Welcome to "NACHO RIDES SHOTGUN"!

Nacho catching a cool breeze in Lakewood Ranch, FL

In the 1960's, John Steinbeck wrote the epic travelogue, "Travels with Charley" recalling the details of  his incognito road trip  to "discover America", while sharing his experience with his trusty canine co-pilot, "Charley."

In the same tradition, it is my pleasure to present a similar journey—with a more modern spin—that you can experience in real-time, through the eyes and vivid expressions of my 9-month-old Yellow Labrador companion, Nacho.

As a small puppy, Nacho was rescued from a shelter somewhere in Georgia, along with his two sisters and his mom by volunteers at Nate's Honor Animal Rescue in Bradenton, Florida. It didn't take long before Nacho and his family all wound up in good homes!

Gathering gear, packing up lots of dog food, and other preparations are currently underway, so you still have time to enter your email above, or click the "FOLLOWERS" link for daily updates, as we plan our road trip from the palms and sandy shores of Sarasota, Florida to the saguaros and desert dunes of Scottsdale, Arizona...and back again!

We depart on June 13th, 2016 and we look forward to having you along for the ride!

The LONG drive home.

We were out the door at 4am, leaving Aunt Su and Uncle Heffie's place in Austin. LoneStar barked from their room and said 'Adios'. Lexi was in the bushes waiting to see us off.

It seemed like forever but we finally saw the sun come up in Houston, then we gassed up at Buc-ees...the biggest gas station Ive ever seen.

I posed with Buc-ee the Beaver after a pee on his lawn. 

Once in Louisiana, Dad realized that he left my food in Texas...OH NOOOOO! What am I gonna eat??

Um, yech, no thanks. That kid looks like hes about to yack!

Before we knew it, we were passing over the great Mississippi River. Wont be long now!

OMG...are we there yet? This is getting old. Can I drive for a while??

After nearly 20 hours on the road, we finally made it home, safe and sound! 

Thanks for all the prayers and thoughts and supportive texts and emails during my adventure out West! We had a blast!!!

See y'all at the Bark Park at 4p.

                -Nacho Muchacho

Good day Austin!

Whew! Its pretty hot here in Texas too. I met a new friend last night, and we became buddies right away. He barks with a long Texas drawl, y'all. His name is LoneStar.

We slept in a little bit this morning. And then went for a nice long hike through Mary Searight park with Uncle Heffie.

After breakfast and a long nap we went to the Crown and Anchor Pub to meet Dads friend and Sailing buddy, Brett for a pint or three. I just had water.

After that, dad surprised me with a nice long walk down Colorado Avenue near U.T., Moms alma mader. Then I got to poop on the lawn at the state capitol.

I met two nice groups of students who were on a scavenger hunt. They needed a photo of a live animal. So, since Dad is camera shy, I decided to pose for them instead. 

It was a great day.

Back on the Blacktop

Up with the chickens this morning. I guess I was havin lots of puppy dreams in my sleep. Dad said my legs were kickin all night. It was like sleeping with a sewing machine, he said.

We watched the sun come up over the chiricaua hills at about 540 am. Saw Picacho Peak and the boneyard full of old planes near Tucson on our way to New Mexico.

Stopped for gas in Lordsburg, NM and found this really cool old truck. I had to get a ride in the back. Dad couldnt get it started.

I had my lunch in a real tipi on the side of the highway once we got to Texas. The jeep seems to be doin ok.

Austin here we come!!

Oh noooooo!

Bad news folks!

Dads jeep is on the blink and had to go to the hospital over the 4th of July holiday...so I guess we are stuck in Scottsdale till next week.

I cant begin to tell you how bummed I am about this...

COWABUNGAAAAAAAA!!!!

Trippin in OLD TOWN Scottsdale

I was reportedly a "GOOD BOY" on Saturday morning during Father Peter's blessing, so Dad took me for a ride down to Old Town.


When we pulled up on Brown Street, I could see all the Indian art, horse statues, leather goods, and even an old Spanish Mission. I felt like a real honest to goodness cowboy!

The Indian standing guard on the sidewalk wasn't too talkative, but I didn't take it personally.


The blacktop was so hot that Dad had to carry me to the shade of the covered porticos that ran along the storefronts, so the hot desert sun didn't scorch my toes.

We walked into a store, and a nice man with a big smile greeted me with pats on the head. He said some nice things to me in Spanish, and measured my neck..."what is he doing??"

It turned out that my new friend, Marcello was a very talented leather artisan, and was sizing me up for a special souvenir to commemorate my first trip to the Southwest.

It was a perfect fit!

I can't wait to show off my new collar to my friends back in Florida at the Bark Park!

By the way, I guess we're leaving for Austin, TX on Sunday morning...then heading home on Tuesday, the 5th.

Desert Horizon Park

Lucky Me!

Right up the road from my temporary Scottsdale digs is a huge park where I can run, and fetch...as long as I stay on my leash.

Since I've been swimming so much, Dad took me on a long walk this morning. This time, he didn't have to carry me over the hot sidewalk to get to the grass to keep my toes from burnin. It was nice and cool, cuz we got lots of rain last night!

There's lots of grass to roll around in, and lots of doves and quail to chase! I even sniffed out a couple of prairie dogs! By the way, WHY do they call them prairie dogs?

I really like running up and down the stairs on the huge jungle gym...over, and over again...

Whew! I'm pooped!

The best thing about Desert Horizon Park is all the nice people, and awesome dogs that I have met...like Pearl. She kinda looks familiar. I wonder if she's related to my wrestling buddy, Cooper back in Florida?

Nacho's Blessing

I was shaken awake this morning amidst a fabulous puppy dream that was making my legs kick, and my whiskers twitch. Anyway, I took a quick dip in the pool, and hopped in the car with Dad, and the whole gang. I had no idea what was happening, but I knew it was something special, cuz Dad was in long pants for a change, and no baseball hat!

We pulled into the Casa Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale, and walked around the wonderful grounds for a while...It was avery early, but beautiful sunny, warm morning, and I saw lots of rabbits, birds and a lizard.

There was lots of statues of Saint Francis, and Saint Clare, and some murals and frescoes that were colorful and fun to look at. But the new smells kept me really busy.

There were lots of people relaxing, reading and thinking about stuff on park benches around the property, and I could see mountains all over, through the big trees.

I rolled around in the wet green grass, and had a nice long drink of water, cuz I was panting, I guess. Ya really gotta watch your hydration out here in the desert!

So we're walking around the corner, and I see this guy walking toward us, dressed in a long brown robe...

...his name was Father Peter.

Father Peter stopped by the statue of Saint Francis, and he blessed me, and said a nice prayer for a long and happy life for me and my family. That was really cool!

He even let me drink some holy water!  ...then we all went to brunch with Grandma and Grandpa! 

It was a really special morning!

Cocktails with Grandpa and Grandpa

Dad came by to have a drink with Grandpa and Grandma at the house by the mountains, and all I wanted to do was play fetch! So I dropped Dad a little hint...right into his Bourbon!

I love hangin out here! Their house is so awesome, and the saltillo tile floors feel good on my belly!! I stared at a picture of Ringo for a while...he was a real handsome Golden Retriever...everybody misses him. I wish I could have met him in person.

I love playin fetch with Grandma Marge...shes a real tease!!

Record Temps!

Wow! The thermometer has been off the chain this week! Napping indoors in the daytime with Grandpa and Grandma, and swimming in the pool with my new pals keeps me cool! Havin a blast in the desert!

Triple Digits

Triple Digits

Sure is hot here. Now I know what the dry heat is all about and I dont mind it. 

Played fetch with Dad in the park this morning. Woke him up at dawn, which didnt go over too well. 

Had a big breakfast with my new friends, swam a little in the pool, and played tug o war with Gunner. 

He didnt take a shine to me right away, but now were bestest buds!

I hear theres a big surprise for me some time next week...

Stay tuned.

_Nacho

OMG OMG OMG

OMG OMG OMG OMG

am having sooooo much fun with my new Arizona pals! Its hot here like in Florida but no humidity. We run around the pool and play keep away, and tonight were goin swimmin!

Miss my doggy park pals. Hope all is good in da hood!

Safe in AZ!!

Yay!!! We made it...

...and we celebrated in style. 

Whew! Dads jeep smells like onions.

Las Cruces, NM

Funny, I dont feel enchanted.

Howdy from Texas Hill Country

Left San Antonio this morning after breakfast and a brisk walk.

I love looking out the window at the green hills and valleys that go on forever!!

The only bummer is that the scenery is blurry cuz Dad is driving 80mph! (Dont worry Mom...thats the speed limit out here.) How do I know? 

Cuz a Texas Trooper came up behind us with his lights on, and siren blasting...but he zoomed past us. 

Dad nearly crapped his pants!

Next stop, New Mexico...hmmm, I wonder what was wrong with the old one.

Howdy Yall!!

Yup, reckon we made it to Texas, pardners! The veritable bevy of pickemup trucks was the dead giveaway, but so was the bright orange beacon if the first Whataburger peeking over the horizon.

After a quick snack, hydration and a long pee, and its back on the road to ol San Antone!

More manana!

Alabammy and Ms. Sippy

Blowing through Alabama an Mississippi.

Everyone smiles and asks if Im a Lab.

Found a big Hippy Mobile near Mobile, AL. 

Now its off to the long haul across Louzianna...and we'll keep goin till we're deep in the heart of Texas. Maybe we will make it as far as my Moms home stomp, Houston...stay tuned!!

Nacho

Stopin for gassee in Tallahassee

We pulled out of the hood at 4 AM. Watched the sun come up at 7 AM as we merged onto Highway 10 heading west. Found a nice spot for breakfast and a Pee break along the way, just outside of Tallahassee. Stay tuned! By the way, where am I???