Portland, Oregon

Lizzy's First Big Adventure

Portland, Oregon marked a major milestone in Lizzy Mae's journey. It was her very first airplane ride and her first time traveling outside of Arizona. Like every great adventure, it came with plenty of new experiences and discoveries.

One of the highlights of the trip was visiting the iconic Cannon Beach, famous for its appearance in The Goonies. While Lizzy loved exploring the sandy shoreline and taking in the sights, she quickly decided that the cold Pacific Ocean water was not her favorite thing!

During our stay, we experienced life in a cozy tiny house, explored the vibrant streets of downtown Portland, and visited one of the largest bookstores in the world. Everywhere we turned, we were surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Pacific Northwest, from towering trees to stunning coastal views.

Most importantly, Lizzy proved that new experiences are possible with a little courage and preparation. She handled her first flight like a seasoned traveler and embraced each new adventure with curiosity and confidence.

Adventure Highlights

  • First airplane ride

  • First trip to another state

  • First visit to the Pacific Ocean

  • Explored Cannon Beach

  • Stayed in a tiny house

  • Visited a world-famous bookstore

  • Experienced the beauty of the Pacific Northwest

"Every journey begins with a single step, and Portland was the start of many adventures yet to come."

Yosemite, California

A Winter Wonderland Adventure

Yosemite National Park was Lizzy Mae's second great adventure, and what an unforgettable experience it was. Traveling from Fresno into Yosemite Valley, we arrived just after a snowstorm had transformed the park into a breathtaking winter wonderland.

Gary had visited Yosemite many times before, but this trip felt especially magical. The iconic El Capitan stood proudly with its peak dusted in snow, while low-hanging clouds drifted through the valley, creating a scene that looked like something from a postcard.

One of the most surprising parts of our visit was how peaceful the park felt. With fewer crowds than usual, we were able to explore the valley with ease, taking in the sights at our own pace. Everywhere we looked, the beauty of Yosemite seemed larger than life.

Lizzy was especially fascinated by the powerful rivers rushing through the valley. The sound of the water echoed through the landscape, reminding us of the incredible force and beauty of nature. Surrounded by towering granite cliffs, snow-covered peaks, and majestic forests, we couldn't help but stop often to simply take it all in.

Yosemite reminded us that some of life's most memorable moments come when we slow down, appreciate the beauty around us, and embrace the adventure before us.

Adventure Highlights

  • Arrived just after a winter snowstorm

  • Saw snow-capped El Capitan

  • Experienced Yosemite's dramatic low clouds and mist

  • Explored the park with light crowds and easy access

  • Heard the powerful, rushing Yosemite rivers

  • Witnessed some of the most beautiful scenery in the country

  • Shared another unforgettable adventure together

"Some places leave footprints on your heart. Yosemite was one of those places."

Lake Tahoe, California

An Adventure Filled with History, Beauty, and an Unexpected Night at the Airport

Our Lake Tahoe adventure began with a flight into Reno, Nevada. Before heading to the lake, we spent some time exploring Reno and taking in the sights of the city. From there, we made the scenic drive to Lake Tahoe, arriving during a quiet season between the summer crowds and the winter ski rush. The crisp mountain air and peaceful atmosphere made it the perfect time to explore.

To make the most of our journey, we purchased a Lake Tahoe audio tour app that guided us around the lake. As we drove from stop to stop, we learned about the area's rich history, geology, and landmarks while taking in some of the most beautiful views we had ever seen. The calm waters, towering pines, and snow-dusted mountains created a landscape that was both stunning and serene.

As beautiful as the lake was, Lizzy Mae remained true to form. Despite being an Australian Shepherd, a breed often known for loving water, she wanted absolutely nothing to do with it. She happily explored the shoreline but kept a respectful distance from the water's edge, leaving us amused once again by her strong opinion of lakes, rivers, and oceans alike.

The adventure took an unexpected turn on our trip home. Because Gary has airline benefits, we travel standby whenever possible. Unfortunately, we were unable to secure seats on our original flight out of Reno. We were hopeful about catching the last flight of the evening, but a maintenance issue grounded the aircraft when a needed replacement part was unavailable.

With no other options, our family experienced a first: spending the night in the airport. What could have been a stressful situation quickly became another memorable chapter in our adventure story. Through it all, Lizzy remained calm, confident, and completely unbothered by the unusual surroundings.

One of the funniest moments of the night came when a large floor-cleaning machine approached our area. The driver appeared to expect Lizzy to move, but Lizzy had other plans. She stood her ground as the machine slowly came closer and closer. For a brief moment, it became a silent standoff between dog and machine. In the end, Lizzy maintained her composure.

After an adventurous night at the airport, we finally boarded the first flight out the next morning and made our way home. While sleeping in an airport was never part of the plan, it became one of those unexpected memories that now makes us laugh and reminds us that sometimes the best stories come from the detours.

Adventure Highlights

  • Flew into Reno, Nevada

  • Explored Reno before heading to Lake Tahoe

  • Visited during the peaceful season between summer and ski season

  • Took a self-guided tour around the lake and learned its history

  • Enjoyed breathtaking mountain and lake views

  • Confirmed once again that Lizzy is not a fan of water

  • Experienced the challenges of non-revenue travel

  • Spent our first night sleeping in an airport

  • Witnessed the unforgettable "Lizzy vs. Floor Cleaning Machine" standoff

  • Made memories that will be talked about for years to come

"Not every adventure goes according to plan, but sometimes the unexpected moments become the stories you treasure most."

San Diego California

A Coastal Adventure with New Experiences

Our San Diego adventure was a little different from our previous trips. Angie was attending a conference, while Gary and Lizzy Mae joined her to turn a work trip into another family adventure.

Gary and Lizzy traveled separately and arrived later in San Diego. While Angie spent her days at the conference, Gary and Lizzy enjoyed a slower pace, relaxing at the hotel and taking walks around the beautiful harbor. It was a great opportunity to explore a new city and enjoy some quiet time together.

Once the conference day was over, the real adventure began. We boarded a ferry to Coronado Island, marking Lizzy's very first boat ride. Although experiencing the ferry was something completely new, Lizzy was calm and brave as she watched the city skyline, boats, and sparkling water pass by. The views from the ferry were breathtaking and gave us a unique perspective of San Diego's beautiful harbor.

On Coronado Island, we spent time strolling through the charming streets, taking in the coastal atmosphere, and enjoying a well-deserved ice cream treat. The island's relaxed pace and scenic beauty made for a wonderful afternoon together.

One thing we quickly noticed was the humidity. Coming from Arizona's dry climate, the warm and humid air took some getting used to. Because of the weather, we didn't spend as much time outdoors as we had originally planned, but that didn't diminish the experience. Sometimes the best part of an adventure is simply being together and discovering a new place.

San Diego may not have been the longest trip, but it gave us new memories, a first ferry ride for Lizzy, and another opportunity to explore a city we had never experienced together.

Adventure Highlights

  • Traveled to San Diego while Angie attended a conference

  • Explored the Peninsula area on daily walks

  • Lizzy's first ferry boat ride

  • Enjoyed beautiful views of San Diego Harbor

  • Visited Coronado Island

  • Shared ice cream while exploring the island

  • Experienced San Diego's coastal humidity

  • Created new memories in another beautiful city

"Every adventure doesn't have to be grand. Sometimes it's simply sharing new experiences, discovering new places, and making memories together."

Miami, Florida

From Desert Skies to Tropical Shores

Our Miami adventure took us farther from home than ever before. This trip included our first overnight flight and the longest plane ride Lizzy Mae had experienced. While the journey was long, Lizzy settled in comfortably, slept through much of the flight, and arrived ready to explore another new destination.

As soon as we arrived, we were welcomed by Miami's vibrant energy, beautiful scenery, and unmistakable tropical climate. The humidity and temperatures were much higher than what we're used to in Arizona, making it a bit uncomfortable at times, but we were thrilled to be experiencing a city unlike any we had visited before.

It didn't take long for us to fall in love with Miami. We explored the colorful streets of Little Havana, where Gary tried authentic Cuban coffee for the first time and quickly became a fan. We also visited the famous Miami Beach, enjoyed driving along the coastline, and took in the unique culture and atmosphere that make Miami so special.

Of course, no coastal adventure would be complete without another encounter between Lizzy and the ocean. By this point, she had experienced both the Pacific Ocean in Oregon and the Atlantic Ocean in Florida. Despite expanding her ocean-going résumé, Lizzy remained consistent in her opinion: water is best admired from a safe distance! She was perfectly content watching the waves while keeping her paws dry.Absolutely.

One of the most unforgettable parts of our trip was visiting the Florida Everglades. Seeing this incredible ecosystem up close was unlike anything we had ever experienced. We were amazed by the vast wetlands, unique wildlife, and endless views stretching across the landscape. It was hard to believe a place so wild and untouched could exist so close to a major city. The Everglades quickly became one of the highlights of our entire adventure and left us with memories we will never forget.

One exciting stop during our trip was the Homestead-Miami Speedway, where we enjoyed seeing a famous NASCAR venue and adding another memorable destination to our growing list of adventures.

The journey home provided one final unexpected challenge. After boarding our flight, a mechanical issue was discovered with one of the first-class seats when it would not recline properly. The issue needed to be repaired before departure, resulting in a two-hour delay while we remained on the aircraft.

By the time we finally landed back home, Lizzy had spent more time on a plane than ever before. The long day caught up with her, and she was a little stiff after the flight. Fortunately, some water, a little stretching, and a few muscle massages from Dad had her feeling better in no time.

From Little Havana and Miami Beach to the Everglades and Homestead-Miami Speedway, Miami gave us beautiful memories, new experiences, and another reminder that adventures are not just about the destination. Sometimes the stories you remember most coming from the unexpected moments along the way.

Adventure Highlights

  • First overnight flight

  • Longest flight Lizzy had experienced

  • Explored the beautiful city of Miami

  • Gary discovered a love for Cuban coffee

  • Visited Little Havana

  • Experienced the Atlantic Ocean

  • Lizzy added a second ocean to her list... and still didn't like the water

  • Explored the incredible Florida Everglades

  • Experienced one of America's most unique natural ecosystems

  • Drove along Miami's scenic coastline

  • Visited the Homestead-Miami NASCAR Speedway

  • Endured a two-hour aircraft delay before returning home

  • Created unforgettable memories in one of America's most vibrant cities

"Every new city teaches us something different. Miami taught us to embrace the unexpected, enjoy the journey, and never underestimate the power of a good cup of Cuban coffee."

Washington, DC

Return to a Place Filled with Memories

Our Washington, D.C. adventure began with a little uncertainty, which is often part of the experience when traveling standby. Our original plan was to take an overnight flight to the East Coast so we could make the most of our time upon arrival the next morning. Unfortunately, a direct flight to Washington wasn't available, so we adjusted our plans and flew to Charlotte, North Carolina instead.

Our hope was to catch a connecting flight from Charlotte to Washington, D.C. If that didn't work out, we were prepared to spend time exploring Charlotte. Angie was secretly excited about that possibility because it would have given us an opportunity to visit some of the NASCAR race team shops in the area. Fortunately, things worked out in our favor, and we were able to catch a flight to Washington and continue our journey as planned.

This trip was especially meaningful because Gary and Angie had lived in Northern Virginia for more than five years. It had been over a decade since our last visit, making this a special opportunity to revisit a place that holds many cherished memories.

We spent our time exploring some of the nation's most iconic landmarks and memorials. One memorable stop was the impressive Albert Einstein Memorial, where we paused to admire the larger-than-life statue and reflect on the impact of one of history's greatest minds. We also visited the World War II Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, and Vietnam Veterans Memorial, each offering a powerful reminder of the sacrifices and stories that helped shape our nation.

One of our favorite experiences was walking along the Reflecting Pool, taking in the familiar sights and soaking up the atmosphere of the National Mall. There was something special about being back in a place that had once been part of our everyday lives.

Another highlight of the trip was visiting Ford's Theatre, where President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. The museum and exhibits offered a fascinating look into one of the most significant moments in American history. We also enjoyed simply wandering the streets of Washington, D.C., taking in the architecture, monuments, and energy of the city.

For Lizzy Mae, this adventure was less about boats, oceans, or airports and more about being part of a journey through history. For Gary and Angie, it was a chance to reconnect with a place that played an important role in their lives. By the end of the trip, we were reminded just how much the Washington area still feels like a second home.

Adventure Highlights

  • Navigated the challenges of standby travel

  • Connected through Charlotte, North Carolina

  • Returned to the Washington, D.C. area after more than 10 years

  • Visited the Albert Einstein Memorial

  • Explored the World War II Memorial

  • Visited the Lincoln Memorial

  • Reflected at the Korean and Vietnam Veterans Memorials

  • Walked the length of the Reflecting Pool

  • Toured the historic Ford's Theatre

  • Explored the streets and neighborhoods of Washington, D.C.

  • Revisited a place filled with personal memories and history

"Some adventures take us somewhere new. Others bring us back to places that remind us where part of our story began."

San Antonio, Texas

Family, Love, and Cherished Memories

Some journeys are not about the places we visit, but the people who make those places meaningful.

Lizzy Mae and Gary made several trips to San Antonio to spend time with Gary's parents while they were living in assisted care. These visits provided opportunities to share stories, offer support, create special memories, and cherish moments together as a family. The time spent together became a reminder that life's greatest blessings are often found in simple moments with the people we love.

One of the most meaningful and difficult journeys was returning to San Antonio following the passing of Gary's father. While marked by loss, the trip also served as a reminder of the importance of family, faith, and the lasting impact our loved ones leave on our lives. Though the reason for the visit was a sad one, it became an opportunity to celebrate a life well-lived and to support one another during a difficult season.

After the services, we decided to spend some time exploring parts of Texas that were new to us. The change of scenery provided a welcome distraction and gave Gary an opportunity to reflect, heal, and make new memories while honoring his father's memory.

One of our first stops was Buc-ee's, a true Texas experience. We had heard stories about its size, but nothing prepared us for the enormous store, the crowds of people, and the endless rows of snacks, gifts, and fuel pumps. It was unlike any travel stop we had ever seen.

From there, we visited the University of Texas at Austin, where we walked through the beautiful campus and took in the rich traditions of one of the nation's most recognized universities. We also passed by the iconic football stadium, imagining the energy and excitement it holds on a game day.

Our Texas adventure continued north to Waco, where we explored several attractions we had long wanted to see. We toured Magnolia Market at the Silos, visited the historic Dr Pepper Museum, and explored the fascinating Waco Mammoth National Monument. As fans of Chip and Joanna Gaines, we also enjoyed driving through neighborhoods to spot some of the homes featured on HGTV's Fixer Upper.

One of the most unexpected and rewarding moments of the trip happened during our visit to the Dr Pepper Museum. While exploring the exhibits, Lizzy and Gary had the opportunity to speak with a group of children who were curious about service dogs. Many of them had never met a service dog before and were eager to learn more. Gary and Lizzy shared a brief lesson about the important roles service dogs play, how they assist their handlers, and the proper way to approach and interact with a working service dog. The children asked thoughtful questions and left with a better understanding of the partnership between a service dog and its handler. It was a heartwarming reminder that opportunities to educate and inspire can happen anywhere, even in the middle of an adventure.

While in Waco, we spent time exploring the area around Baylor University, appreciating the beauty of the campus and the vibrant atmosphere of the community.

Although this trip began with a heavy heart, it became a reminder that healing often comes through time spent with family, remembering those we love, and continuing to embrace life's adventures. The memories we made together throughout Texas helped bring comfort during a difficult chapter and reminded us that even in sorrow, there can be moments of joy, connection, and hope.

Adventure Highlights

  • Multiple visits with Gary's parents in San Antonio

  • Returned to honor Gary's father following his passing

  • Experienced Buc-ee's for the first time

  • Explored the University of Texas at Austin

  • Saw the famous Texas Longhorns football stadium

  • Visited Magnolia Market at the Silos

  • Toured the Dr Pepper Museum

  • Educated children about service dogs at the Dr Pepper Museum

  • Shared the importance of service dog awareness and proper interactions

  • Turned an unexpected moment into an opportunity to teach and inspire

  • Explored Waco Mammoth National Monument

  • Viewed homes featured on Fixer Upper

  • Drove through Baylor University

  • Created meaningful memories while honoring family

"The most important destinations are not found on a map. They are found in the hearts of those we love and the memories we share along the way."

Yuma, AZ

Serving, Training, and Making a Difference

Not every adventure is about visiting a new destination. Some adventures are about serving others, building connections, and sharing a passion that can make a lasting difference in the lives of both dogs and their families.

Our adventure to Yuma was centered around one of the things Gary and Lizzy Mae enjoy most, helping people better understand and connect with their dogs. Together, they traveled to support K9 training efforts, combining travel, education, and hands-on experience in a way that reflected the mission and values of both Red Ink Hope and Hopeful K9 Training by Klint.

Unlike many of our previous adventures, this trip wasn't focused on sightseeing or tourist attractions. Instead, it was about working alongside dog owners, sharing knowledge, and helping create stronger relationships between people and their canine companions. Seeing the progress that dogs and their handlers can make through patience, positive reinforcement, and trust was incredibly rewarding.

As always, Lizzy played an important role throughout the journey. Her calm demeanor, confidence, and willingness to interact with people made her a wonderful ambassador for the training process. Whether demonstrating skills, providing encouragement, or simply being herself, Lizzy helped show what is possible when a dog is given the opportunity to learn and succeed.

The trip also provided an opportunity to connect with members of the Yuma community and share our passion for building confident, well-behaved dogs. Every conversation, training session, and interaction reinforced why we enjoy this work and why helping others is such an important part of our journey.

While Yuma may not have included beaches, mountains, or famous landmarks, it reminded us that some of the most meaningful adventures come from serving others. The experience reinforced our commitment to helping dogs and their families thrive while creating positive change one relationship at a time.

For Gary and Lizzy, this journey was a reminder that purpose can be found anywhere. Sometimes the greatest adventures are not about where you go, but about the lives you touch along the way.

Adventure Highlights

  • Traveled to Yuma to support K9 training efforts

  • Helped strengthen the bond between dogs and their owners

  • Shared training knowledge and positive reinforcement techniques

  • Connected with members of the local community

  • Demonstrated the value of patience, trust, and consistency in training

  • Advanced the mission of helping dogs and families succeed

  • Discovered that service can be one of life's greatest adventures

"The most rewarding journeys aren't measured by miles traveled, but by the lives we impact along the way."

What Lizzy's Adventures Have Taught Us

From beaches and mountains to historic cities and service opportunities, every adventure has added a new chapter to Lizzy Mae's story. Along the way, she has traveled by plane, boat, and automobile; visited two oceans; explored national parks, bustling cities, and small towns; and touched countless lives through education, service, and companionship.

These adventures are about much more than travel. They are about building confidence, embracing new experiences, strengthening family bonds, overcoming challenges, and finding joy in the journey. Whether discovering a new destination, supporting a community, or helping others understand the role of service dogs, each adventure reminds us that growth happens when we step outside our comfort zones.

As we continue creating memories together, we hope Lizzy's Adventures inspire others to explore the world, cherish the people around them, and find hope in every journey.

"Life isn't measured by the miles we travel, but by the moments that leave paw prints on our hearts."