Continuing the Journey

 Continuing Our Journey with Mocha Teal

Where are we now, and where have we been?

After leaving the beautiful Kentucky Horse Park Campground, we pointed Gus south toward the Tennessee River. On Monday afternoon, July 6th, we rolled into Sherwood Acres, Josh's little piece of paradise along the Tennessee River.

The day started with one small problem—or maybe not so small.

Our generator wasn't working.

We were hoping that the weather would be on our side, and with about a seven-hour drive ahead of us, we hoped we could make it comfortably without needing it. Sometimes that's what RV life is all about: making the best of what you have and trusting that things will work out. However another lesson learned.

As always, Josh greeted us with a big smile and open arms. It felt good to pull into a place where you're not just another camper—you feel like family.

The plan was simple.

Stay put for a few days.

Wait for an important package to arrive.

And most importantly, reconnect with someone we hadn't seen in many years—our dear friends Greg Kelsoe and Piper.

2 alfa's mated and had a rialta

Little did we know that this stop would become one of the most important chapters of our journey with Mocha Teal.

Before I tell you about Greg and Piper, I need to share something a little more personal.

Around this time, I found myself wondering if adopting Mocha had been the right decision.

I wasn't questioning whether I loved her.

I absolutely did.

I was questioning whether I was the right person for her.

She had endless energy. She needed room to run, another dog to teach her the unwritten rules of being a Labrador, and maybe... just maybe... better humans than Susan and me.

I remember talking with Susan about all of it. I was frustrated. Tired. Wondering if I was failing this little chocolate whirlwind that depended on us for everything.

Susan listened quietly, and then she said something I'll never forget.

"You have never given up on anything."

That one sentence stopped me in my tracks.

She was right.

Throughout our lives we've faced mechanical failures, career challenges, family struggles, impossible repairs, and more than a few breakdowns along the side of the road. Every one of them seemed overwhelming at the time, but somehow we always found a way through.

So why was I thinking about giving up now?

The truth was, I wasn't really frustrated with Mocha.

I was frustrated because I hadn't yet learned how to help her become the dog she was capable of being.

There is a difference.

Mocha wasn't broken. Maybe loved Susan's chair

She wasn't stubborn. She can sleep with door open or closed.

She wasn't a bad puppy. She doesn't spend all of her time in jail.

She was simply being exactly what God created her to be—a young Labrador full of curiosity, enthusiasm, and enough energy to power a small city.

The one who needed to learn wasn't Mocha.

It was me.

That conversation with Susan changed everything.

Instead of wondering if we had made the wrong decision, I started asking a different question.

"What does Mocha need from me?"

As it turned out, the answer was about to arrive in the form of two old friends, a quiet place along the Tennessee River, and a few days that would change the course of our journey together.

Sometimes the road takes you exactly where you need to be—not because of the destination, but because of the lessons waiting there.

It was a much better question.

The answer began to unfold over the next several days.

Watching Greg work with Piper was a lesson in itself. There was no yelling, no forcing, and no frustration—just patience, consistency, and trust. Piper became a wonderful role model for Mocha, showing her how to settle down, observe, and simply enjoy being a dog.

Then came a few unforgettable firsts.

Mocha took her very first ride on a four-wheeler, sitting proudly as if she'd been doing it her whole life.

Not long after, thanks to our wonderful host Josh, she experienced her very first boat ride on the Tennessee River. At first she wasn't quite sure what to think, but before long she was taking in the sights, the breeze, and all the new smells that only life on the water can offer.

Thank you, Josh, for giving Mocha another adventure she'll never forget.

Today, July 11th, showed me something even more important.

I could actually see Mocha changing.

She met a beautiful Great Dane that had been trained as a therapy dog. Calm, gentle, and confident, the big dog became another quiet teacher without even trying.

She also met a friendly white Schnauzer named Opal Jean.

As I watched the interactions between Opel Jean, something finally clicked.

Mocha wasn't trying to dominate anyone.

She wasn't an alpha dog at all.

She was simply a submissive puppy looking for guidance from dogs that knew more than she did.

That realization changed the way I looked at her.

She didn't need someone to "control" her.

She needed someone to patiently teach her.

Looking back now, I realize that Sherwood Acres wasn't just another stop on our journey.

It became the place where I stopped trying to change Mocha...

...and started learning how to understand her.

Sometimes, the greatest lessons don't come from books, trainers, or YouTube videos.

Sometimes they come from old friends, new experiences, a peaceful river, and a little chocolate Labrador who has been teaching her humans all along.

Happy Journeys from all of us—until the next stop down the road.

The Adventures of Mocha Teal

Continuing the Saga of Mocha Teal 

How many Days has it been? Sometimes I think it has been  too long but is has only been 48 days, or just a little over 14 weeks since the birth of Mocha teal. Is it true she is only 3 months and 12 days old? 

In the last week Dana, Tom, Susan and I have notice big changes in Mocha. Color of her fur, her lenght, weight and just her body shape.

 

Let's continue with her adventures:

The crate cover is down, the RV is quiet, and Mocha Teal is officially down for the count. As she snoozes away, it is the perfect time to reflect on why this downtime is just as important as the physical exercise. For a high-drive puppy, sleep is when the brain processes all those morning lessons.

Moving her time-out to the new 2’ x 4’ pen on the passenger side has been a total game-changer. Because she can still see us, she learns to settle without feeling isolated, keeping her connected to her pack even during quiet time.

Training the Mind, Not Just the Body

Our refined morning schedule focuses heavily on impulse control. Labradors are notoriously enthusiastic about food, and Mocha is no exception! Her breakfast kibble goes fast, so we are turning mealtime into a mental workout. Rushing, jumping, or barking for food are officially retired however still in process. Now, we practice the "wait" command. Making her slow down before eating, teaches her that patience—not pushiness—is what gets her what she wants.

We are also building her focus through:
The "Look at Me" Game: Teaching her to choose eye contact over distractions.
The Mat Game: Giving her a dedicated place to learn the art of returing to her place with all 4-paws down.
Adding the Release Command. Mastering the exact timing to  say "release". Then follow up with "Yes" and a treat so she knows precisely when she has done a good job.

Velociraptor Wanes, Wardrobes Under Siege!

Speaking of a work in progress, there is finally a light at the end of the puppy teething tunnel! We are thrilled to report that Mocha’s infamous "Velociraptor period" is finally starting to wane (only 3 mths to go). Those razor-sharp puppy teeth are spending a lot less time mouthing our arms, and our daily play sessions are becoming much less painful. Our reflexes are also getting faster. 

However, that typical Labrador puppy energy has to go somewhere. While our arms are finally getting a break, our wardrobe is officially under siege! The second her high-energy switch flips, she goes on a targeted mission. If you are wearing tennis shoes or jeans with a loose cuff, you are instantly her favorite chew toy! We are staying consistent with trading these targets for appropriate toys, but it's a funny, daily reminder that she is still keeping us on our toes.

Tapping Into the Gundog DNA

The most exciting new addition to Mocha’s routine is her whistle recall, channeling the method we used for Dakota. Two short blows on the whistle, followed instantly by a jackpot of high-value treats—no talking required. We are striving for a 5 day a week training schedule.

Because her DNA is packed with pure gundog drive.  Watching her natural instincts kick in is nothing short of amazing. Labradors were bred to be working dogs—high energy, bright, and deeply desiring a close relationship with their humans. Whether she is fetching a ball during her 20 minutes of fun, or automatically sitting down the moment she spots a bird, her drive to serve is truly amazing. 

We still have a long way to go, but structuring her day around her natural traits makes the journey incredibly rewarding. Every command, every walk, and every quiet nap brings us closer to the companion we know she is meant to be.

Stay tuned for more updates from the road as Mocha Teal continues to grow!

Down and out for the Count

Susan, Tilly, Mocha, me and as always Dakota over seeing

Safe Travels and Journeys

Mooch Camping

 Mooch Camping at Dana and Tom's Lake House

One of the benefits of mooch camping at Dana and Tom's place is that they have something many RV owners dream about.

A driveway long enough for a 40-foot motorhome.

And even better, a 50-amp hookup waiting for us.

Most people would use such a setup to relax.

Not me.

Apparently, I viewed it as an opportunity to create a maintenance list.

While staying here, I have managed to complete several projects that have been on the "I'll get to it someday" list.

Among the accomplishments:

• Added compartment door covers.
• Built a new work table for the storage compartment.
• Cleaned and lubricated the tow bar.
• Removed the basement air conditioner for a thorough cleaning.
• Remounted the macerator to make it easier to operate.
• Added speakers and a small Bluetooth amplifier to a compartment door for outdoor sound.
• Repaired the Twin Temp exhaust fan.
• And perhaps most importantly, tracked down an electrical problem that had been driving me crazy.
• Replace minature toggle DPDT switches for Red ones.

The electrical issue turned out to be a bad Romex cable feeding the rooftop air conditioner. The damaged cable was causing the automatic transfer switch to kick out unexpectedly.

As with most RV repairs, finding the problem took considerably longer than fixing it.

The challenge with troubleshooting is that RVs rarely tell you what is wrong. They simply wait until you are convinced the problem is one thing, only to reveal it is something completely different.

Fortunately, persistence eventually won.

Of course, while all of this was going on, the VelociLab Puptor was conducting inspections of her own.

Every tool was carefully examined.

Every compartment was investigated.

Every project required puppy supervision.

And by supervision, I mean stealing rags, carrying off zip ties, and attempting to relocate any tool that had been left unattended for more than thirty seconds.

Mocha Teal firmly believes that every repair project is a team effort.

Her contribution may not always be helpful, but it is certainly enthusiastic.

By the end of the day, the RV had several improvements, a few long-standing issues had been resolved, and the Land Shark had successfully inspected everything within reach.

In other words, it was a productive day.

Prichardish would approve.

The Many Eyes of Mocha Teal

Susan, Tilly, Mocha, me and as always Dakota 

What Were We thinking

What Were We Thinking?

So… let’s talk about Mocha Teal. Or, as she is more commonly known around DaGirls RV these days, The Land Shark.

For those of you thinking, “A puppy in an RV sounds like fun!” — allow us to provide a small public service announcement.

At approximately 8 weeks old, a chocolate Labrador puppy apparently comes with the following operating instructions:

Sleep:
Requires 18 to 20 hours of sleep per day for healthy growth and development. Sounds wonderful, right? The catch is they somehow manage to fit all their chaos into the few hours they are actually awake.

Biting:
Currently experiencing what experts lovingly call “Land Shark” or “Velociraptor” behavior. Those tiny razor-sharp baby teeth are apparently designed to investigate everything—including fingers, shoelaces, furniture, pant legs, and occasionally your patience.

Bladder Control:
Let us just say… planning your day around potty breaks has become a competitive sport. With a bladder the size of a thimble, potty trips are required every 20 to 45 minutes while awake, plus a couple of overnight outings just to keep life interesting.

Feeding:
Three to four meals a day, totaling about 2 to 3 cups of quality puppy food. Judging by her enthusiasm, one would think she has not eaten in weeks every single time food appears.

Vaccinations:
Still in the middle of her puppy shot series, meaning public adventures are limited for now. No strolling around campgrounds greeting every human and dog she sees until she is fully vaccinated.

Exercise:
No forced marches for this little traveler. Short bursts of free play and supervised roaming are best while those puppy joints continue developing.

So, if anyone is wondering how life is going with Mocha Teal, the answer is simple: we are tired, laughing, occasionally bleeding from puppy teeth, and completely smitten.

Still… somewhere between the midnight potty runs and the latest chewed object, Susan and I occasionally look at each other and ask:

“What were we thinking?” 😄

Now, before anyone thinks life with the Land Shark is complete chaos, let us be fair—Mocha Teal has actually developed some pretty impressive sleeping habits.

Real life at DaGirls RV now looks something like this:

9:30 PM — Bedtime.
And to our amazement, she settles in and sleeps until somewhere around 5:00 to 5:30 AM. Not too shabby for an 8-week-old chocolate tornado.

The morning routine begins immediately—straight outside for the all-important morning pee and poop mission. Timing, as we have learned, is everything. Hesitate too long and, well… let us just say the RV carpet loses.

After that comes about 10 to 15 minutes of playtime and training. We are quickly learning that with puppies, any time is good for training time. Sit, come, leave it, no bite, good girl—repetition seems to be the name of the game. Even the smallest moments become learning opportunities.

Of course, training sessions usually last until either:

1. Mocha gets distracted by a leaf, stick, bug, or imaginary object only she can see… or
2. The Land Shark personality returns and fingers suddenly become chew toys again.

Still, every day we are seeing little improvements, and honestly, it is hard not to smile watching her learn and grow—even if she does keep us moving at full speed.

As a side note, our little Mocha Teal is growing like a weed. She is now tipping the scales at around 14 pounds and is coming up on 10 weeks old.

For a chocolate Lab, we are told that is right about where she should be—although from the amount she eats and the speed at which she can move when she spots something interesting (or chewable), we suspect she may secretly be training for the Puppy Olympics.

It is amazing how quickly they grow. One minute she seems tiny enough to fit in one arm, and the next thing you know, the Land Shark has longer legs, a bigger appetite, and just enough confidence to remind us daily that she now officially rules the RV.

Susan, Tilly, Mocha, me and as always Dakota in sprit

Safe travels and journeys.

P.S. Yes I am using AI, if it is one thing I have learned, never look a gift horse in the mouth. 

I have learned, that writing, paragraphs and sentences, that AI will put into order Vs me rewriting it several times. Spelling is corrected along with other items. Plus I can add additionals thoughts to it and it will be included in a way that the blog flows together.   

Stay Tune for a Word from our Sponcers

 First, I am taking a few moments away from Mocha Teal updates to talk about our journey.

We arrived in Shelbyville, Illinois, settling in at Bo Wood Campground, a place we always enjoy when we are near Susan’s brother, Harold. There is something comforting about returning to familiar places along the road, especially when family is nearby.

Bo Wood offers large campsites with options for everyone—from full hookups to dry camping—making it an easy stop whether you are staying for convenience or simply looking to slow down for a bit. For us, it has become one of those places that feels familiar, welcoming, and worth returning to whenever our travels bring us this way.

It also gives us time to catch up with Harold, share stories, and enjoy those simple moments that remind us why the journey is not only about the miles traveled, but also about the people waiting along the way. 

Harold just happens to be 78 years young, though he would probably tell you age is only a number—especially if there is something that needs fixing or a story that needs telling. He proudly served a tour in Vietnam, a chapter of life that helped shape the quiet strength and steady outlook he carries today.

After returning home, Harold spent many years working at a truss factory, putting in honest, hard work until retirement finally called his name. Like many of that generation, he is not one to complain, preferring instead to simply roll up his sleeves and get things done.

For us, being here in Shelbyville is more than just a campground stop—it is time spent with family, swapping stories, catching up, and appreciating the moments that too often pass too quickly when life gets moving down the highway.

We spent two wonderful days here, continuing to get to know our Mocha Teal—or as she is quickly becoming known, the infamous Land Shark. Those of you who have ever had a chocolate Labrador puppy already know exactly what we are talking about. Sharp little teeth, endless energy, and a curiosity level somewhere between “What’s this?” and “Should I chew it?”

To say we are learning would be an understatement. More accurately, we are learning how to manage the Land Shark while gently convincing her that fingers, shoes, chair legs, and anything within reach are not approved menu items.

That said, she keeps us on our toes and laughing more than not. Every day brings something new as we slowly figure each other out. Between the puppy antics, moments of sweetness, and Tilly still trying to decide if this tiny tornado is truly staying, life has certainly become more interesting around DaGirls RV.

Friday, we continued our journey north to St. Charles, Illinois. Our destination was the Kane County Fairgrounds, where we planned to set up camp and continue our family visits.

As many of you know, one of the greatest blessings of this RV lifestyle is that it allows us to reconnect with family along the way—something that would be much harder if we were simply rushing from one destination to the next.

This stop meant time with Dana and Tom, along with their four young adult children (yes, still “the kids” no matter how old they get). Family gatherings have a way of reminding us just how quickly time passes. One moment they are running around as children, and before you know it, they are grown, finding their own paths, yet still gathering together when family comes rolling into town.

Of course, arriving with Mocha Teal, the Land Shark, added a little extra entertainment to the mix, as she continues charming some while keeping the rest of us wondering what she might chew on next.

Susan, Tilly, Mocha Teal, me and Dakota' sprit until Mocha takes over.

Day 5 - Shark !

 The Infamous Land Shark

Now let me introduce you to the newest threat traveling America’s highways…
The Infamous Land Shark.

At first glance, she appears harmless. Soft fur. Tiny tail. Cute little puppy ears. The kind of face that makes people say, “Awwww.”

Do not be deceived.

What you are actually looking at is a highly trained mobile attack unit disguised as a chocolate Labrador puppy. Experts across the internet commonly refer to puppies in this stage as “land sharks” because of the constant biting and teething behavior.

This particular specimen—known formally as Mocha Teal Prichard—has already demonstrated advanced tactical abilities including:

• Sneak attacks on shoelaces
• Sudden ankle ambushes
• Precision finger nibbles
• High-speed tail wag distraction maneuvers
• Selective hearing when commanded to “drop it”

And much like the legendary shark from the movie Jaws, she patrols quietly… waiting… watching… until the exact moment you relax.

Then—CHOMP.

What makes the Land Shark especially dangerous is that immediately after attacking, she rolls over looking adorable, making prosecution nearly impossible.

Now according to puppy experts and countless exhausted dog owners online, this “land shark phase” is perfectly normal in Labs and other puppies. But knowing that does little to protect your socks, hands, or dangling hoodie strings.

Meanwhile, Tilly continues monitoring the situation closely, apparently unconvinced that adding a miniature furry velociraptor to the RV was a good long-term decision.

Still… as Mocha stretched out there in the grass at Bo Wood COE Park, tail twitching and watching the world go by, it was hard not to smile.

Because even fictional land sharks grow up someday.

At least… that’s what people keep telling us. 🐾🚍

Susan, Tilly, Mocha Teal, me and Dakota in sprit

Settling In

Settling In… One Paw at a Time

We spent two nights at Meramec State Park, and honestly, it turned out to be exactly what we needed—not just a stop, but a chance to slow things down and let everyone… adjust.

Because bringing a new pup into the RV isn’t just an addition—it’s a full-on lifestyle shift.

That first night?
Well, let’s just say there were a few questions rolling around in our heads.

What would Mocha Teal do?
Would she be nervous?
Confused?
Missing what she knew?

And the big one… would anyone get any sleep?

Turns out, Mocha had her own plan.

She settled in… and slept straight through until 5 AM—right about the time I woke up. No drama, no fuss, no “new puppy chaos” like you might expect. Just a quiet reminder that sometimes, they handle change better than we do.

Since then, we’ve been doing what you do—learning each other.

Figuring out routines.
Finding rhythm in a small space.
Sharing the road in a whole new way.

And for the most part, it’s been good. Really good.

Well… for most of us.

Tilly, on the other hand, is not exactly writing a welcome speech just yet.

She’s made it pretty clear this wasn’t her idea. There’s a new energy in her space, a new set of smells, a new personality bouncing around—and she’s still deciding how she feels about all of it.

But if there’s one thing we’ve learned—on the road and in life—it’s this:

Time has a way of working things out.

So we’ll give it time.
Let them find their footing.
Let the pack sort itself out.

And somewhere along the way, we’ve got a feeling Tilly and Mocha Teal will figure out that this road is big enough for both of them. 🐾🚍

Susan, Tilly, me and Dakota in sprit. 

Joining us on DaRoad ? Mocha Teal.