California dogs do have more fun.
My first stop was the famous Joshua Tree National Park, which was named after my dad (i think). Just a quick stop along our path but I got to climb on some of the Jumbo Rocks, and sniff the famous trees which did not smell like my dad. We ate a quick lunch on top of a rock and decided to head to the coast for the night.
Last November my humans left me with grandpaw and explored San Diego without me. So as promised they brought me along this time. We first stopped in the town of Ramona and stayed at the Schwaesdall Winery where I got to meet a new friend and see lots of rabbits. The next morning we visited the San Dieguito Park and walked across a cool swinging bridge along the trails. After a quick pup cup from the Liberty Station Starbucks, I got a boost of energy and ran along the shoreline dragging my humans through the beach. I took a quick picture with a navy ship, said hello to some friendly people, and was ready for a nap.
My humans wanted to introduce me to some new animals so we decided to stay at the Quail Run Ostrich Farm. Holy cows ear, I didn’t know birds could grow so tall. I watched them dance and shake their feathers at me from my RV window all night. The next morning, we began the drive up the famous Hwy 101 towards Monterey. We walked around Morro Bay and saw this huge volcanic plug in the water covered in bird poo. It smelled interesting. While walking around I saw some otters in the water, my mom said they look like me… I don’t think so.
We continued up the coast and out of no where I heard a new sound and then a new smell, I yelled at my dad to stop. As we approached the shore, hundreds of elephant seals were rolling in the sand and yelling at each other. It looked like alot of fun and I wanted to join, but at 16 feet long and over 5,000 lbs, I decided to watch them from the boardwalk for a while before eventually needing to continue driving. For the night we stayed at Paicines Ranch and ate the best piece of steak on the grill, afterwards we explored the ranch and said hello to some baby lambs. We talked until the sun went down and needed to get inside for the night.
The next morning we made it to the end of our Big Sur trip, Monterey. We walked along the beaches and piers and got to say hello to some California seals, they were alot smaller and faster than the other seals. I was getting sleppy and hungry so after a quick nap and a delicious burger from In-n-Out I was ready to continue. We drove the 17 Mile Drive, and got to play in the ocean at Pebble Beach Golf Course. The water so blue even I could see it. We chased the ball along the beach and and played in the big waves.
After a few fun days along the beach, I thought it was time for some mountains. We stayed at the Army Core of Engnieers campground near Sequoia National Forest for a couple of days where I chased squirrels all day until I passed watching the sunsets.
Then my humans suprised me with SNOW. OMG we got to see snow in Kings Canyon National Park, and I freaked out. Over the next few days I sniffed around the park and tracked some local deer. Along the way I saw some of the largest trees on earth and the most impressive views of the canyon. I even marked a few trees for myself. We hiked one of the dog friendly trails at Hume Lake, which was a nice 2.3 mile trail with lots of ducks and a small waterfall. I guess they call it that because as soon as we started playing in it my dad fell in the water. Kings Canyon was so much fun I didnt want to leave, but I was told there was a suprise waiting for me at the next stop.
It was Grandpaw, he had flown out to see me and was waiting at Sequoia National Park. I was so excited to see him I didn’t notice he was at Three Rivers Pizza. This place has best peperoni to “fall off” the pizza ever. Grandpaw took me to see some more big trees and even drove our truck though one that had fallen over. Apartently there are more national parks in California to explore, so we continued our trip.
Ok, I’m glad we continued driving. Yosemite National Park was going to be our home for the next two weeks, and I LOVED IT. We spent alot of time walking around the seemingly endless trails in the Yosemite Valley, I smelled deer and met alot of new friends walking their humans along the way. Eventhough I’m on vacation it’s not all fun and games, I was sworn in as an official Yosemite Bark Ranger. I was given my official badge and was tasked with keeping the park clean and safe. I’m happy to report there were no incidents on my watch.
All good things must come to an end, so we had to move on….sike!!! We went back to the beach at Redwoods National Park. We got to the visitor center and found out this is one of the few National Parks you can enter for free. I was so thankful I went back on duty as a bark ranger. I had a Park Ranger swear me in and began my patrol. We started on the beach where I checked in on a group of seals lying around, they were a little noisy but settled down after a friendly warning. Over the next few days I continued my beach patrol, and checked in on a few trails inland. I greeted some friendly humans who were very thankful for my service and I allowed time for some quick belly rubs.
I spent a month sniffing California up and down, and had the time of my life. So many amazing view, smells, and memories. California…… to be continued.