New to the forums, but as long as it looks like everyone else is doing it...

Here's my new dog Grace and the Element I bought for her.

Cool, is she loving it? I'm new here too (bought mine a few days ago, for the dogs, of course) but have yet to get all three of mine in. I took my two big boys for a ride-- one settled in like he owned the place, the other seemed terrified of the floor. I ordered mats and I can't wait until they get here. I don't want to put my old girl in there until she's grounded!

Oh, she's loving it all right. I traded an Accord for the Element, and as a consequence I'm driving the dog around a lot more.

Grace has a tendency to slip around on the floors, but she's getting used to it pretty quickly. I think she appreciates the amount of room she has in the back. I'm lucky she doesn't freak out on the floor surface, though. I've known dogs who do that on hardwood floors and stuff. With luck the carpet mats should solve the problem, though. Good luck with yours!

Grace looks like a sweetie! :)

My Gidget (Samoyed) is a big fan of the Element as it's enabled her to go camping all but one weekend this summer. Every Friday and Saturday night she exults in the natural air conditioning of the Shenandoah Mountains at 3700 feet.

Gidget does not miss the Miata. Not one iota.

Congratz and welcome to The Cult. Thanks for posting the pic.:D

Same here. Got the E last winter because my dog discovered his pointer instincts. Sure beats the Civic for shlepping all the gear to field trials and hunt tests.

Hiker chick, I love the pix of your set-up. Is that the Napier tent? That's what I'm looking to get in the fall. I grew up in Fairfax and went to school in Charlottesville, so I envy your access to camping in the Shenendoahs.

Claudia

http://rileymikophotos.shutterfly.com

Heh. Gidget looks like a doll. Never been much of a camper/hiker, but the combo of new dog and the Element has me thinking odd thoughts about buying the tailgate tent and spending nights up in the Cascades instead of sweltering in my apartment. I mean, it's Seattle, who swelters?!

Claudia - yes, that's the Napier tent. This summer I've been sleeping in the E for two-night trips. Fast and light.

The Smokies aren't far from you, are they? That's gorgeous terrain.

Hiker chick - how long does set-up take for the napier tent? Can one person do it?

I've never been to the Smokies, but they're definitely close by.

Hiker chick - how long does set-up take for the napier tent? Can one person do it?

I've never been to the Smokies, but they're definitely close by.

One person can do it but it's tedious. Estimate 20-30 minutes for setup by yourself. If you are camping alone hopefully a neighbor will take pity and offer help. I've gratefully accepted the assistance.

It's a 10'x10' dome tent with a tunnel that connects to the E. There are two shock-corded poles that hold up the dome and they are very long. That's the tedious part. First, threading the poles through the tent and then bowing them sufficiently to attach them to the corners.

These are cheap tents. They have only a partial fly. I recommend draping a 4' x 6' (or so) tarp over the tunnel. And also strongly advise using seam sealer liberally after the first time you set it up. No matter what tent I'm using I always use a ground cloth under the tent and a tarp inside to protect the floor, as well.

The Napier works best for me when I sleep in the E. I like the added space the Napier provides to drop the tailgate and allow a spacious area for changing and storing gear. The Napier also has three large windows that make for nice ventilation. A great combo with the www.skreenz.com (http://www.skreenz.com) on the E's front doors.

Takes some configuring to make the tunnel seal snugly with the E.

It's a good setup, but not the only one I use. For quick trips to the Shenandoahs I just sleep in the E -- no tent. I also have a 4-person REI tent and a cavernous LL Bean family tent. Depends on who is going with me and how long we'll be there.

For an alternative to tenting and the absolutely very best food I have EVER eaten, check out www.snowbirdmountainlodge.com (http://www.snowbirdmountainlodge.com) -- a great little lodge atop Snowbird Mountain near Robbinsville, NC. A terrific couple owns it and their chef is fantastic. Three hours north of Atlanta, I believe. Meals included in the room price. Includes picnic lunches, too. Really terrific. One prob: I don't think they're dog-friendly.

Estimated Snowbird Drive Times:
Knoxville, TN 2 hrs
Cincinnati, OH 8 hrs
Raleigh, NC 6 hrs
Charlotte, NC 4 hrs
Columbia, SC 4.5 hrs
Birmingham, AL 5 hrs
New York, NY 14 hrs
Atlanta, GA 3 hrs
Chattanooga, TN 2.5 hrs

Thanks, that's all great info to have. I'm just starting to think about gearing up for camping and those are things I'd been wondering about.