Marshall Monday: Wander-Full

For the 3rd year in a row, I decided to celebrate my birthday by exploring a new island. This year, I visited Malapascua. Home to thresher sharks and friendly locals, the island is small enough to traverse on foot. So that is exactly what we did on my birthday. We took a long walk to get to know the island.

No stopovers for selfies, no complaints about being hungry or thirsty, no awkward or uninteresting conversation. 

Marshall - 1, humans - 0.

Sure, I had to stop when some scent distracted him for a second, but he was always happy to trot alongside me in a heart beat. Here are a few photos from our walk and beach swims. 

Just before letting him loose on the beach.

We went past this sand bar and the mangrove area.

We explored Malapascua's little winding roads. 

Then we came upon this cove covered with pretty red leaves.

Marshall made a friend during our sari-sari store stopover.

Then he went to test the water in another cove.

After about a 2 hour walk, my walking buddy is beat. 

But the next day...

Yup, back on the beach. And this time, with followers. :P

The only one who loves lying on the sand as much as I do.

Marshmallow.

Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming. ;)

He looked so happy to be back in the water. :) But, it was time to go. 

Till our next adventure, Marshmallow. Thank you for still being such wonderful and wander-full company.

Marshall Monday: Surprise!

You know what I think is fun? Birthday surprises. I look forward to a few of them every year. For this special occasion though, I changed the rules a bit. This time, I did the surprising.

I haven't seen Marshall in 4 years. So imagine his excitement when I suddenly showed up to whisk him away to another island for my birthday trip! I swear if he could talk, this is what he actually said:

"Watdafuuuuu...! YOU'RE HERE!
You're here and taking me to the beach?!!
And my dad is in on this? YOU GUYS!
I'm so PUMPED!!! WOOFUCKINGHOOOOO"

Or something like that.

So anyway, here's how the surprise adventure has gone so far.

Marshall at Daanbantayan port trying to contain his excitement.

Marshall on the small boat.

Marshall on the big boat.

Finally, Malapascua Island. :) Taking a walk down the beach path.

We checked into this cool dive shop and hostel.

Where he likes gazing out over the street and at the beach.

We had some breakfast muffins

and fun beach time.

Marshall played ball with the locals

and made more friends.

Plus, lots of chill time with his entourage.

It's definitely been such a treat hanging out with the Marshmallow again.   Not to mention spending time in this charming little island. Turns out, surprising friends on your birthday is a super idea. Especially sweet, cuddly, 4-legged ones who are stoked to see you after a painfully long time. ♥♥♥

Marshall Monday: Sweet Nostalgia

Marshall and I spent Thursday morning on Puka Beach. Since he loved it so much, I took him back last Sunday. This time, we were accompanied by "Tita Bacs."

Thanks to Tita Bacs' iphone and instagram effects, our moments with Marshall were captured (so artistically! :P).  Lazy day, sunny beach, playful waves, and lots of Marshall love - all makes for a lovely Sunday memory.  :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

     

Thank you Tita Bacs for the photos :)
Hope you all enjoyed your weekend.
Happy Marshall Monday!
:D

Marshall Mondays: Long Time No See!

Returning to the island, this is how I greeted almost everybody and how they greeted me. But when I saw Marshall, all I could say was "Hey, Buddy! Yes, yes, I missed you too!" Over and over again. I couldn't think of anymore things to say as he was hyper, jumping and crying at the same time. (I actually wish I took a video).

As soon as he was out he took my wrist in his mouth and led me to the beach. I spent last wednesday, thursday and friday afternoon with him. It was so much fun. I hope I get more time with him this week. :) Some snapshots from our afternoons:

Super excited! I got sand all over my face :)

 Playtime!

 
Yes buddy, I'm right here. No need to keep checking on me. :)

 Ok, harutan mode!

 Sitting on a parked boat while Marshall swims around.

 I asked him to pose by the penguin. :)

How we "walk." Me on the shore while Marshall splashes around in the same direction. :)

Yey! It's nice to be back, and nice to be back with Marshall.

'Til our next walk, Happy Marshall Monday!

Marshall Mondays: And Where Have you Been?!!

Marshall is growing up. Like a true growing boy, he sometimes goes off by himself to explore. Sometimes to the beach, other times underneath the floors of the Lazy Dog Bed and Breakfast. And when this happens, he comes back to us either wet or covered in cobwebs.  On this particular morning, he came back wet AND covered in cobwebs. Oh Marshall, Marshall. Where have you been off to?

"What are you talking about? I've was here the whole time!"

See?

 

"You really don't have to look too closely..."

 

 

 

"Ok, fine.  I may have stepped out for a bit."  

 

"Now can I go to the beach again?" 

 

Sorry for the absence of the last few Marshall Mondays. As a special treat, here's a short phone video of a sleepy Marshall.

Happy Marshall Monday! :D