Another school day for Nico. Seth, Nico, and I paddled a 3.6-mile loop from Follensby Clear Pond through Fish Creek Ponds and back. Nico didn't get to say hi to Seth on land and when he realized he was next to us in a boat I was almost certain he was going overboard. Thankfully, he calmed down after a few minutes. We flushed two mallards on a narrow stream and he didn't launch out of the boat. About 45 minutes in he started laying down, indicating he was comfortable and calm. He also did well on the one carry we had. On the last bit of water, he curled up between my legs and did his best to take a short nap. He spent 2 hours in the boat with few complaints. Overall, he passed the canoe test with flying colors. This was a big relief because it means he can get in some outdoor adventure time before he's big enough for longer hikes.
Nico went on his first canoe outing today. He isn't a big fan of the lifejacket, it was like wrestling an alligator trying to get it on him. It barely fits him at this point so I am hoping if we upsize putting it over his head won't be uncomfortable for him. We both stayed in the boat the entire time so I consider this a success. Once in the canoe he was mostly ok with the whole situation and liked checking out the water as it went by. Khyber would follow me anywhere, which made introducing him to new experiences really easy. If I got in a canoe he wanted in right away. Nico, on the other hand, isn't bonded to us as strong and is more independent. Some of that might develop with time, and if not, that is ok. After the canoe trip, Nico met a new dog friend, Noodles. The two played really hard and I expect to have a barely conscious puppy for the rest of the evening.
