The dog days of motorhome life!
Have I mentioned our dogs yet? Since Midnight and Lefty joined our family they've always had a place in the centre of our world, and yet on this new adventure they figure even more prominently into our daily lives as we rarely spend a moment without them.
The only "off-limit" places in Beni are our bed (only accessible by ladder) and the bathroom (they've tried to check it out, but they can't fit inside!). And of course, they are at our side for any outdoor adventures, and often even when running errands.
I've previously mentioned their role as our "ambassadors" in France, helping us meet new people and make new friends. Unfortunately, here in Spain, even the best efforts on the part of our doggos sputter out as we mutter our apologies and an embarrassed "no hablo Español" to the friendly dog owners as they try to engage.
3 miles of cliffside hiking to get to this beach — and the joy is REAL!
However, our lack of interaction with locals combined with the spectacular beauty on offer in Northern Spain has resulted in more outdoor time, more adventures and more appreciation for the comedy and joy that Midnight and Lefty provide as our trusty, daily companions. They really are game for anything — hiking, biking, kayaking, rock climbing, hide and seek (you laugh, but we really do play hide and seek with them!).
In some ways they are spoiled to have these wonderful experiences, but on the whole I think it's us who are truly spoiled. The joy the dogs exude upon seeing the ocean, chasing a bird, running through tall grass, finding a "good" stick or digging in the sand is so pure that it can't help but amplify our own sense of joy, wonder and happiness.
But it can't all be rainbows and butterflies! So what is the real dirt on living full-time in a camping-car with two dogs? Welp, there's lots of it — dirt, that is! In fact it's alarming how quickly they can get dirty AND the variety of dirt they can acquire: mud, sand, dead animal smell, tree sap — and in their minds, the more the merrier!
"Oh, sorry, am I in your way??"
And lest we forget their hair — it's EVERYWHERE! Sleeping in front of the bathroom door when you've got to go! Laying underfoot as you try to prepare dinner in your teeny tiny kitchen! Sitting in your co-pilot chair and refusing to budge as you prepare to leave your campsite.
Before (left) / After (right) — "clean-ish" is the target!
So, given this ridiculously close proximity in which we cohabitate, it's quite obviously a losing proposition to think we can keep Beni clean. And yet, I try. Why? It keeps me sane. It provides structure. And honestly, somehow it makes me happy. My daily Beni cleaning sessions are more satisfying than I'd like to admit.
Worth it? You better doggone believe it!