Indie On the Road

Category: dogs

Post is about dog-related issues while traveling.

  • Dog Beach Heaven

    If you have a dog and haven’t been to a dog beach, you need to go. Dog parks are fun, but beaches are incredible!

    We have experienced multiple dog beaches along California’s coast, and I have to tell you they are fun – not only for the dogs who love to socialize and meet new friends, but also for their owners who get to see their companions frolic around the sand meeting and chasing all sorts of dogs from big to small – all excited to play.

    My introduction to dog beaches was during a visit to see our son and his dog in San Diego. We went to the Coronado Dog Beach . It was huge. Easily 100 dogs chasing frisbees, sniffing and chasing other dogs across the sand and through the in-coming surf.

    On Leash or Off?

    The last few weeks, we’ve been to multiple beaches along the California southern coast. Some require dogs be on leash, other no leash. The expectation is that the owner will ensure good behavior and pickup.

    However, as probably expected there seems to either complete ignorance of the “dogs on leash” symbol or when walking with multiple dogs, one is on leash and the rest are off. Hmmm, interesting.

    My take is that people simply hate rules, especially when it comes to the beach. Of course, there is the contrast. For example, we went to on Del Mar Beach (Del Mar, CA), BTW a fantastic fun spot for dogs (and people). I had one person immediately alerting me to the fact that my dog had shat! She didn’t see me pulling out the plastic blue bag! Then there are those who walk lachsadaiscally cross the cool sand or sit on a rock soaking in the sun with with no tracking on where their dogs have gone or what mischief they have found. Frankly, I don’t care. It simply shows who you are. Either a rule-abiding citizen or what ever. Well, I suppose it depends on your mood for the day.

    Name Those Beaches

    Here are comments about some dog beaches we visited. Please add comments about other beaches worth visiting with your dog. (This is a work in progress… adding more pictures from the trip and comments.)

    California

    Coronado

    Cotonado Dog Beach
    Coronado Dog Beach

    Requirements: Dogs on leash, pick up after. Actually, almost all dogs we saw were off leash having a BLAST of a time running around through the water, sniffing out smells and saying “hi” to all the other dogs.

    Condition of beach: Great shape. We would certainly go back.

    Del Mar

    Delmar Dog Beach

    Requirements: Dogs on leash, pick up after

    Condition of beach: Fantastic!

    Dogs love to play. This was a really nice beach. Hard to find parking on a busy day.

    Morro Bay

    Requirements: Dogs on leash, pick up after

    Condition of beach: Good shape.

    Pismo Beach (North)

    Requirements: Dogs on leash, pick up after

    Condition of beach:

    San Luis Bay Old Port Beach

    Requirements: Dogs on leash, pick up after

    Condition of beach:

    North Beach Malibu

    North Beach Malibu. Dog on leash. No other dogs.

    Requirements: Dogs on leash, pick up after

    Condition of beach: Hard to get to. We were staying in the Leo Corillo State Park south (probs 1/2 mile) and dogs were not allowed on the nearer South beach. The beach was changed off except at the furthest end (quite a walk) and the embankment was eroded by previous storms. Unfortunately, we didn’t see other dogs. What good is that for dog play time?

    Ventura Beach

    Ventura Beach
    Ventura Beach

    Requirements: Dogs on leash, pick up after

    Condition of beach: Great, but parking is above rocks. Need to walk to end of the beach area.

    Biloxi

    We drove by pristine beaches in Biloxi, MS. However, a search online indicated pet friendliness along the Mississippi Gulf Coast depends on the county you are in.

    Panama City Beach

    Panama City Beach - Dog Beach
    Panama City Beach – Dog Beach

    Requirements: Dogs on leash, pick up after. Stay between signs (only about 100 yards – Let’s face dogs want to RUNNNNNN!)

    Condition of beach: Great.

    Send us information about dog-friendly beaches you visit.

  • When You and Your Dog Need a Ride

    Stranded with no Car – What’s a Dog to Do?

    We are on the road travelling, and needed repair work done on our RV in Barkersfield, CA. So, a few questions come to mind: where do we stay in the meantime and how do we get to and from, particularly with our go bags and our dog?

    We located several nearby hotels that were pet friendly. However, several had sketchy ratings and almost all charged $50 per nite for the dog. I figured that price was a bit much. Fortunately we found the Vagabond Inn, which had raving reviews and a more reasonable dog rate.

    For getting to the hotel, there was no problem. CampingWorld had a staff member drive us to the hotel which only a 1 1/2 away. That was nice. We got their and spent the night.

    The next day, we were told the repairs were going to be completed and we could check out. We inquired about a ride back but had to wait a few hours. I thought I would check to what other options there are if we did not have friendly transportation by CampingWorld. Here is what we discovered:

    • Walking – Although the distance between CampiingWorld and the hotel was a little over a mile, there was a ton of traffic and the road noise would scare our dog.
    • Uber – only service animals can be transported
    • Taxi – Jesse (owner) answered our call to Azteca Taxi Cab in Bakersfield. He adds a pet fee based on size: $10 for up to 12 pounds and $15 for over 12 lb. Seems reasonable to me!

    As this situation turned out, our friend Tiffiany at the hotel offerred to let us stay in our room after the check out time to wait for our ride from our friends at CampingWorld in a few hours. Nice! It that hadn’t happened we would certainly would have set up a transport with Jesse!

    Thank heavens there are options and friendly and undertanding service people!

    Dog Friendly
    Dog Friendly

  • Why Can’t Processes be Designed to Self Sustain?

    Sunset at Lake Mead. Just toured Hoover Dam today. Phenomenal government project: completed before deadline, under budget, and self-sustaining.

    Why can’t our government do that? Why can’t we restore budgeting and agreements that work and restore efficiencies!

    Comments appreciated!

  • Wow! Great Small Batch Wine

    From the Vineyard

    There are amazing wineries across America. But some are really special.

    Today we stopped T Sierra Roble Winery and Vineyard. Dave Low owner and vitner met us in their tasting room in a small structure next to their beautiful vines along a vineyard with plenty of southern california sun.

    The oldest vines were planted 10 years ago and look really healthy. Their wines include a healthy mix of dry and sweet whites, red blends, and red varietals. Reasonably priced with great taste, these wines are worth investigation by wine connisours. We enjoyed and you will too!

    34810 California 79, Warner Springs, CA 92086

  • Great BBQ on Rt. 66

    We have a friend whose bucket list includes a ride on Rt. 66 in his sports car. Well, if he ever gets to do do it, his ride needs fo include a stop at Watson’s BBQ in Tucumcari, Arizona for some of the best barbeque I’ve ever had.

    Tucumcari Ranch Supply is the home of Watson’s Barbecue, which has been recognized in several national and local media sources. They are located in Tucumcari, New Mexico just a few blocks off of historic Route 66.

    We stopped recently on our trip across America and experienced not only their finger-lickin’ good BBQ, but friendly chats with the owners and staff who obviously love what they are doing.

    We tried their 2-meat plate with two sides, homemade bread and cookie, and refillable lemonade and ice tea.

    As the business is dog-friendly, our pup Bella accompanied us to our picnic table where she could smell fhe food fixings while watching the several cats meander around the premises.

    5 stars!