Ode to Joy

I can't believe that it's a whole three years since my last venture to continental Europe!

Gosh I am so joyful to be setting off on holiday to Germany tomorrow, accompanied by Gail, of course. And don't worry, I'll make sure she's attached to her walking string or at least in sight the whole time...

We'll be away for just over two weeks, and will be travelling by train and ferry, in easy stages. I'll try to keep you posted, but contact might be a bit irregular.

Meanwhile, let's all sing-along-a-Bertie...

A scene on the ferry home inspires a new research project

"I'm expected to go there in that sandbox?

"As if I were a cat?

"NO WAY.

"I need to be outside.

"When I said outside, this was not what I had in mind. Look, this ship is moving all over the place. If I lift my leg I might topple overboard into the North Sea. 

"I think I shall wait until we reach Newcastle. It can't be long now surely."

************ 

After seventeen hours on the ferry, I finally gave in and peed in sandbox. Just enough to relieve the pressure. I saved the rest until I found some good solid Tyneside soil an hour later.

I  am wondering how long my friends can go without needing to pee.
Do smaller or older pups need to go more often?
Is it a breed specific thing?
And what about gender?

It occurs to me that this topic merits a proper scientific study. And who better to conduct the research than your very own Bouncing Boffin!

I am hoping my readers can provide me with data, on which I can conduct an in-depth analysis in my own inimitable style.

So, all I need you to do is leave me a comment stating your age, gender, breed, weight and length of time you can go before you need to pee. You can tell me about your friends too.

The more data the better, so please feel free to include any additional information - hard facts or even anecdotes - you might consider relevant (in the broadest sense).

In compliance with the usual ethical data protection principles, strict confidentiality will apply...(sort of).

Images from the long, long journey home to Aberdeen

Up early to catch the train in Lugano

But not too early for the Swiss army cadets to be enjoying a beer (or several)...

As we enjoy scenic views of Lake Lucerne from the train window.

 In a park near Zurich Hauptbahnhof I meet 'Amigo', the first WFT I've seen since leaving the UK.

We change trains again in Frankfurt,

Where we are reminded of home.

After an overnight stay in Utrecht,

We say hi to a furry fellow passenger on the Sunday morning train to Amsterdam.

Gail and I are both by now feeling a little travel weary

But we are encouraged by seeing this poster.

At IJmuiden we say goodbye to continental Europe

And take the overnight ferry across the North Sea to Newcastle

Where I am less than impressed with my accommodation.

 Monday morning in Newcastle and I am too tired to go exploring (yes really!)

Finally, late afternoon, we're home sweet home in Aberdeen.

What a wonderfully brilliant trip!

Inter-species unfairness on the ferry

So why is it, on the ferry from Harwich to Hoek van Holland, that Gail gets to watch me on the video camera from her cabin, but I don't get the chance to keep an eye on her from my kennel?

That aside, I rather enjoyed crossing the North Sea.

On the train to Amsterdam, I relaxed and read the paper and felt relieved that we had not travelled by air.

Gail promises me that we really will be in Switzerland tomorrow evening. Meanwhile, Cheers from Amsterdam!

PS from Gail: apologies for any dodgy formatting on this and subsequent posts while travelling and using the smartphone.