Florida 2025 (Episode 1) - Meet Willow!

Описание: As we wrapped up our sixth and final episode of our Northeast trip, Sue and I dedicated it to Cassie, who we heartbreakingly lost just a short time later on October 31, 2024. At that moment, we honestly thought Cassie would be our last dog. She had given us so much love, joy, and adventure that it felt like the perfect closing chapter.

But then something remarkable happened. The very next day, November 1st, Cassie’s dog sitter, who is also a Golden Retriever breeder, posted on Facebook that she had a litter of twelve puppies. We couldn’t help but wonder… was this Cassie’s way of sending us a sign? Was it meant to be? How could we not at least think about it?

After a few weeks and many heartfelt talks, we realized we weren’t ready to close this chapter after all. Instead, we decided to open our hearts once more and welcome a fourth Golden Retriever into our lives—and into, of course, all the travels and adventures still ahead of us.

So let Sue and I introduce you to Willow! Willow spent the next month at home with us, giving us time to settle in together and begin her training before our trip to Florida. Those weeks reminded us of the realities of puppy life—the interrupted sleep, the endless trips outside, and the patience it takes to raise a puppy. But along with the challenges came so much joy. Willow’s playful spirit and boundless energy filled the house, and we quickly found ourselves smiling, laughing, and chasing after her. She kept us busy, but in the best way, reminding us of the happiness only a puppy can bring.

Then, on January 23rd, we packed up the motorhome and headed south. At times we wondered if we were crazy, not knowing how our three-month-old puppy would handle long stretches of travel or how she would behave in the tight living space for two months.

For our 2025 winter trip to Florida we took Willow to many of our familiar and favorite state parks that Cassie had visited with us over the years. We began in the Panhandle with stays at St. Andrews State Park and Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. From there, we traveled south to Manatee Springs State Park before heading to one of our favorite Gulf Coast destinations, Oscar Scherer State Park. We then crossed the state to the Atlantic side for stays at Sebastian Inlet State Park, followed by a visit north to Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area. To wrap up our winter getaway from Ohio, we returned to Sebastian Inlet and finished our trip at Myakka River State Park.

This video (Episode 1) provides the highlights of Willow’s visit to the Panhandle of Florida including stops at St. Andrews State Park, Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, and on our way south to Manatee Springs State Park.

Thank you to the artists from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!) providing the music for this video including the following:
https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/beach-house License code: YOFHFFDRH2H5BKEU
https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/renewed License code: U3PHJCOFOGTYND0I

Thank you to the artists from #melodyloops providing the music for this video including:
Artist Rolikmusic with the song Puppy Walking
Artist Art Pedan with the song School Routing
Artist Christian Aen with the song Happy Walker

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