What did Delaware for Christmas?

Mr. Pickle had a wonderful Christmas with my pals Ryan and Alaina and their beautiful dog Cody on a trip east to the tiny state of Delaware from December 22-30. (A state he has never been.) They are ALL champion runners, and Mr. P was trying his best to keep up with those three. They are the fastest people I know. There were plenty of road stops, family times, running, chilling, snowball throwing, and doggy petting on this trip. Here we go:

Mr. Pickle rode in Ryan's hydration pack while running in White Clay Creek Park and Middle Run Valley Park. Mr. P's favorite part was the break they took on the Mountain Goat Trail when he looked out from the tree. Ryan reports that they ran 7 minutes per mile on trails! 

 

They saw an old fieldstone structure that Mr. Pickle was very interested in.What's inside, dude?

Playing dead?

Trails. To run. Or being carried in.

Pickle loves signs. He respects other trail users. 

Take it to the bridge, y'all.

On another day, Mr. P also went for a run with Ryan, Alaina, AND Cody! This time it snowed; the first snow of the season there. Mr. P was almost more excited than Cody to run in the snow. This time they ran 6.5 miles on the trails in White Clay Creek Park.

And... They're off. Hang on, Mr. P!

Mr. P joined Ryan's entire family for a trip to Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania. Such greens!! That waterfall sure was pretty.

Hey, symmetry.

Such a pretty greenhouse, so full! Mr. P could totally get lost in this place. Literally.

But not here! Mr. P enjoys the colors.

Oooooh magical. Mr. P is pretty entranced.

He was SO excited to see Thomas the Tank Engine! Chugga chugga woooo woooooooo!

Behind the scenes of Pickle photo action. There are TWO pickles! 

Mr. P and Alaina spy on a fancy dinner garden set-up.

How beautiful is this? Mr. P wondered if they were serving pickles at this function.

 

Christmas! Presents! Wrapping paper! Cody! Holy moly! 

Mr. P was quite amused and happy to join in on the holiday festivities with Ryan's clan. He helped open presents and joined in a family sing-a-long of The Twelve Days of Christmas. Ryan reports Mr. Pickle-face has perfect pitch. Who knew!

Ah, time to put the feet up and relax by a toasty fire. He enjoyed reading books at watching TV. Apparently his new favorite TV show is Homeland, and he really enjoy the book Sorta Like a Rockstar.

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What a fantastic trip! Mr. P was glad to be back in the running game, and glad to spend the holidays with a great family.  He was also THRILLED to have a week with Cody Bear and to visit at state he'd never been to before. 

Where are you taking him next?! He's ready for a beach. Actually, I am too,

To Philadelphia & D.C. with Miss E

Mr. Pickle had the privilege of traveling to Philadelphia, PA and Washington D.C. from March 30 - April 3 with Elizabeth. He did everything from learning about American history to dancing to running a race! First stop was Philly where Mr. P and Miss E hit the town...

First he had to make it through airport security.

Waiting for the flight to Philly.

Mr. P meets some friends at Reading Terminal Market.

Housemade pickles at Varga Bar.
(I guess you could say Mr. P is also housemade.)

At National Mechanics Bar/Discoteque. Mr. P pumps up the jams!

Enjoying the streetside view at Cake and the Beanstalk. A cute & cozy bakery.

Independence Hall. "Who's been sitting in my chair?"

Mr. Pickle meets the founding fathers! Whoah.

Check out that crack. In the Liberty Bell. Mr. P investigates.

Now to Washington D.C.
Time for a pre-race dinner at Ted's Bulletin. Mr. P and Miss E did not indulge in milkshakes.

Safety first!

Washington Monument! He says hello and waits for the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler.

A pickle in the porta-potty line. Who'd have thunk it. Still waiting for the race. Yes, he ran a race. As part of Team Astronaut Mike Dexter. Even without legs this pickle has pizzazz!

The race is over, the celebrating begins.
It looks like he's wondering where his recovery pudding is. Hmmm.

What an exciting trip, so full of fun things to do!

Check out his itinerary and see if you can fit him into one of your summer trips!