CHILLINGOUT in CHILLIWACK

POST # 109


Well I've had some low stress housesits along this journey but this one would have to rate right up near the top, hence the title. This place is very chilled out and it's been easy to settle right in, after a week of wandering around.

The location is approximately 12km south of the main township of Chilliwack, along the Vedder River, right where the Fraser river delta butts up against the hills. It's rural, and quiet and that pleases me. I'll be here for a couple of months so it's a good thing that I like the location.

Along with the location, I have the pleasure of taking care of Austin, the hound/beagle cross who is as chilled out as this place is. Austin is about 10 years old, he's seen it all by now and so he doesn't get too stressed out about anything, and likes to spend a big chunk of his day snoozing. In that respect, he's more like a cat. Austin is also a very lucky dog, because the property we're on is totally fenced off on the south side along the road, and the north side opens up to the river valley where he has free range to roam wherever he choses to go. So the procedure is as follows: Austin stands at the back door which means he wants to go out, and sometime later, maybe five minutes or an hour he stands at the front door lets out a big "woof" which is the signal to let him back in. How easy is that? Of course I like to join him every now and again for a wander along the river. The terrain is uneven with rocks everywhere, however as long as I am careful, it's actually good therapy for my ankle as it gives it the opportunity to bend in many different directions.

As an added bonus, the owners have supplied me with a bicycle to get around on, so I'm all set. The owners are on their way to Yuma for the remainder of the winter. But looking outside right now, it doesn't look much like winter any longer.

Austin has just returned from his second morning stroll and has now taken up his favourite spot on the rug in the living room so that he can have another nap. So we're both chilling out for now, and later I'll join him for a wander down by the river and just enjoy being out in nature.

Happy Trails

Paul
The Thoughtful Wanderer