Sounds like you and hazel are perfect for each other. Have you ever tried a pincher? I don't like chokers. Not a fan of pinchers either but they work. And they're only until the dog learns the leash.
That's funny about steps.
No, they only distress me. 'Is she limping.. does she have enough food.. are her toenails ok'... et cetera.
Your little stay-cay or road trip or whatever it's officially called sounds like a helluva time. Minus the snow, of course.