Bringing Ginger down this big river made me nervous because of the strong currents, large rapids, and her weak condition. The only rule the park service has regarding dogs is that they where a life jacket. Of course this made sense, but we had to figure out how well it would work, so she and I went for a swim in the brisk water while getting ready to launch. The jacket kept her above water, allowing her to swim without trying to keep afloat- perfect! That allowed both us of to enjoy the trip without worry.
The first several rapids that we hit really scared poor Ginger, since she was in the very front of the boat and these waves were BIG! She got tossed around a bit and a little chilled from the cold water, but after about two days, she learned that she was safe in the boat. At that point, she actually began to enjoy her rides in the raft! It provided the same thrill of moving air and scenery that she got from the car, plus she got to be outside!
Our time on the Snake was an amazing experience for both of us. We got to spend all day every day together, outside, in the beautiful Hell's Canyon. I am truly greatful for that.
We slept under the stars every night while on the river, and Ginger really grew to love this. The open, fresh air and freedom to move around as she pleased was just what she needed to fill her with life. Here she is basking in the sun in the early morning.
By the end of the trip, Ginger was always eager to get back in the boat in the morning for another ride. Here she is wearing my coonskin cap to keep her head warm during the drizzle.
Once we were back on dry ground, she realized that she could go for a car ride once again. Having never seen a trailer before, she still knew this vehicle would get her somewhere, so she loaded herself right up into it!
On the way to the Snake River, we frequently saw these signs advertising 35 cent ice cream cones. Knowing that Ginger had taken a liking to ice cream due to Katie letting her lick the bowl clean, we told her and ourselves that after the trip, she would get a 35 cent soft vanilla cone!
So on the way back, we stopped and got her an ice cream cone which she devoured in about 15 seconds! Talk about brain freeze! She absolutely loved the vanilla ice cream cone! We soon discovered that McDonald's has 49 cent cones, so that became her new treat a few times a week! She eventually began to realize that when I would go to the drive through and order the ice cream that she was about to get a cone. She would get all excited in the back seat and start sniffing over my shoulder in anticipation. And once I picked up the two cones from the window, she'd immediately begin to go to town on the cone! She was delighted to be getting this attention and love.