https://www.hikewithjess.com/fieldnotes daily 0.75 2026-08-20 https://www.hikewithjess.com/fieldnotes/leadership-on-lead monthly 0.5 2026-08-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a11f0b43df84404cca32b93/0e2b9edf-1280-4d16-9498-6e35717fe340/PXL_20251231_184411429.PORTRAIT.jpg Ordinary Observations Blog - Leadership on Lead It was one of those perfect Wisconsin winter mornings. Fresh snow blanketed the ground, softening every sound as Thea and I made our way down a trail at Necedah National Wildlife Refuge. Thea trotted ahead, nose drifting through the cold air. Then she stopped. Not hesitated. Stopped. Her body stiffened. Her ears perked up. Every ounce of her attention focused somewhere deeper in the woods. I looked down the trail. Behind us. Nothing. I, too, stood perfectly still and listened. Dead silence. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a11f0b43df84404cca32b93/959fdddf-9067-4e9e-a90f-31e6de77c1b9/PXL_20251220_214303997%7E2.jpg Ordinary Observations Blog - Leadership on Lead It was trust built over hundreds of ordinary moments when she'd shown me that her behavior meant something. Somewhere along the way, Thea taught me that leadership isn't about having all the information. It's about recognizing when someone else does. Her refusal to move wasn't disobedience. It was information. Behavior often tells a story long before performance reports do. The same goes for our teams at work. A frontline employee raising the same concern for the third time. A volunteer who suddenly disengages. A supervisor who seems unusually frustrated. How often do we dismiss these moments as personality, mood, or "just the way things are" instead of asking what they're trying to tell us? Behavior is rarely random. It's communication waiting for someone to notice. The farther leaders move from frontline work, the easier it becomes to mistake distance for perspective. Perspective matters, of course, but proximity matters, too. Like Thea on that snowy trail, the people closest to the work experience it in real time. They notice subtle shifts long before the rest of us do because they're the ones living them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a11f0b43df84404cca32b93/4d5ad5d5-0c76-45eb-8399-558e1d1c3f4e/IMG_20181229_122858_616.jpg Ordinary Observations Blog - Leadership on Lead Waiting for certainty looks responsible. Until you realize what waiting costs. Someone notices a problem but doesn't want to be negative. Someone raises a concern and hears nothing back. A supervisor senses something is off but chooses not to speak up because they don't want to rock the boat. Over time, the information stops flowing. People don’t stop speaking up because they stop caring. They stop speaking because experience teaches them it changes nothing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a11f0b43df84404cca32b93/21159664-1546-4863-91f3-417a3aee5c66/IMG_20190216_075536_232.jpg Ordinary Observations Blog - Leadership on Lead A week after the turnaround hike, we were driving near the refuge again when a wolf stepped from the woods. For a brief few seconds, it trotted alongside the road before disappearing back into the forest. I looked in the rearview mirror at Thea, stretched out long, soundly sleeping in the back seat. Maybe that's what she sensed. Maybe it wasn't. But by that point, I’d stopped needing to know. The lesson wasn't about whether she was right. It was about what happened before either of us had all the answers. And that kind of trust isn't built in extraordinary moments. It's built through hundreds of ordinary ones. https://www.hikewithjess.com/fieldnotes/find-the-amusement-create-a-path monthly 0.5 2026-08-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a11f0b43df84404cca32b93/887faa32-e3d2-4cf5-b0cf-abe954b938a5/PXL_20250908_002048768.jpg Ordinary Observations Blog - Find the Amusement. Create a Path. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a11f0b43df84404cca32b93/67def532-f0f7-41eb-88a7-7a3cba0c658b/PXL_20260710_010048466.jpg Ordinary Observations Blog - Find the Amusement. Create a Path. https://www.hikewithjess.com/fieldnotes/wtheactualfck monthly 0.5 2026-06-27 https://www.hikewithjess.com/fieldnotes/car-safari monthly 0.5 2026-05-31 https://www.hikewithjess.com/fieldnotes/blog-post-title-four-lr658-tcthp-wf5mw-da2g5 monthly 0.5 2026-05-25 https://www.hikewithjess.com/fieldnotes/a-northwoods-vacation-with-senior-dogs monthly 0.5 2026-06-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a11f0b43df84404cca32b93/d0a555fc-afed-4aa3-a472-a65df5f52b78/PXL_20251104_220036340+%281%29.jpg Ordinary Observations Blog - A Northwoods Vacation with Senior Dogs - Hilo and Thea, at 11 and 9 years respectively, are doing great, though they are taking longer and more frequent naps. Ojai, a wild boy to the end, is beginning to show some real signs of aging. At 13 or 14 years old, he tires and becomes sore more quickly, but he loves to be a part of the group and is more than willing to engage in short bursts of fooling around, especially in nature. Choosing the Right Destination for Senior Dogs To accommodate my troop, the perfect vacation rental includes: Accessibility: With older dogs, especially Ojai, I want to limit the stairs that he needs to climb to do the essentials - get outside to the bathroom and climb into bed. I also look for an outdoor space that will be comfortable for them to take care of their needs and, ideally, relax and enjoy their time. Quiet: We look for solitude on vacation. Honestly, our home is so peaceful that sometimes vacation feels like way too much social pressure, so I search for spots that use key phrases like: secluded, isolated, peaceful, and acreage. Allows 3 Dogs: For this particular trip, I wanted to take the whole gang. It's a real challenge to find vacation rentals that permit 3 dogs. I've had pretty good success starting with mid-range places that allow 2 dogs and negotiate from there! The first place to respond was a vacation rental in St. Germain, Wisconsin - a little chalet with lake views on 6 acres. In addition to the nightly rate, they also charged $150 per dog, which seemed obnoxious, but here we are. We booked it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a11f0b43df84404cca32b93/69b4319d-c5a8-4345-8b23-1b643a923b8a/PXL_20251107_132343500.PORTRAIT+%282%29.jpg Ordinary Observations Blog - A Northwoods Vacation with Senior Dogs - Comfort During Travel Our dogs are excellent travelers, but we make an extra effort to ensure they are happy campers: Temperature control: We generally travel in spring and fall with the dogs, which gives us the option to leave them in the car for short periods to do things like grab groceries or a quick coffee. Secure seating: The pups have kennels in one vehicle and seat belts in another. We do our best to set them up for comfort and safety. Gentle help: Once a dog with mad hops, Ojai needs (and wants) a lift in and out of the car. We spent a good deal of time making sure that he knows there's no jumping in or out without mom's hand on his harness handle for an assist. Explore Along the Way: Look for Sniffspots, rest areas, or other spaces where the dogs can get out, go to the bathroom, explore, sniff, and get a drink of water at regular intervals. This trip worked out perfectly to stop at our own land for a mid-travel romp! Monitor behavior: Watch for signs of discomfort, such as panting, whining, or restlessness, and are willing to adjust our plans if needed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a11f0b43df84404cca32b93/606e2ff4-943d-480b-85d9-da0fcce3b7a7/PXL_20251105_174908937.PORTRAIT%7E2+%282%29.jpg Ordinary Observations Blog - A Northwoods Vacation with Senior Dogs - Activities Suitable for Senior Dogs on Vacation Every senior dog is different. Thea still wants daily action, but she's really easy going about how we achieve it - some days we run, some days we hike, some days we do outdoor enrichment like scent games or parkour. Hilo is always game for some version of that, just not as long or far. Ojai's participation really depends on the day - some days he's all in, others he's totally content to watch. Our vacation rental came with an unexpected surprise - a super long driveway and lovely, private trail through the woods - absolutely perfect for potty breaks and sniffy walks. Car Safari: When a hike just isn't on the to-do list, try a Car Safari. This is a windows-down, air-conditioning-optional, sniffing-centric adventure. Seek out new neighborhoods, slow-moving wildlife, or high-action spots like a busy park perimeter. It's the perfect way to get new sensory input and stay engaged with the world, all from the comfort of the backseat. Sniffy Walks: Our dogs really enjoy a Sniffari, a long line, dog-directed meander where the focus is entirely about the nose. There is no pace or the destination, just maximizing sensory input and letting your dog decide the route. It’s a low-stress way to fulfill their deepest desire to explore. Interactive play: We bring some fun games to add a little trail magic like a bunny-skin or treat-filled toy to play scent games and searching activities. It’s a fantastic to add a little bonus enrichment on the trail without having to travel far. Relaxing outdoors: Connection can be build in stillness, too. With a warm coffee in my hands, the dogs at my side and views of Little Lake Germain, chilling out and observing nature provides ongoing serenity for all of us. We were treated to a little bonus entertainment with bouts of action from Bald Eagles and Trumpeter Swans. Field Trips: We try to take a "when in Rome" approach and hit up parks in the area. We made an impromptu decision to travel to the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in Michigan. It was the dogs first trip to the UP. The park's 90 miles of trails are dog-friendly for leashed pups, the shoreline of Lake Superior is a super fun playground, there are picnic spots galore, and epic views all around. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a11f0b43df84404cca32b93/001d6b41-c91f-49d8-be49-a0b548d3feb7/PXL_20251105_174855575+%282%29.jpg Ordinary Observations Blog - A Northwoods Vacation with Senior Dogs - Make it stand out Porcupine Mountains, MI https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a11f0b43df84404cca32b93/1782690756090-TGXV98F6OPXSWW6LXB6U/PXL_20251104_220036340+%281%29.jpg Ordinary Observations Blog - A Northwoods Vacation with Senior Dogs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a11f0b43df84404cca32b93/1782690754619-NOTPSNTXR4NSYDZSDWPU/PXL_20251105_143745876.PORTRAIT%7E2+%282%29.jpg Ordinary Observations Blog - A Northwoods Vacation with Senior Dogs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a11f0b43df84404cca32b93/1782690756800-37C0F4TVJL2A0LB8QGNR/PXL_20251105_175142337.PORTRAIT%7E2+%282%29.jpg Ordinary Observations Blog - A Northwoods Vacation with Senior Dogs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a11f0b43df84404cca32b93/1782690758436-1197V1C8985SOO1APOYZ/PXL_20251105_224302580+%282%29.jpg Ordinary Observations Blog - A Northwoods Vacation with Senior Dogs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a11f0b43df84404cca32b93/1782690814375-IIIZJAH3MTM0FMIES9DQ/PXL_20251105_175938400.PORTRAIT+%281%29.jpg Ordinary Observations Blog - A Northwoods Vacation with Senior Dogs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a11f0b43df84404cca32b93/1782690759201-UEV3192MK7I5TSG9CH9C/PXL_20251106_155832763.PORTRAIT.jpg Ordinary Observations Blog - A Northwoods Vacation with Senior Dogs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a11f0b43df84404cca32b93/1782690760474-WH7KU4IGWH408PARCGFO/PXL_20251107_143057212.jpg Ordinary Observations Blog - A Northwoods Vacation with Senior Dogs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a11f0b43df84404cca32b93/1782690761321-19CAK9AB1X3TNGHZWGLT/PXL_20251107_143333646+%281%29.jpg Ordinary Observations Blog - 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Quality Time - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a11f0b43df84404cca32b93/1782689434196-HIXCXGE89STW2XQXTOEA/PXL_20250807_131318969.PORTRAIT.jpg Ordinary Observations Blog - Quality Time https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a11f0b43df84404cca32b93/1782689433827-61LDQU32SZMT604BXQDE/PXL_20250807_133946873.jpg Ordinary Observations Blog - Quality Time https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a11f0b43df84404cca32b93/1782689437823-KSPEEZFSLIWR0PE3YIM9/PXL_20250813_133450856%7E2+%281%29.jpg Ordinary Observations Blog - Quality Time https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a11f0b43df84404cca32b93/1782689436836-SGB9ZT6RS4QVGE68E9TM/PXL_20250813_134225933%7E2+%282%29.jpg Ordinary Observations Blog - Quality Time https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a11f0b43df84404cca32b93/1782689438721-JKR9V6RKQY4D27QWA17F/PXL_20260615_124712129.jpg Ordinary Observations Blog - Quality Time https://www.hikewithjess.com/fieldnotes/the-badlands-and-buffalo-gap-national-grasslands monthly 0.5 2026-06-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a11f0b43df84404cca32b93/ce39f5a4-7265-4eb0-8904-2c53c30344da/PXL_20250502_120725121.jpg Ordinary Observations Blog - The Badlands and Buffalo Gap National Grasslands - Make it stand out Do it for the morning sunrise. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a11f0b43df84404cca32b93/1782572593096-ZEGAM792RJLL74AYFWPE/PXL_20250504_191423658.jpg Ordinary Observations Blog - The Badlands and Buffalo Gap National Grasslands https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a11f0b43df84404cca32b93/1782572597491-HK3BA1KWCXPSGXTU2EB1/PXL_20210521_173152726.jpg Ordinary Observations Blog - The Badlands and Buffalo Gap National Grasslands https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a11f0b43df84404cca32b93/1782572600599-SC3GTI29BFYPU9D8F5BS/PXL_20210521_201201095.jpg Ordinary Observations Blog - The Badlands and Buffalo Gap National Grasslands https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a11f0b43df84404cca32b93/1782572607210-TZJM41JND6V10SK4WYAW/PXL_20210522_204056507.jpg Ordinary Observations Blog - 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