Exploring the world with our dog Merci.
Learning as we go, and sharing our knowledge with you.
While thru-hiking on the Pacific Crest Trail I was telling a story about having a pet alligator when I was a kid. A fellow hiker from France thought it was the most redneck thing he had ever heard. He would say ‘see you later Gator’ and the name stuck.
I had hiked 444 miles on the
Mercedes is my real name, but my friends call me Merci. When I am on a trail, I go by the name “Shady.” I like to run ahead and wait for my mom and dad in the shade. My dark fur attracts the sun, so it makes sense to rest in the shade!
This post contains affiliate links.Gator and Nuthin in Switzerland on the Haute RouteThe beauty of backpacking lies in its freedom and adaptability. There's no one-size-fits-all approach – what works for one adventurer might not be ideal for the next. That's the...
This post contains affiliate links.Merci overlooking La Rumorosa in MexicoOne of our favorite things to do in the world is to hit the trails with our dog Merci. She is four years old and has over 2,000 trail miles under her collar. She has hiked everywhere from the...
This post contains affiliate links.Tori and Penny in their travel kennels being loaded onto the airplane Photo by: @lifeoftheinstagrahams If you're planning on traveling with your dog, it's important to prepare them for the experience of flying. Flying with a dog can...
This post contains affiliate links.Merci in her travel kennelMerci is an avid world traveler. She has flown with us many times domestically and internationally, most of which has been in the cargo hold. The thought of flying with your dog in cargo can be scary. With...
This post contains affiliate links.Nuthin and Merci on a sunrise hike in Oaxaca, MexicoFeeding your dog a high-quality food is important for its everyday health. Backpacking puts enormous stress on our bodies, so it is crucial to consider the impact it has on your dog...
This post contains affiliate links.Merci's backpacking gearGator and I enjoy being outdoors, so taking our dog Merci along is a no brainer. She was always meant to be a trail dog; backpacking is one of Merci’s favorite things to do. We have taken her backpacking all...
Merci looking off the balcony in Pokhara, Nepal UPDATE: Effective December 1, 2021 Dogs vaccinated in the United States by a US-licensed veterinarian may re-enter the United States from a high-risk country without a CDC Dog Import Permit if the dog: has a valid...
Merci in La Paz, Baja California SurAfter driving south through Baja, we decided to take a ferry from La Paz to Mazatlán, mainland Mexico, instead of driving north through Baja again. We don’t speak much Spanish and complex transactions like paying taxes and crossing...
