I'm writing this to you after a two-day car ride from the frigid Northeast to Villa Palma. Yes, there are flights. Several in fact, many direct to PBI. But, we drove. Why? Because we wanted to bring our Archer with us. Archer is special. He is a puppy. He is a German Shorthaired Pointer puppy to be precise. Dog lovers who know anything about the breed of dog we have understand that he cannot EVER be placed underneath a plane. Firstly, he is not cargo. Second, he is far too precious to risk what "could" happen. So, we drive. And we drive. Embracing the small victories along the way; making it through beltway traffic unscathed. Spotting the Maryland State Troopers just before deciding to gun it to 85 just because the car seemed like it needed to let the lead out. When I drive long distances I find it best to forget the clock. The clock is not your friend. Crossing state lines become the prize. Comparing the stateliness of the welcome centers, one that stands out the most is South Carolina's, with bright flags and solid flawless brick greeting the passing eye. Observing license plates from far away places and then realizing you are also one to be counted in that list and may have also been the subject of a general car conversation.
But being out of place, venturing forth down I-95 is for a purpose. That little brown fur ball whose lovely soft brown eyes peer out at you through your rear view window. You must stay alert because it is a long, long drive. You stretch your arms and sit up straight. Turning the heat on to blast back the cold until you reach Georgia and then switching to the AC.
Crumpled fast food bags piling up in the backseat. Frequent stops to hydrate the puppy and ourselves. Passing nods with other dog people at rest stops acknowledging the choice we made and approving all in the same nod. While in the car, adjusting his bedding to make sure he's comfortable. Cracking the back windows to let him breathe in the Low Country air; a place that perhaps would be his heaven if only we'd let him loose in the woods to hunt. One day. But not today. Today is in motion. Today is with a purpose to reach the sunshine.
And when we finally did it was night. But that didn't halt our excitement. Pulling into Villa Palma we were greeted by the beautiful swaying of palm trees lit from below and made to look like giants. We made it! Our home has been lovingly cared for by our landscaper Kevin, who takes pride in his work and it shows.
When we arrived it was made very clear that the journey was worth it. Archer ran through the house as if he had discovered the moon. I was worried that in his excitement he'd slip on the travertine floors and wipe out, completely altering the plan. A cone-headed dog can't have fun in a pool after all. But no, his paws held firm and provided enough grip to do eight full laps before I could blink an eye!
Then to outside. Archie took one look at the pool and decided that it would be a challenge to be levied on another day. Tonight, would be for surveying the perimeter. Which he did about 20 times. Then back inside. The intrigue created by the squirrels that live in the tree adjacent our property will be remembered long after this trip. But, no matter what catches his eye, I can feel safe knowing that he is free to roam in this enclosed backyard, without a leash! Finally, Eureka! The Leash is off!
Tomorrow we will take a nice long walk in the park on the Intercoastal. Right now, we are happy we ventured to bring our dog to Villa Palma. We hope that you do too!
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