Hotdogger Blog

As Hotdoggers, we all get pretty attached to our vehicles knowing at some point, we will have to part. In our case, the switch was sooner than expected. It was time for BOLOGNA to head into the shop for some R and R, and on a rainy afternoon, we tearfully said our goodbyes.

We moved our gear and made sure BOLOGNA looked her best, and started to get excited about our new vehicle. We can’t wait to see what adventures we’ll lead on our continued coast-to-coast-winer-roast in our new ride – YUMMY!

While trying to keep our buns cool in Tucson, AZ, Nacho Cheese Nikita and I had the chance to meat Mercedes and part of her Wiener Whistle collection! The whistle that she brought is from the 1960s, and is now quite the collector’s item- I had never seen this style of whistle in person before!

Mercedes had not seen a Wienermobile in a long time, and was excited to ketchup with us and to add a new Wiener Whistle to her collection! Although the Wiener Whistles have changed in style, they still have the same bunderful sound!

Crikey! Absolutely Fascinating- Have a look at this!  A wildlife excursion in Tennessee led to a rare sighting of the leader of a pack.  This top dog is hounded by many, but few are lucky enough to spot a Wienermobile in the Wild!

Lions and Tigers and Hot Dogs, OH I!

While in the TriCities Area of Tennesse, OH I WISH mustard up the strength to climb to the top of Bays Mountain Park, a 3500 acre nature preserve and the largest city owned park in the state of Tennessee.  While OH I WISH took some time to hibernate in the woods, Brian the Bunderful and I saw animal habitats with wolves, bobcats, and reptiles, and even got to pet a snake!

Outside of the Bays Mountain Herpetarium, where snakes Elvis and Priscilla Presley live.

Park Ranger Bob and Intern Philip are experts on Tennessee wildlife, but they had never seen a Wienermobile in the wild!

Park Ranger Bob and Intern Philip taught us all about the animals native to the hills of north eastern Tennessee, and we got to show them a rare species in the area – the Wienermobile!

Just like people go to the doctor once a year for a check-up, the Wienermobile has to go the hot dog doctor, also known as Penske, for a monthly maintenance check. This is an extra important day because the Wienermobile is traveling so many days out of the the year. Well, this week Super Dog Sam and I got to take WNR MBLE  to Penske and it was the first time we were without the Big Dog for the day. Watch this video to find out how much we missed having our third wheel-mate!

While we were in the “Promised Land” of Memphis, Tennessee, I decided that “It’s Now or Never” to visit Graceland, the home of “My Boy” Elvis Presley.

I informed Diggity Dog Drea, “‘I Don’t Care if the Sun Don’t Shine,’ I will be ‘All Shook Up’ with the ’Moody Blues’ if I don’t get to quell my ‘Suspicious Minds’ about the Presley homestead.” Diggity Dog replied “‘That’s All Right,’ ‘Don’t Be Cruel’ and waste any more of our time forcing Elvis lyrics into this story.” 

We both agreed on “A Little Less Conversation,” as we’d already been talking “Too Much,” and instead we laced up our “Blue Suede Shoes,” hopped in our “Hound Dog,” BOLOGNA, and left our “Heartbreak Hotel” “In the Ghetto” for Graceland.

Joey B and Diggity Dog, dwarfed by the Presley Palace

Elvis Presley’s impressive dining room, where he may or may not have served up some Oscar Mayer hot dogs.

Elvis Presley’s epic living room, where we weren’t allowed to pound out the wiener jingle on the grand piano.

When you spend your days in the largest hot dog on wheels, you find yourself looking for other large roadside attractions when traveling.  I frequently hear the phrase, “Everything’s Bigger in Texas”, but I never expected to find the World’s Largest Killer Bee would be in Hidalgo.

In 1990, Hidalgo, TX was the first American city to witness the Africanized Honey Bee, also known as the “Killer Bee”.  Hidalgo became the “Killer Bee Capital of the World” by taking pride in the fact that although Killer Bees may sting, they also produce honey.  The Killer Bee is now Hidalgo’s official mascot.  It stands one foot shy of the 11-foot height of the Wienermobile vehicle.  And just like our large hot dog on wheels, the World’s Largest Killer Bee is also made of fiberglass!

The above quote, by Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, is written on the plaque honoring the soldiers who fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima. This sculpture is the original plaster mold used to cast the famous monument at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, DC. It is modeled after a picture depicting the flag raising on Mount Suribachi. It was very moving to see the detail and immense size of the statue.

This original arrived here at the Marine Military Academy in Harlingen, TX in 1982. Prior to that time, the statue was in storage. This site is also the burial site for Harlon Block, one of the original flag raisers from a nearby town: Weslaco. Harlon Block died a week after the original photo was taken, but his memory will live on through this awe-inspiring monument.

I’ve always admired the monument and it was great to pay my respects for those who have made the ultimate sacrificed for our country.

After explaining to Jens and Britta the significance of the Wienermobile we loaded up and headed for their party. Smiley Kylie and I told them that riding with us in the famed Wienermobile would surely make them feel like celebrities. Driving through the streets towards the party brought smiles to their faces as they realized people really did enjoy our vehicle and were taking pictures, waving, and smiling from every direction. Patricia, Ed, Jens, and Britta found out what it’s like to be a celebrity for a day, especially rolling up to the farewell party in style.

After everyone got their ride, Patricia and Ed invited us to stay around to share stories of our adventures and hear some of theirs as well.  They invited us in for a delicious home-cooked meal, something Smiley Kylie and I haven’t had in over two months.  It was nice to relax in the comfort of a home with a group of friends that enjoyed each other’s company.  We relished the opportunity to meet new friends.

Enjoying a good time with Food, Family, and Fun

We were glad to take part in Jens and Britta’s very first sighting of the Wienermobile as they may never again have such an opportunity.  Good luck and safe travels! Congratulations to Patricia and Ed, we’re glad you loved your experience.  

While road tripping in Indiana, R-Dog Rachel, IWSHIWR and I got to see the beautiful Indianapolis Colts Stadium in our very own backyard! Our buns looked great parked near the football field and we relished the sight of the two together! Looks like baseball isn’t the only sport that goes great with hot dogs…

Hope you’re enjoying the view as much as we are!