are almost no crowds.
http://www.thebackpacker.com/trails/tn/trail_503.php

Other suggestions:

Picket State Park (it wasn't affected by the state park closure. I was up there in December. Neat hikes)
http://www.state.tn.us/environment/parks/pickett/index.html

Cherhola Skyway: Wonderful drive, with several trails along the way to explore. Highly recommended. http://www.westernncattractions.com/cherohal.htm

Tennessee is a great place to hike, and the people here are some of the friendliest I've every encountered. And I've lived a lot of places.

 

[DennisL]

Wow !!!thanks so much for all the great suggestions ...we will certainly be following up on each and everyone of them.

I'm getting really excited about this trip ...Wesley is going to have a great time!!!!!