The Portable Life

Mission Impossible: Canine Protocol was the theme

2012-02-15T10:16:00.002-05:00

Reykjavik was on operative. Look closely to see the spy kitty rapelling from his belly.

Krewe of Barkus Rolls Today

2012-02-15T10:16:00.001-05:00

Ok, i'm a little behind with this post. Barkus Parade was Sunday. Dogs ruled the Quarter for the day.

Seasonal Bling

2012-02-15T10:09:00.001-05:00

Reykjavik showing how to wear Mardi Gras beads tastefully.

Better Fireplace Shot

2012-02-11T19:05:00.002-05:00

Frenchmen's Dark and Stormy

2012-02-11T19:05:00.001-05:00

Drink nber 7 on myarch through the fabulous featured cocktails list on the wall.

My Bar Has A Fireplace

2012-02-11T19:05:00.000-05:00

How vool is that? Hiding out inside from the biting cold outside at Tonique, my neighborhood bar.

Breakfast View

2012-02-10T12:20:00.001-05:00

Finally, some plants on our balcony!

The Sky Before Rain

2012-02-10T09:51:00.000-05:00

Its coming.

Reykjavik vs Garden Gator

2012-02-09T16:30:00.001-05:00

Wandering the premises at American Aquatic Gardens, Reykjavik was a bit wary of this decoration with eyes.

Nailed It

2012-02-08T19:36:00.001-05:00

Came out to the courtyard this morning find this. A nail dead center through the vein of this leaf.Seems a bit omminous.

10:30am on the Riverfront

2012-02-04T12:00:00.001-05:00

Revelers from the Krewe de Vieux get an early start on their parade, which starts at 6:30pm tonight
In New Orleans, there is no such thing as starting a party too early.

Our St Louis Street Neighbor's Balcony

2012-02-04T09:51:00.001-05:00

So envious of her Mardi Gras Decorations! I have to wait until after we get our planters up next week.

Palms Growing Straight As A Lamp Post

2012-02-04T09:48:00.001-05:00

Woldenberg waterftont park.

Gazebo In The Mist

2012-02-04T09:47:00.001-05:00

Another misty morning on the Mississippi.

Shop Signs For Sale

2012-02-04T09:43:00.001-05:00

I am guessing this shopkeeper has been through a divorce.

Nice Morning on the Levee

2012-02-03T10:57:00.003-05:00

This musician was playing Zippity-do-da as we walked up the steps to the river levee this morning. Not a bad way to start the day.

Reykjavik sits and watches as a ferry crosses the Mississippi with the Crescent City Connection in the background.

King Cake Wreath

2012-02-03T10:57:00.001-05:00

First time i have seen these. They are wreaths made to look like King Cake, but with the baby on the outside.

Morning Walk

2012-02-03T10:54:00.001-05:00

Today Reykjavik chose to deviate from our usual path and take me to the river via Bourbon Street. Lots of smells for a person, it must be almost overwhelming for a dog.

Real Dog

2012-02-01T20:37:00.001-05:00

One of Reykjavik's favorite pastimes - chillin' in the grass.

Art Dog

2012-02-01T20:33:00.001-05:00

Very cool looking bowling ballesque dog in front of the Aquarium on the waterfront. Reykjavik checked it out.

Rainy Day

2012-02-01T15:06:00.001-05:00

This is the NOLA that i love. Misty, warm, rainy, and still. This is when the spirits come out to play.

Early Evening Wedding Parade

2012-01-31T20:33:00.001-05:00

Crossing Royal Street, en route from and eventually back to, St Louis Cathedral.

Grass Time

2012-01-31T20:27:00.001-05:00

This could become a habit.

Louis Armstrong Park

2012-01-31T17:40:00.001-05:00

Enjoying a balmy afternoon in the National Jazz Park on Rampart st.

Welcme to NOLA

2012-01-30T15:03:00.000-05:00

The first three thing I saw on my first morning here. A rainy, wet, deserted Bourbon Street.

Carnival decorations on a balcony.

and fog on the Mississippi. This is my New Orleans.

RT Day Three the Lighthouse

2012-01-30T14:55:00.000-05:00

Last thing we saw as we left the beach. Is this a dead seahorse?

the St. George Lighthouse.

RT: Day Three the Dogs

2012-01-30T14:17:00.004-05:00

More Big dogs on the beach on St. George Island. This is what you call a great day.

RT: Day Three The Dogs

2012-01-30T13:43:00.001-05:00

St George Island morning.

RT: Day Three The Beach

2012-01-29T23:52:00.000-05:00

We stayed nearly an hour, and it was so much fun watching them play. this lab mix, i think his name was Logan, reminded me of our good friend Lacie back in Key West.

Too chilly for me to want to go in the ocean, but Reykjavik really got into it. Then it was time to say good-bye to this grand sugary white sand beach and head back toward the lighthouse and the car. We were very late getting on the road this morning, and it was totlly worth it.

RT: Day three The Beach Dogs

2012-01-29T23:45:00.000-05:00

It wasn't long before the three of them were playing crazily in the surf. We wee so lucky to come upon these great playmates on such a gorgeous and dog=friendly beach!

RT: Day Three St. George Island

2012-01-29T23:39:00.000-05:00

The neext morning, we drove out to the nearby St George Island, and Reykjavik could not wait to get to the beach. He charged right out ahead of me, down the boardwalk.

You can see why. Not onyl a great beach awaiting us, but two large friendly playful dogs by the names of Gunner and, shoot, its been so long I've forgotten the other dogs name now. They were great playmates for him.

RT: Day Two Rancho Deluxe

2012-01-29T00:23:00.000-05:00

We left Caroline's Restaurant, without a hotel reservation. I had seen on the map that there was a Best Western in town, and decided that if I could find it, I woudl try it first, since they are often dog-friendly/ Turns out this one wasn't, so we went across the street to the next place, The Rancho Inn.

It was about at this point that I realized I was out of Sprint Cellular territory, and my texts to my niece and her husband who had stayed in Apalachicola the previous night had not gotten through. Without the ability to call her, I wouldn't find out they were staying a second night in this same town as me and Reykjavik until we were headed out of it the next morning. Fortunately, she had already told me about St. George Island, which I had passed on the way into Apalachicola. She made it sound so good, I decided we would go check it out before we headed out of town in the morning.

RT: Day Two Caroline's

2012-01-29T00:04:00.000-05:00

Reykjavik and walk to Caroline's, where I had their special of Grouper, garlic mashed potatoes, and vegeables. And a margarita, of course. Reykjavik and I had a chance to warm up before the walk back to the car. The restaurant was right on the water, and had it still been light outside, we would have had a great view of the bay.

RT: Day Two Apalachicola

2012-01-28T23:55:00.000-05:00

I pulled into town and headed right for a park and marina that I saw. I wanted to get Reykjavik out to play before it got too dark. It was a good choice. Ony problem was that I was dressed for the warm beacy weather I left in the East Coast of Florida. As the sun went down, it was immediately freezing here!

As we walked around, i discovered we had parked just down the road from a dog-friendly restaurant I had noticed online, so I came back to th car, did a quick change, and we headed straight to dinner.

RT:Day Two Apalachicola Here We Come

2012-01-28T23:45:00.000-05:00

Just before Apalachicola, is a long bridge spanning the bay the town is on. We drove across it just as the sun was setting. taking this route, I-98 instead of I-10, cost me a few more hours of driving, but going along the gulf coast was definitely worth it.

RT: Day Two The Beach Creature

2012-01-28T23:34:00.000-05:00

As we exited the beach that morning, we saw plenty of Pelicans on the beach, Levee, and in the adjacent park. But we didn't expect to see a shark.

Luckily it was washed up on the rocks of the levee.

RT: Day One/Two The Beach

2012-01-28T23:30:00.000-05:00

The highlight of the trip was this - running on the beach, not once, but twice. We were 8 miles from a dog park each, but we didn't need to make the extra drive. We snuck out on the beach after dinner and Reykjavik went wild, running up and down the beach like a crazy puppy. There was a cool wind and no one else was out there, but we sat in the sand ater he tired of playing, and just soaked up the cool ocean breeze. What a night.

The next morning, I thought we might be shooed away, but insted, we were greated by two other dog owners and their dogs coming off the beach as we entered through a trail in the dunes. We had quite another good romp and no one bothered us. Feel people out other than a fisherman and a couple walkers. The fact that the area was not heavily populated probably helped us out a lot. No one to tell us No Dogs On The Beach!

RT: Day One Hutchinson Island

2012-01-28T23:21:00.000-05:00

We got in after dark. and I was hungry. We found two places a block from the motel, close to the beach, and with outdoor seating. I ate at the place on the right, because it was quite busy, but it was a wing place. Not really my style. But I got chicken tenders to split with Reykjavik, and a pretty good chicken salad. Next time I will try the surf bar on the left. Few people in there, but probably better for me. Plus it looked like they had a full bar, whereas the first one did not. Obvious choice.

Road Trip Key West to NOLA: Day One

2012-01-28T22:44:00.000-05:00

A week and a half late, but I am finally catching up on the blog and documenting the great trip along the Gulf Coast this year. This is the kind of adventure and discovery that makes life great. For the first time, I didn'thave time to plot it out in advance. I picked each hotel and destination the night before or moning that I left for it. I was very reluctant to let go of the first leg through the Everglades, with our stop at The Rod and Gun Lodge on the river in Everglade City, but it was time to see places we hadn't been to yet.

We drove from Key West up the East Coast of Florida to Fort Pierce, and then out to the barrier island Hutchinson We stayed at the Royal Inn Beach Motel, with a balcony and view of the ocean a short walk away. It was perfect for Reykjavik and I.

And Bye to Our Sweet Pool

2012-01-23T22:28:00.001-05:00

See you next summer, if not before.

Bye Marina

2012-01-23T22:20:00.001-05:00

Hope to see you soon!

Last Day at Pepe's

2012-01-23T22:19:00.001-05:00

FishMonster Magazine

2012-01-23T22:17:00.001-05:00

Also on our last day at the dock, the guys from the FishMionster boat took photos of Mr. Reykjavik for the magazine. Hope we get to see it somehow when it comes out.

Reykjavik's Favorite Kitty

2012-01-23T22:13:00.001-05:00

We said good bye to Cecelia moma kitty at A & B Marina. She was laying in the sun with paw over her eyes. I think she was trying to hide the tears.
Reykjavik will certainly miss her. He would try and take me to see her on a regular basis.

Pelicans Are Cool!

2012-01-23T22:09:00.001-05:00

I cant stop taking pictures of them. They are the coolest birds, these Great Danes of the fowl community. Hard to say ggod-bye to Key West, but i am hoping i will see more of them in Louisiana, since they are the official state bird.

Reykjavik and the Manatee

2012-01-23T21:54:00.001-05:00

One of the boat captains was giving the manatee water so Reykjavik could get a closer look

Big Boy

2012-01-23T21:16:00.000-05:00

These manatees make Reykjavik look small.

More Manatees At The Marina

2012-01-23T21:10:00.001-05:00

This one hung around for quite a while drinking fresh water from the hose.

Wahoo

2012-01-23T21:04:00.001-05:00

This is what Mike and Emily cooked for us for dinner.
Reykjavik gets to try a piece of Wahoo raw. Sushi for dog.

More Fun At Virgilios

2012-01-16T20:47:00.001-05:00

Unknown partiers display their happy faces, while entertainer Dave Bootle eggs them on.

Visitors at Virgilios

2012-01-16T13:29:00.001-05:00

Mike and Emily in Sunday night revelry.

Intruders In The Backyard

2012-01-16T13:19:00.001-05:00

Reykjavik is riverted. We saw three raccoon stealthily gliding along the top of our back fence. A-Reyk was not about to let them hang out in his territory.

Sunset From Harborwalk

2012-01-16T13:17:00.001-05:00

The sky over Conch Farm restaurant.

Waiting Patiently

2012-01-16T13:11:00.004-05:00

Outside the harbor cafe, while we get him an ice cream cone. He does knows not to cross the threshold.

Snorkeling From The Dock

2012-01-16T13:11:00.003-05:00

Beautiful fish were visible this evening.

Sailing With The Big Boys

2012-01-16T13:11:00.001-05:00

The kite boarder heads out toward the racing sailboats.

Up, and Away

2012-01-16T13:05:00.001-05:00

A successful take off.

Pier and Dog at Sunset

2012-01-16T10:46:00.006-05:00

More Dog Beach

Preparing To Kite Surf

2012-01-16T10:46:00.005-05:00

Starting out from land.

After a Good Run On The Beach

2012-01-16T10:46:00.003-05:00

Time to contemplate the ocean.

Dog Beach

2012-01-16T10:46:00.001-05:00

The only officially legal beach for dogs.

Same

2012-01-14T17:49:00.001-05:00

It keeps getting better.

Sunset From Louies, Again.

2012-01-14T17:49:00.000-05:00

Pier and Reykjavík.

Rooster Bike

2012-01-14T10:08:00.001-05:00

Plane Coming In

2012-01-14T09:45:00.004-05:00

Right over Truman Annex

Mojito Time

2012-01-14T09:45:00.003-05:00

A well spent afternoon at Louie's Backyard, after a well spent morning of stand up paddling.
Most beautiful day. Even the sun posed for picture.

Boats Invade

2012-01-14T09:45:00.001-05:00

Even more sailboats this morning at Truman Waterfront, getting ready for the races that start on Sunday. As for their entry into the water, who needs a boat ramp when you have a crane?

Super Cool Sand Crab

2012-01-13T12:27:00.005-05:00

Credit to handler Bart, who is scared of spiders, but will hold this guy for a photo.

Boys On A Bench

2012-01-13T12:27:00.003-05:00

And in a boat. Neighbor Ken, his brother Ralph, and son Bart. My ride to the Marquesas. HUGE thanks to them for including me!

This shot taken in Rat Key, btw.

Boca Grande

2012-01-13T12:27:00.001-05:00

Abandoned lobster trap. Almost came home to be a coffee table.

Beautiful

2012-01-13T10:42:00.001-05:00

It just doesnt get any better than this.

First Look: Marquesas

2012-01-13T10:39:00.001-05:00

Gorgeous and deserted. I bave always wanted to come out here. Neighbor Ken made it happen today.

Orchids Making A Home

2012-01-13T10:35:00.001-05:00

These look very happy on these palm trees.

Sunset From Harbour Walk

2012-01-11T17:46:00.001-05:00

Sailboats and sunset. And this is just out walking the dog.

Cooling Their Paws

2012-01-11T09:54:00.001-05:00

A great shot of Lacey and her reflection.

Two Friends Headed Too The Beach

2012-01-11T09:52:00.001-05:00

Reykjavík and Lacey got to play in the Atlantic yesterday.

Reykjavik Meets Pat

2012-01-11T09:48:00.001-05:00

A Mastiff with one of the racing sailboats.

Sailboats Invade Truman Waterfront

2012-01-11T09:45:00.000-05:00

I especially lime the fish out of water shot with the Palm Tree.

Not Ready To Go Home

2012-01-09T22:37:00.000-05:00

on our walk this morning, we got to within half a block of home, when Reykjavik decided it was too nice to go in. He just gracefully settled down on the sidewalk, to sit, smell the air, and watch passersby.

Which Way Did They Go?

2012-01-09T12:36:00.005-05:00

Waiting for Guests to Arrive

2012-01-09T12:36:00.003-05:00

Reykjavík waiting for Emily.

Dog Cab Service

2012-01-09T12:36:00.001-05:00

When your dog needs to ridd in style.

Lazin On A Sunny Afternoon

2012-01-08T14:33:00.001-05:00

Ocean Key's Sunset Pier in Key West. Making the most of a gorgeous afternoon, before G.has to fly back to nyc.

View From Dinner

2012-01-07T17:33:00.001-05:00

At Latitudes restaurant on Sunset Key.

Friday Night Fights at Mallory Square

2012-01-06T20:56:00.000-05:00

live on ESPN2. They do this once a year here. we got great seats!

Mallory Square at Sunset

2012-01-05T19:28:00.001-05:00

View from Fury Catamaran, on the Commotion on the Ocean sunset cruise.

Reykjavík Escorted Grandma and Grandpa

2012-01-05T15:18:00.001-05:00

to Key West cemetery. Then he and i had to leave while they took ghe tour. No Dogs Allowed.

Sunset on the Ocean

2012-01-04T19:58:00.001-05:00

Caught a Seagull flying through and sailboat sailing though the sunset.

Booze Cruise

2012-01-04T18:47:00.000-05:00

Dancing fools on Fury Commotion on the Ocean. For a good time, call Cory Heydon Band.

This Morning's Pose

2012-01-04T12:05:00.001-05:00

the sophisticate.

Interesting Sunset Tonight

2012-01-03T19:32:00.007-05:00

cool and windy but still a great sunset.

Live Reggae

2012-01-03T19:32:00.005-05:00

Mom and E. and Reykjavik hanging out at Blue Heaven.

Blue Heaven

2012-01-03T19:32:00.003-05:00

45 minute wait for table. Yime to play ping pong!

its 5:00 am Somewhere

2012-01-03T19:32:00.001-05:00

i want this painting!

More Mayhem

2012-01-01T10:50:00.001-05:00

plus the ubiquitous baby.

Prophetic Sign at Fast Buck Freddy's

2012-01-01T10:48:00.003-05:00

Before and later.

Fast Buck Freddy's Annual NYE Window

2012-01-01T10:48:00.001-05:00

Brilliant scene of post-party mayhem.

Our Friends Bill and Carter

2012-01-01T10:40:00.001-05:00

in front of their lovely house. Reykjavik made friends right away.

Blister On The Sun

2011-12-31T23:09:00.001-05:00

Their version of the Violent Femme's song brought us into Bobalu's on Southard.

Its 12:00 AM Somewhere

2011-12-31T22:26:00.001-05:00

But not here yet.