On the Slopes

Tori took me took me skiing in Alaska. It was her first time, and mine, too! Isn't she just the picture of confidence!

First Stop---the Bunny Hill

Tori, who is only 5, spent 3 to 4 hours on the Magic Carpet. This conveyor takes you to the top of the beginner's slope and it's up to you to ski down. We had lots of fun!! I'm glad I have a fur coat, it was a little chilly. I'm more used to surf than snow!

Moving on Up!

So......Tori and I graduated to the bigger ski slope and got to ride the lift up the mountain. We're riding with Tori's mom, Sonja. I was a little spooked because I was so high up. Lucky for me, it wasn't windy!

A Bird's Eye View

Yes, I was pretty high up. Tori was having the time of her life as we rode the lift with her mom. You notice she's wearing a helmet and goggles----always remember, safety first. I'm getting excited, skiing is fun! It's good exercise too--I'm going to stay fit if I keep this up!

Off We Go!

Wow---Mt. Alyeska was spectacular! It was just a short ride south of Anchorage and a perfect place to have my first ski lessons.
Did you notice those mountains in the background? They took my breath away!

Heading to the Lodge

Tori sure had all the right gear for her first day on the slopes! She's going to become a pretty fabulous skiier if she keeps it up--remember, as Mom says, "Practice Makes Perfect Sense". Clever, don't you think? We're comtemplating making t-shirts that say that!

And Now to Warm Up

We stayed at the Mt. Alyeska Resort and, boy, was it special! A heated pool took the chill out of my little doggie bones after our long day on the slopes. I felt like a fancy poodle! Tori is here with her mom and little brother, Jaden. I'm on the side of the pool just relaxing!

Ready to Celebrate

Yes, Tori and I had fun on the slopes----it was her first time, even though she actually lives in Alaska. She has a very generous grandmother, Gena, who gave her a three-day stay at the Alyeska Resort as a birthday present. I'm happy I was included! We're just heading to the dining room to have a 5th birthday party! Yipeeee--I love parties!

Happy Birthday to You!

I wonder what Tori was wishing for as she blew out her candles. I know what I'd wish--------to come back to the slopes and have another exciting day of skiing. Thank you so much, Grandma Gena, for taking us!

Merry Christmas to All and to All..........

Wishing everyone peace, love, and goodwill. Spread the joy!
(This is my friend, Jan Olson's, traditional German Christmas tree. White lights only, and all the ornaments are memories!!)

Please..... Build Me a Snowman

I would love for anyone who reads my blog and lives in a snowy climate to please, pretty please, build me a snowman, snowwoman, snow animal, etc. I just love doing that activity with Mom. She's always such a good sport---I drag her outside and we have so much fun creating.....I heard it was good for longevity, too!! Once you have it built, send a photo to my Facebook page or notify me that you want to be friends. Lots of love at Chrismastime. Rex the Surf Dog and Mom, of course!

Mele Kalikimaka from Paradise

Drink a cup of hot chocolate for me!! Remember, dogs can't eat chocolate or they get sick. Be careful with plates or boxes of holiday treats that are at doggie level. Aloha and love. Your friend, Rex the Surf Dog

The Last Jewel in the Triple Crown

The Pipeline at Ehukai Beach Park on Oahu's North Shore is one of the most dangerous and exciting waves in the world. Called "The Pipe", it's a barrel that thrusts the rider through a tube of white water---a ride that exhilarates and has a surfer's heart pumping with excitement for days. The Pipe Masters challenges the world's best surfers and closes the Association of Surfing Professionals yearly tour. See for yourself in next dozen photos.

The Circus is in Town

Most locals on the North Shore welcome the surfing contests, even though the roads are crowded, and so are the surf breaks. The Hawaiian spirit of "Aloha" is to share.
Nancy is holding me just below the lifeguard tower where her husband, Rick, was on duty. The beach at Pipeline has a great view of the competitors because the break is so close to the shore.

What a Production!

When the Triple Crown of Surfing comes to town, there is so much hub bub on the beach!! The judging towers, the spectator bleachers, the tourists, the surf phtographers, the surfers, the sponsors, the writers, the locals, and so many more. Spending the day at Pipeline, watching the best surfers from around the globe tackle the most demanding wave in the world, is a once in a lifetime experience!

Standing Room Only

All eyes are fixated on the waves and the riders. I'm leaning up against Glenn, a famous potter, who flew all the way from his home in New Zealand to see the Pipe Masters. He's a surfer too, of course.

Everyone was There

Yes, this contest draws lots of famous people. Heather Brown is a well known surf artist. She and her husband, Chris, and I chatted for a little while between sets. Being at a surfing contest is kind of like being at a baseball game, there are plenty of times to talk and eat and people watch. See Heather's art at www.heatherbrownart.com

The Best of the Best

Peter Joli Wilson, an Australian, has been taking surfing photographs for many years. Accompanied by his wife, Jan, he's a regular on the North Shore every autumn during the surf season. See his work at: www.joliphotos.com

It's Time to Play

This little pooch nibbling on my ear was one of the many dogs at the Pipeline Masters. Although dogs aren't allowed at the beach, I made lots of friends with lots of them. Mom just always has to stop to pet the friendly ones. She can't help herself. She loves dogs, but I'm her favorite, of course!! Did you notice those two youngs boys wrestling in the sand behind me? They were having lots of fun!

My Favorite Mode of Transportation

Yes, Mom and I love to bike and we love to see bikes on the beach. It's good for the planet and it's good for the body. Go ahead and get on your bike today! Pedal to the market, to the beach, to your friend's house, or just for the fun of it!