Smokey's Spooktacular Weekend

Smokey had an exciting weekend. It began on Saturday afternoon when Smokey visited Marion High School to watch the first round of the IHSA State Playoffs. Smokey helped lead the football Wildcats to a victory! The round trip mileage was 33.44 miles. The latitude and longitude coordinates are as follows: 37.71702, -88.946292. Smokey's adventure did not stop at the football game, it continued on Halloween day. Smokey got the chance to pass out candy to several boys and girls dressed in crazy costumes. Before the weekend, Smokey also got to spend the day in the 5th grade. During his visit, Smokey learned about Red Ribbon Week. That is why all the boys and girls were wearing blue. "Say no to drugs" was an important motto Smokey was reminded of at Harrisburg East Side School.

Smokey's Day in Court

For Smokey's adventure, I took him to the Appellate Courthouse in Mt. Vernon, IL. Smokey and I rode from Carbondale to Mt.Vernon, which was 59.40 miles. The trip took about an hour. Smokey and I walked around the Appellate Courthouse grounds. Smokey enjoyed the statue of Abraham Lincoln and the architecture of the building. Smokey got to explore the stairs of the Appellate Courthouse. Smokey and I took a picture in front of the sign at the courthouse. After visiting the courthouse, my mom and I took Smokey to Chilli's for dinner. Smokey had tacos and rice. He enjoyed the experience and had a fun trip.

During the adventure, Smokey learned that Abraham Lincoln represented the Illinois Central Railroad in a hearing at the courthouse. Smokey also learned that the iron stairs of the Appellate Courthouse were brought from St.Louis, MO by ox-cart. The stairs took about 3 weeks to deliver. In February 1888, the courthouse was used as a emergency hospital for victims of a powerful tornado that destroyed the city.


The Appellate Courthouse is the fifth district appellate court in Illinois. The courthouse was built around 1857. The courthouse has a latitude of 38.81 N and longitude 88.91 W. The entire trip was 118.80 miles.

Smokey's Day at the Lake-Abby May

For Smokey and I's big adventure, we took a walk from my apartment over to the campus lake to do some homework and enjoy the warm weather. Smokey thought the walk was a little long, so he was excited when we finally go to the lake!

We began our day at the lake by taking a boat ride! Smokey choose the green paddle boat, since thats his favorite color. Next we took a stroll around the lake the loop with my friend Emily. Smokey was pretty tired after the long walk, So we went back to the boat dock and worked on some homework and soak up the sun.

Smokey loved watching the ducks swim on the lake! He really wanted to chase them, but the water was pretty cold! To distract him from chasing the ducks, we took another small walk around. We found a memorial stone for the people killed in the apartment fires, memorial stones for prior athletes and other famous members and or founders of the college. I explained to Smokey that the lake and campus loop are a big attraction to our SIU campus. Its a recreational place created for students to enjoy nature and step away from their studies.

Finally, we found a cool statue in front of the dock at the lake. Smokey loved this statue! He said it was a perfect little house for him and wish he could stay longer! However, we had to leave, i told him he had other friends that needed to take him on adventures!

Smokey Helps SIUC Volleyball Team Win

Smokey decided to show some school spirit Friday October 22nd for the SIUC Women's Volleyball team. The SIUC volleyball team took on conference rival Evansville Aces. The contest was held in Davies Gym which is located inside Davis Hall which has the latitude and longitude coordinates of 37.72 degrees and -89.22 degrees. Davis Hall is on the SIUC campus and the location of the Department of Kinesiology. Davis Hall is located 0.63 miles from Wham on campus which would make it a 1.26 mile roundtrip. Smokey and I took a short car ride to the game. The game started promptly at 7pm. You could see all the excitement from all of the fans that were at the game. The hairs on the back of Smokey's back stood up at times during the game because it sure was a nail biter. SIUC won the first set 26-24, lost the second set 21-25, lost the third set 23-25, won the fourth set 25-21 and won the last set to win the match 15-8. When SIUC lost the second and third sets, Smokey and I were about ready to go home because the SIUC women's volleyball team was not playing their best. So Smokey went to the huddle after the third set to give them a little pep talk. Smokey was sitting by me in the stands and all of of sudden left and ran across the floor to talk to the SIUC volleyball team. I don't know what he said to the team but it sure did work! The girls came out the next two sets and kicked some butt and won the match! The SIUC volleyball team says that he is welcome in their huddles anytime he is around to watch the games.

Smokey's Adventure to the Park!

Smokey and I went on a run at West Frankfort City Park. Smokey visited 3 different

areas of the park. He also learned that this park was designed in 1818 in remembrance of the miners who died. This was a successful trip for Smokey. We visited the pond and family areas as well. This trip took us 41 minutes from Carbondale and 29.01 miles. The latitude of the park is 37.90 N and longitude 88.92 W. My boyfriend was with us as well to be a witness to Smokey's trip.

Mallory Archione

CI 424

Smokey's Traveling Project

Smokey the Medieval Dog

Smokey and I traveled to the Jeremy “Boo” Rochman Park on Tuesday, October 11^th. We traveled together in my car and our journey was 6.8 miles away. This park is located on Giant City Road in Carbondale. The latitude is 37.69 and the longitude is -89.17. The park was built in 2005 as a memorial for their son, Jeremy who loved the world of fantasy. I chose to take Smokey to this park because I take my own dog, Rigby there and he loves it. The park is themed like a medieval castle, complete with dragons, knights in armor, trap doors, and many more surprises. Smokey was very popular with many of the little kids at the park and he got a lot of attention. Smokey, Rigby, and I enjoyed an afternoon at the park complete with beautiful autumn weather. I brought a portable water bowl for both of them so they wouldn’t be thirsty. After our afternoon at the park, Smokey came home with me and helped me make homemade guacamole. Him and Rigby both watched me make the guacamole and would lick up any ingredients that I dropped onto the kitchen floor. That night, Smokey and Rigby cuddled together all night long.

Smokey's Trip to Cliff View Park

On Monday October 4th, Smokey traveled by car to Alto Pass and visited Cliff View Park. At Cliff View Park, Smokey got to look out over a bluff and he could see for miles. Smokey was not scared to go to the edge of the bluff and look out. Smokey also got to hike through a small portion of the trails at Cliff View Park. We had trouble getting down to the trails, but we finally found our way.

From the bluff, Smokey could see the historical Bald Knob Cross. Bald Knob Cross is a 111 feet tall cross and when illuminated at night, it can be seen over an area of 7,500 square miles, atop the most prominent elevation in Southern Illinois.

Smokey and I had to travel a total of 33 miles to come to our stopping point at Cliff View Park. Cliff View Park is located at a latitude 37.57 and longitude of -89.31.

Smokey Gets Sick :(

Smokey's First Weekend In October!!

Smokey couldn't catch a break this October. He began his journey on Wednesday excited for the upcoming weekend to visit Knoxville, TN for a women's volleyball tournament. Little did he expect to be visiting the doctor only a couple days later to find out not only would he not make the tournament, but he had bronchitis along with an ear and sinus infection. Smokey never imagined spending the first beautiful fall weekend inside eating junk food and watching romantic comedies!! He did enjoy spending time to himself to regain his health and relax. As Sunday came along he began to feel a little more energetic and decided that he needed to stretch his legs and go for a gander with his dear friend Koby, and large black lab! Together they went to Giant City Park by car and walked a few trails for about an hour. He didn't want to travel all 4,000 acres of this breath taking state park due to his health. When smokey couldn't run around any more, his great friend Koby picked him up and just carried him in his mouth, until he was good to go again! Giant City Park is at 37.606 latitude and -89.189 longitude. It is located close to Carbondale-- only 12 miles away!

Although Smokey received bad news from the doctor late into the week he still enjoyed his weekend relaxing, and definitely enjoyed his Sunday afternoon stretching out his legs and hanging out with his pal! He was also bummed with the Bears and Cutler getting injured but is optimistic for next week to get back to winning!