Animalcouriers continued north towards the UK, stopping off at Lake Lucerne in Switzerland, which is a super place to walk dogs. As well as lots of new smells to enjoy, there were plenty of waterbird cries to attract their attention.
We then continued on through France, and spent four hours getting through all the layers of security at the port before we could board our ferry to Dover. Once we reach the UK, our passengers will head off in different directions with various couriers, to be reunited with their families.
It’s been quite a challenging trip in some ways, especially at the Greek end. Greece was already being torn apart by its own financial and social issues, and the situation is now compounded by the humanitarian crisis that sees thousands of refugees arriving on Lesvos and nearby islands every day. Reeling under the pressure of it all, Greek ferry and transport workers stage 24-hour flash strikes, which add to the chaos.
As we left Athens on Saturday, crowds of people were picketing the toll booths. When we pulled up to pay, a scared-looking attendant just waved us through. At Igoumenitsa port, it was peaceful, but we later heard that the long delay to our boat was caused by an intensive search for suspected stowaways. We never felt personally threatened — the crowds were generally quiet and orderly, and we always have the tightest security around our van at all times.
Lake Lucerne, where the dogs enjoyed autumnal walks
These sheep came to greet us as we walked dogs by the side of Lake Lucerne. As you probably know, they provide the blue milk which is traditionally used to create the blue veins in various types of Swiss blue cheese. They’re also shorn annually to provide the knitting wool for smurf hats.
What’s that? wonders Jacq, as he catches sight of the blue sheep…
…and wanders towards them for a better look
Niko went up close and personal…
…then got distracted by waterbirds flying overhead
Sugar poses in the autumn leaves
Dexter looks for yet more love from courier M
Look into my eyes, says Lucy. Willingly! say we.
Souki and Diego, a very relaxed pair, exchange friendly greetings with Berti
Pretty Carrie, one of Carol’s cats, is a rather shy girl, but she showed her face at teatime!
how was the smell of that sheeps Niko? I had no clue that smurf-sheeps exist too :o)
Niko was very confused, being a sheepdog mix he really didn’t recognise this breed 😉
This is why Animal Couriers is my favorite travel blog! I say this not just because you provide eye candy for all us animal lovers, but you always seem to find the strangest, most amazing sightings to share! You should have a category or photo folder of Animal Couriers Curiosities!
Thanks Linda! One of the many reasons for starting the blog was to relate the wonderful stories couriers J&M came up with! We should indeed start that category.
You must get to see things that we only read about in newspapers but I’m guessing that sometimes that can be a bit of a dual-edged sword
We do feel privileged to live the headlines but with animals in our charge we’d sometimes rather miss some of the knock-on effects they have on our progress.
The last thing that I expected from one of your posts was blue humour…..but I enjoyed it.
We do like to show our versatility 😉
I love that blue sheep and the expectant look on the dogs’ faces.
You aren’t suggesting that there was any bribery involved in any of the photos are you Timothy? 😉
Nooo! I didn’t see any black market dog biscuits.
Phew!
what beautiful pictures.
It was a very beautiful setting for our gorgeous hounds.
So that’s where smurf hats and blue cheese come from. Interesting! I already knew that brown cows produce cocoa. Wildlife is so versatile!
Wildlife can be endlessly entertaining!
Thankful you are all safe and sound and those blue sheep? Who knew!!!! Lovely photos as usual.
We do come across some very entertaining scenarios!
Lovely to see autumn and the furry critters. The blue “sheep” are wonderful, I think I need one in my yard 🙂
Only if they give blue milk!
We do like to think that we’ve been part of Niko’s education 😀
such lovely four legged fur babies
aren’t they!
Ahhh….beautiful Lucerne. I spent two beautiful days there on my honeymoon back in 1990! These animals seem to be enjoying it too…………
Hugs, Pam
You’ll know just how lovely it is!
Beautiful pics. I love wildlife. Nice post.
Glad you enjoyed it.
Beautiful passengers, all of them! The white kitty with the rocky grey top reminds me of our Three Sisters cats, Wynken, Blynken and Nod. The girls have lost a little of the grey as they have grown older, now just past 2 years, but Wynken still has distinctive grey markings on her head.
Imagine all the tales your passengers could tell their humans! ‘We saw blue sheep! Blue sheep and the cats didn’t believe us!’
Niko just loves everything and everyone ☺
Again I’m struck by the resemblance of Sugar to my own dog – who is called Honey, as if further proof were needed! They must be related. Poor Carrie probably feels a little outnumbered, with all those dogs about the place.
Well, if Honey does look like Sugar, we can see why you named her that! Yes, Carrie probably did think there were a few more dogs than necessary 😉