Sunday, July 11, 2010

The Beach Boys...Petey and Clive's big adventure!

Hey there! It's me and Clive again.

Okay, so I'm back in New York, hanging out at the dog run and hitting up the Cafe Cluny ice cream lady for free samples and Clive's winning over fans on Hilton Head, but we wanted to share our few days together with you.

So Clive...where shall we begin?

Well, after our breakfast with the Irish waitress who knew Clive from her school days in Cork, Clive & Co. walked around Harbourtown. (I was home on the phone, confirming evening plans...) Clive even got to romp on the little rocky beach on the Calibogue Sound with a black lab from Georgia. (Let me tell you, when he's wearing his vest, he's all business. But when it's time off, the fella is a PARTY ANIMAL!)

NSLM tried out the treehouse at the playground in Harbourtown and demonstrated his royal wave to the adoring crowds.
Then they came back and we all headed out to Hardeeville. And not Hardeeharharville, either.

You see, after arriving in Savannah the night before, following a long day of a transatlantic flight, an airport transfer, and a second flight, Clive & Co. finally got their SUV rental car and headed to Hilton Head. Being out of his work togs, with that scent of magnolia in his wind-blown hair, well, Clive encouraged Dad to drive a little faster than he should. Not a good thing in South Carolina...the highway patrol stopped them for speeding and threatened to arrest Dad (!!!!) because he was from outside the country and could skip out of the ticket. After a few frantic conversations between NSLM's Mom, my Mom, and a friendly local Judge who just happens to be Mom's lawyer, the cops agreed to take the handcuffs off Dad (!!!!!!!) and take his passport for collateral that he would indeed return to Hardeeville to pay his traffic fine. Phew!
Disaster averted! (Well, except to Dad's wallet!)

So anyhow, we all headed out to Hardeeville, me and Clive included in case we needed to argue with any police dogs. On the way back, we swung through Bluffton, a funky/artsy small town with some great old Southern homes and a wonderful Farmer's Market on Thursday afternoons.

NSLM's Mom took these magazine-worthy photos of all of this locally grown produce. Just look at these ruby red 'maters...

...and did you know that South Carolina actually produces more peaches each year than Georgia?

Even the chocolate sunflowers looked good enough to eat!

Hmmm, did you know that fried shrimp tails are simply scrumptious? Clive and I both tried this new delicacy — hope it doesn't turn our blonde coats pink like flamingos!

Hmmm, the Gullah ladies had some interesting fare that day. Clive and I thought Steamed Pig Feet might be worth a nibble—Sorcha wasn't so keen.

It was hot, hot, hot (but still not as hot as New York that day) so we all headed over to a little cafe/tea room called The Cottage and sat on the porch, drank cool drinks and since we decided we'd sweated out all the toxins and calories in our bodies, we indulged in some Southern sweets.

How'dya like this Bourbon Pecan Pie? Mom and NSLM's Mom shared it and it was delish!

Clive and I stretched out on the nice cool tiles when we got back home. Ahhh, nothing better on your hot paws and belly, am I right Clive? By the way, Clive and I got along great from the first sniff. Mom was afraid I might be possessive of my toys but guess what? Clive didn't pay any attention to my toys. And better still, he brought me some new ones! (And some fabulous presents for Mom, too. Awesome!)

"Clive, I'm still hot, how about you? What say we split the last peanut butter Frosty Paws?"
As I said above, Clive is a swell guy, but I was a bit taken aback when he ate his half of the ice cream in a single gulp. I snuck mine into the dining room, just so I wouldn't get brain-freeze eating it too fast.

Soon we were left alone again while Mom and Clive & Co headed out on a private catamaran charter to spy some dolphins.

NSLM even saw some right by the dock as we were waiting to go aboard!

Soon we were heading out of the marina, with a cool breeze and loads of dolphins all around us.

("Ahhh, I wish the lovely Sorcha would look at me like this..." — Petey)

NSLM helped Captain Bob pull up the main sheet and voila! We were under sail power!

Now, NSLM's Dad and Sorcha have been known to be not-so-great sailors in the past, but this evening, the breeze was fresh and the Sound was calm—no tummy-rocking swells. Sorcha and NSLM got to sit up on the trampoline for a better view of the dolphins.

Just look how relaxed NSLM's Dad looks! That's our friends' other boat, the Pau Hana, sailing past us.
Ahhh, how cute is NSLM with his sweet smile and the sun setting over Daufuskie Island behind him???

Boy, do they look like they're having fun or what? And without me and Clive! The nerve!

Isn't this a beautiful photo of the Pau Hana? Our pal Jeanne was onboard, taking photos of us as we passed by!

So, you may be asking, what were we non-Seadogs doing while our 2-leggeds were sailing the high seas?

"Okay, Clive. They're gone. Let's get off this cold, hard tile floor..."

"...this is SOOOO much more comfortable! Now Clive, can I offer you a nice chilled rose or would you prefer a wee dram of Irish whisky?"

The next morning, our 2-leggeds packed up towels, chairs, umbrellas and every number of SPF from 20 to 100 and headed to the beach. Clive and I stayed home in the cool air conditioning and I taught him how to order stuff on eBay.

Then later in the afternoon, once it started to cool down a bit, we headed to the beach. On the way, we had to stop for some alligator wrestling.

Hee hee! Look at Clive, doing his imitation of the alligator's big snappy jaws. (Or maybe he was imitating Lacey? Hard to tell the difference...)

Even NSLM hopped on that snappy gator and showed him who's boss!

Then Clive and I took this wonderful photo of the whole family!

Now you may be thinking that Clive is the only hard-working dog of the two of us. That's simply not true. I got a summer job as lifeguard. With my sandy blonde good looks, trim build and affinity for dashing into the water, I was a natural for the job.

"Okay, Clive, my shift's over. What say we grab that surfboard and hit the waves?"

(Now these next photos are titled "Our dog Clive hates the water! He won't even go near it!" I think the evidence to the contrary speaks for itself. Apparently, Clive doesn't like cold Irish water, but warm Southern Atlantic waters are a whole other story...)

"Umm, Clive, I think if you just gingerly step into the water and slowly ease into waves....umm Clive? CLIVE???"

YIPPEEEE!!!!!

WHHEEEEE!!!! WAAAHHHHHOOOOOO!!!!!

"Petey, old boy, this ocean stuff is just the BEST! Totally AWESOME!!!!"

See? NSLM agrees that these waves are just irresistible!

Now Clive's family thought he looked awful all wet and soggy like this. But I think he looks AWESOME! Nothing better than a salty dog!

Let's look at an instant replay. Yep. That's one happy soggy doggie!

"Hey NSLM, can we go surfing tomorrow???"

"Hey, wait just a minute Clive, I see something even more fun than romping in the surf..."

"go ahead, I'll catch up with you in a few minutes..."

"But first, I've found a new little friend who already knows how to play my favorite game!"

"...he even knows how to dance in the sand!"

Well, we sure had a great time with Clive & Co. and we can't wait to see them in New York later this month. In the meantime, we hope they have a wonderful vacation on Hilton Head. We can't wait to hear about all their new adventures!

("Bye Sorcha! Do you miss me? Even a little???"- Petey)

20 comments:

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

Why are Mom and I making THAT face?

Woo should have heard Mom telling The Doggy Nanny about your furst post about CLIVE and Khompany being here!

What a pawesome adventure!

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra
PeeEssWoo: Mom drives like THAT too!

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

BTW, what DOES 'The Beast' have planned fur Sweet Handome Clive?

If he needs a safe haven, my part of Pawylvania khould provide him adekhwate khover!

Rocky Creek Scotties and Rocky Creek Ramblings said...

What a fun time - our Mom loved seeing this through your eyes. As you know she and Dad used to live in Beaufort so it brought back a lot of memories for her.

Keep having fun.

XOXO
Lilly, Piper, Carrleigh and Ruairi

Gus said...

Wow..those photos you took of Sacha are lovely, clearly taken with your eyes that see her true beauty! And the beach shots...pawesome...glad you are having a good time

gussie

Lucy-Fur, as typed by Dr. Liz said...

Wow! What a GREAT time! (Although I'm dying to know what you two ordered on eBay while the bipeds were off doing non-air conditioned things...) And those pictures of Clive in the ocean? Hahahah! Oh. Wait. Mom got some pictures of me in our local pond, and I've discovered that I have little poodle legs, too... We are very glad to hear that Clive's Dad didn't get arrested (was he at least driving on the right side of the road?!?) - that could have been unfortunate! I am so glad to see that everyone is having a fabulous time - it looks wonderful!!!

*kissey face*
-Fiona and Abby the Mutant Puppy

LadyFi said...

Wow - what a fabulous time you've been having. Just brilliant!

Duke said...

What an awesome time everyone had and you told the story just perfectly, Petey! We truly felt like we were right there with you! Mom is still drooling over that bourbon pecan pie!

Love ya lots,
Maggie and Mitch

Tama-Chan, Benny, Vidock, Violette, Ollie, Heloise, Momo, Ryu said...

What a fabulous post and such great photos! We loved them all but must say that the beach photos are our favourites. Clive does seem to like the Carolina waters!!! I wish I could have been there with you!

Woofs,
Tommy

the booker man said...

oh, wowsers!! looks like ya'll had having tons of funsies! i knew clive wouldn't be able to resist the grrreat south carolina ocean water. teehee. i also see that NSLM got himself a salty dog cafe shirt! YAY!
:)
i hope clive and co. have a nice vaca down there. it's sure nice of you to let them stay at your house!
*woof*
the booker man

Eric said...

Sheeese. Blogger just ate my looooong comment. Then tells me my veri word is annon. Silly blogger. Now where was I?

Oh yeah. That famous southern hospitality shone from your postie Petey! Practically took off wigging my wagger seeing the smilies on everybloggies boat races. Talking of boats loved the wicked private Cat Er ma Ran to see NSLM's favourite dolphins. Pawsome pal, you and your Mom thought of everything.

So. You're smitten kitten huh over scorching Sorcha huh? You always knew how to pick 'em Petey. Bet she gives the best ear scritchies and tasty treats and of course throws a mean ball too?

Then Clive. Wahardeharhar!! Lookie at him larging it in the waves. He's one happy hound. Course. You two will look sooper dooper all togged up in the surf gear you two ordered on ebay.

Smashing. All of it. And everything. They are going to have the bestest time. Can't wait to see what's next. And the NY get together.

Wiry love Eric xx

The Airechicks said...

What a start - wonderful adventure!

Clive & Co look to be having a WONDERFUL time - except the bracelets Dad thought he needed to try - that's one fashion accessory to leave for someone else....

LOVE LOVE LOVE the pics of everyone at the beach!!!

XxoooXXooXxo

D.K. Wall said...

Yes, to all of your readers, don't mess with the South Carolina Highway Patrol. Not that there is any specific reason for us to know that. Nope.

Asta said...

GOWGEOUS!!!
What a faboolous adventoowe Petey

I think you awe a pawfect host and showed the NSLM and CLive and his family a pawsome good time..
my favowite is Clive full of joy in the watew!
smoochie kisses
ASTA

Bocci said...

Hey Petey-what a great post-felt like I was there! what a great time you all had! And so glad Clive got to romp in the surf like that!

Will look forward to your NY pictures.
Your buddy,
Bocci

Lorenza said...

Petey!
I loved your post!
Sure you all had a pawesome time together!
I can see Clive really enjoyed the beach!
Thanks for sharing the pictures!
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza

WFT Nobby said...

You played around in the waves? But that is SO SCARY!
Gail is still salivating at the pecan pie.....
Toodle pip!
Bertie.

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

Oh wowzers = what an awesome time together. Too bad about the ticket but they just need to put it behind them and have lots of fun here. We are always amazed at how much the NSLM looks just like his Dad - two cuties for sure. And Clive, oh how you loved that water. And Petey, we sure do have to agree with you on the beauty of the sweet lass Sorcha.

Thanks so much for sharing the fun.

Woos - Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara

Unknown said...

Oh! What a most fantasic adventure - Petey - and Clive and the NSLM!! Wish I was there to join you guys! Petey - you sure are showing your visitors a 'real good time'! :-) And Hsin-Yi is still drooling over that picture of the shrimp tails - shrimps are her FAVOURITE and those look soooooo delicious!!

Loved the pics of everybody frolicking in the ocean too!

Slobbers,
Honey the Great Dane

Baby Rocket Dog and Hootie said...

Wow Petey, this was a wonderful post. Loved the photos!! We are such huge fans of Clive and his family. How cool that you got to spend time with him.
Smooches from pooches,
BabyRD and Hootie

Deborah said...

WOW, what fun! I loved this post! Everyone looks so happy, even the humans! LOL
Have a great trip! Glad you didn't get arrested! Close call!
xxoo
Deborah