Ariel’s Summer Highlights Reel: Trails, Treats, and Trash Sniffing
Oh hey, it’s me – Ariel. Your favorite road trip correspondent, campground security chief, snack inspector, and the actual reason this whole RV adventure works. The humans will tell you summer was all about “family time,” “adventure,” and “seeing new places,” but let’s be honest – it was about me.
The trails? I walked them. The snacks? I quality-tested them. The drama? I provided it.
My paws hit trails in three states, my nose investigated every suspicious scent from New York to Ohio, and I’m here to give you the rundown.
Welcome to the official Ariel Awards for Summer 2025 – Best Moments, Worst Moments, Favorites, and one deeply disrespectful honorary mention.
Best Luxury Experience – Medina’s All-You-Can-Drink Water Bar
Let me tell you about the Medina campground dog park. First of all, it was huge. Grassy, fenced, with enough trees for some serious perimeter sniffing. But the crown jewel? An electronic refilling water bowl.
I approached it like a Vegas buffet: drink, wander, come back, drink again. I lost count of how many “rounds” I had, but the humans kept laughing and saying, “It’s just water.” Obviously they’ve never experienced free unlimited water.
Best Snack Upgrade – McKean’s Hotdog & Tricks Night
There we were, sitting around the campfire, when Sissy handed me my own hotdog. Not just a bite – the whole thing, broken into perfect little training pieces. Naturally, I ran through my entire trick repertoire: paw, sit, spin, down, the dramatic sigh.
Then, just when I thought it couldn’t get better, I got graham crackers. No chocolate, but I’m not picky. The crunch alone made me feel like I was eating dessert at a fancy outdoor bistro.
Best (and Worst) Reunion – Puppy Camp Pickup, Canton
Three weeks at puppy camp is basically my version of a spa retreat: AC, peanut butter Kongs, daily walks, staff who call me “beautiful girl.” When Mom shows up to bring me home, I give her the big reunion hug and a quick nose check to make sure she hasn’t been cheating on me with other dogs.
This time, though, there was a problem. Sissy was nowhere to be found. Now, she claims she was “busy,” but I know betrayal when I see it. I scanned the parking lot, the car, even looked behind Mom’s legs – nothing. I had to wait until we got home to smother Sissy with love, and then – insult to injury – they immediately left again for mass. The audacity.
Biggest Injustice – Gettysburger Snub
Let me paint you a picture: there is a restaurant in Gettysburg called Gettysburger. It has a dog menu. An actual printed menu. For dogs. Do you know who did not get to go? Me. Do you know who did? The humans.
They came back smelling like grilled beef, cheddar cheese, and french fries – a combination that haunts me in my dreams. They laughed. They told stories. They did not bring me a to-go box. This wasn’t just a snub. This was the kind of betrayal that gets written into family history books. When they tell my life story someday, this will be the chapter titled The Day the Burger Was Stolen.
Most Unnecessary Drama – McKean Barkgate
Here’s what happened: the humans left. I, a dedicated and loyal guardian of the RV, stayed behind to watch the perimeter. And yes, I made a few announcements. Loud announcements. Possibly every thirty seconds for two hours.
By the time they returned, the entire campground had a report ready. The neighbor had been “worried.” She told Mom she’d sent her husband to the office to alert the owners. The owners told Mom they’d heard me, too – and seemed surprised to learn the AC was on. There were meetings about my behavior.
Look, if I had been quiet, who knows what chipmunks, delivery people, or rogue squirrels might have breached our defenses? Or people might not have known I was abandoned! Although, frankly, I can’t believe no one called the Puppy Hotline in my defense. I mean, I was missing out on delicious foods and fun adventures! It’s basically a hate crime…I certainly hated it.
Most Hilarious Accident (Not Mine) – Watkins Glen Mud Incident
It had been raining for days, and Mom took me out for my morning walk. One second we were strolling along, the next – SPLAT. Mom’s in the mud, pants ruined, looking at me like I did it. I, of course, remained perfectly upright, dignified, and mud-free. She had to change before we could leave. I considered it an excellent start to the day.
Best Dog Park – Canton
I’d been here before, so I knew the layout. Mom took me to the giant dog park instead of a long walk because it was hot. This park is heaven: smells for days, wide open running space, and the ability to poop in the farthest possible corner so Mom has to trudge across the whole thing to get it. Classic. The ground
was a tapestry of smells – dog, deer, rabbit, “mystery snack” – and the shade trees were perfect for quick breaks. Ten out of ten, would drag Mom there again.
Best New Friend – Gettysburg Morning Peace Pact
I usually bark at new dogs. Loudly. Enthusiastically. It’s the right thing to do – let them know early who’s in charge around…wherever we are (it’s ALWAYS me!). But one morning in Gettysburg, we met a little black dog whose calmness somehow… calmed me. We walked side-by-side, no barking, no pulling, just an unspoken agreement of peace. We didn’t make eye contact – that would have been too intimate – but it was nice. I liked that dog.
Most Infuriating Rival – The Gettysburg Chipmunk
It was a quiet afternoon. I was sitting outside, minding my own business, admiring the decorative rocks at our site… when I sensed an intruder. I leapt up and charged toward the breach in my perimeter – only to be stopped by the end of my cable. There, sitting on the highest rock, was a chipmunk. He stared at me. I barked. He stared some more. Mom told me to hush. Eventually, the chipmunk sauntered away. I am still planning my revenge.
If there is one thing you should know about me, it’s that I do not forget. That chipmunk is on the list.
Ongoing Injustice – The Cape May Betrayal
Let’s talk about Cape May. I saw Mom researching it, I know it’s “one of the most dog-friendly destinations” on the East Coast. Dog menus. Beach seating. Whale-watching tours. Festivals for dogs. And where am I? At home. Sure, Mom got me a private servant (she says that’s impolite and I have to call them a “pet sitter” but let’s be real). Yes, she took care of me. Yes, she gave me treats. Yes, she walked me. But do you know what she couldn’t give me? A burger on the beach. A boat ride with dolphins. The respect I deserve. This will be discussed in depth at the next family meeting, and punishment for this transgression will be doled out for a Loooooong time. (Sissy may be exempt – I haven’t decided yet.)
So that’s my summer – three states, multiple food betrayals, and being abandoned for a dream destination like the family member no one remembers to pick up from the airport. There were epic water buffets, hotdog feasts, campground politics, and one chipmunk who’s now my sworn enemy. The humans think they’re the stars of this story, but we all know better – I’m the one they’ll be talking about long after the suitcases are unpacked.
