In early August, 2008 we took Mavrik to Little Lava Lake to introduce him to placid (but still cold) water. He was very interested in the canal on the property, but we wanted him to learn to swim in calmer water! He also had his first ride in the canoe, which he took to right away.

We took a hike to Lucky Lake, Mavrik's first wilderness hike!

Mavrik got a drink in Lucky Lake. He's not shy around water at all, but it was a hot day and the water was nice and cool!

We spent a lot of time in August camping in the Terry Trailer at various locales around Central Oregon. We went east of town to Horse Ridge to camp, ride motorcycles and even watch falling stars with friends.

On July 25th, 2008 we celebrated the sunny summer season with a campout on the property. We invited friends to bring their campers, fifth–wheels, tents, dogs, or just themselves to enjoy a day and night of food and fun. Everybody else was camping, we were living our ‘normal’ life!

Several campers lined up on the hill past the entrance gate to "Mistysacre Campground".

We cooked barbecued chicken outside, one brave soul (Robert) took a dip in the canal, and several folks played horseshoes.

Some campers just had fun 'horsing' around!

We had a sunny, warm July in Bend. The deer passed through the property regularly, through the gap we left in the privacy fence, and we watched Mr. Buck meander by.

This may be the buck we saw a few weeks later, bleeding profusely about the head, probably from damaging the velvet covering his antlers before they were fully formed.

Mavrik was getting to know the neighbor dogs and had regular play time with Seiko, the Australian shepherd puppy at the other end of the block.

It's amazing, the two playmates were the same size back then!

After several days of hiking, including a 10 miler, Mavrik was pretty worn out. He made this 7 mile hike with a little help from his friend!

The rough desert surface has been hard on the puppy's feet.