Tag Archives: elk

Memorial Day pet friendly

We all have our favorite places to visit (perhaps a bucket list for you and the dog?) … if we were traveling this Memorial Day weekend, there are a few favorite places to visit easily from Monterey County… Half Moon Bay, Bodega Bay, Napa, Sebastopol, Healdsburg, Mendocino … We love them all… Still, here is a trip we are longing to explore again in a heartbeat…  beaches, wine and cheese and chocolate and redwood trees… who could ask for anything more?

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Wine countries

Our favorite pet friendly wineries…

Larson Family Winery 

23355 Millerick Road

Sonoma, CA

707-938-3031

Larson Family Winery

Navarro Vineyards 5601 Highway 128, Philo; (800) 537-9463; www.navarrowine. com. Doggie heaven. There are always treats and a bowl of water in the tasting room. Picnic tables are around the grounds, and there’s a fenced-in dog exercise area.

Toulouse Vineyards 8001 Highway 128, Philo. (707) 895-2828; toulousevineyards.com. Dogs are free to roam the big warehouse of a tasting room or outside on the loading dock.

(Contact me for a free list of pet friendly wineries in California)

Mendocino

Pet Friendly Avenue of the Giants

from Willits to Garberville is about 1 to 2 hours (twisty and windy) and then to Orick another 2-3 hours….very twisty and windy from Oregon to Crescent city (just beyond Orick)   Orick is north of eureka and arcata

and Trinidad is just before Orick, or south of Orick on the way to Eureka and Klamath is just north of Orick a few miles

if you take the 5 rather than the 101 north, you wind up in Medford, Oregon…

Ruffing it in the redwoods

If your dog has a certain affinity for trees – and what dog doesn’t? – they’ll certainly enjoy a fragrant stroll among the tallest in the world. Humboldt County has some of the few places where you can let your dog scamper among redwoods. And while other regions boast of having a single off-leash dog beach, Humboldt has six of them – one of which awaits at the end of a scenic 5-mile coastal trail.

http://www.redwoods.info/showrecord.asp?id=2685

Beaches

Several County Beaches allow dogs to run without a leash on the wave slope within voice command:

Clam Beach 

Big Lagoon

Moonstone

Luffenholtz

Mad River County Park

Samoa Dunes Recreation Area

Leash only

Trinidad State Beach, 

Little River, and Dry Lagoon. 

http://www.friendsofthedunes.org/resources/dog/

http://www.treesofmystery.net/trails.php

Pet Friendly lodging

Motel Trees across from Trees of Mystery

http://www.treesofmystery.net/motetree.htm

$60 + per night

Humboldt Gables Motel

Rio Dell Clean, comfortable, AAA approved, & just a few minutes from the Wild and Scenic Eel River.

RATES STARTING AT $60

707-923-2721

Sherwood Forest Motel

Urban luxuries in a northcoast motel located in the center of a beautiful redwood forest.

http://www.sherwoodforestmotel.com/

 Travel Inn

Clean and comfortable stay at a reasonable price. Close to the redwoods. Travel packages for groups.

Econo Lodge Downtown

Humboldt County’s best in the budget segment. Close to Old Town. Indoor pool.

Bode Suites & Rentals

Perfect choice for a 30 day+ stay. Comfortable, convenient and affordable in the Eureka area.   53/day (30 day minimum).

stay far far far away from the eureka motel 6 worst place ever

 

http://redwoods.info/capsule.asp?seeall=yes&category1=Lodging&searchtype=&petswelcome=yes&orderby=&searchphrase=

http://www.redcrestresort.com/rates.html

visit to the Humboldt Redwoods State Park Visitor Center in Weott, 6 miles south. The friendly staff will be happy to answer all your questions. Then it’s time to go! Hiking, biking are literally at your doorstep and golfing is just a short drive away. Fishing, swimming, kayaking and rafting are possible on one of our six spectacular rivers. Search for shells and agates on one of the many redwood coast beaches.

Traveling North from Redcrest

Visit the Victorian Village of Ferndale which is listed on the Historic Register. See the many turn of the century homes and shops. Many movies have been filmed there, the most recent being The Majestic, with Jim Carrey. Don’t miss the cemetery, it’s awesome.

In the “Good Ole Summer Time”, Fortuna, Eureka and Arcata have an old-fashioned farmers market once a week, featuring all home made crafts and home-grown produce. Stroll the boardwalk and visit the quaint shops in Old Town Eureka.

Visit picturesque Trinidad, a fishing town with a scenic harbor. Hike on Trinidad Head and stroll along the beautiful beach and view the historic lighthouse. If pulling the handle of a slot machine makes your day be sure to visit the Casino in Trinidad.

http://www.trinidadcalif.com/lodging.html

Orick is about 20 miles north of the town of Trinidad

orick

Sounds like music, reminds me of Orick, CA where we heard the elks mating

Visit spectacular Fern Canyon and Gold Bluffs Beach. Jurassic Park, The Lost World was filmed in the canyon, you don’t want to miss it. Watch out for the elk in the meadows at the Fern Canyon turn off and on Gold Bluffs Beach.

http://www.redwoodparkslodge.com/about/index.php

http://www.redwoods.info/

Traveling South from Redcrest

You don’t want to miss the Rockefeller Forest. Turn off of the Avenue of the Giants onto Mattole Road and drive through the largest virgin forest in the world, just 4 miles south of Redcrest Resort, where you will find the tallest trees in the world. Continuing on this road past Rockefeller Forest, the Lost Coast Loop will take you through Petrolia, where oil was first discovered in California. While driving the Lost Coast you will pass through the furthest western point of the 48 states. The Lost Coast Loop takes about 3 hours (you should start with a full tank of gas) and you will see the scenic back country, and end up in the Victorian Village of Ferndale.

Ever see a black sand beach? Take a drive to the scenic fishing village of Shelter Cove. Watch the fishermen clean their day’s catch. Watch the sea lions on the rocks or maybe you will spot a whale in the distance.

The rugged coastline of Humboldt County proved an obstacle to early road builders, and so Highway 1 gives up just north of Fort Bragg and heads inland to join up with Highway 101. This mostly undeveloped coastline became known as the Lost Coast. While some sections are only accessible on foot, there is one route, known as the Lost Coast Loop that provides a pleasant day drive that will take you through giant redwood forests, to the splendid scenery of the rugged coastline, and then end up in the Victorian Village of Ferndale. Works just as well in the other direction too. Just make sure you have a full tank of gas before you leave, as services are sparce.

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Filed under Adventure, Bay area, beach, Bodega Bay, California, camping, dog friendly, dog travel, dogs, K9 approved, K9 travel, keep pets safe, pet friendly dining, pet friendly lodging, pet friendly winery, pet travel, travel with dog, Uncategorized

Most Romantic Inns in California

http://www.bootsnall.com/articles/11-02/25-of-the-most-romantic-bed-and-breakfasts-in-the-us.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

we don’t know about those inns above but what we do know about is the most romantic AND pet friendly AND eco friendly inns in California.  Fabulous gourmet food AND the Best chocolate yummies, too. So here’s our list of those.

Not an inn but a fantastic venue:

1. Island Hotel in Newport Beach IslandHotel.com (Kai Pua Ritual for Two at the Island Spa, exemplary service and romantic dinners in the Palm Terrace Restaurant and Lounge, where couples can woo one another with champagne and chocolate desserts in the unique Cocoa Lounge)

2. MacCallum House, Mendocino  maccallumhouse.com (hot tub under the stars, fabulous wedding venue and phenomenal food) American Historic Inns, Inc. (AHI), publisher of more than 2.7 million guidebooks and parent company to iLoveInns.com, an award-winning Website, named MacHouse #1 of their 2009 Top 10 Romantic Inns. iloveinns.com/2009Top10RomanticInns.htm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Bardessono’s in Yountville

4. Strawberry Creek Inn, Idyllwild strawberrycreekinn.com (mountain heaven, eco friendly wedding venue and not pet friendly, their Bunkhouse is though)

5. Oak Knoll Inn, Napa

Not pet friendly but go for the chocolate!

 

5.  Greenwood Pier Inn & Cafe, Elk greenwoodpierinn.com (spectacular views, lovely wedding venue and intimate setting)

7. Little River Inn, Little River littleriverinn.com (amazing ocean views on the patios for two, hot tub for two inside the room and fireplace plus relaxing spa treatments)

8. Blue Whale Inn, Cambria bluewhaleinn.com (honeymooners delight, across from the ocean, lots of amenities and delicious breakfast, cookies and chocolates, sweets for you and your sweetie)

9. Casa Cody, Inn, Palm Springs (beautifully decorated, intimate wedding venue and quiet accommodations in the heart of Palm Springs)

10.  Highland Ranch could be a fun place to enjoy relaxation and romance. If you stay at the ranch Friday night, you will receive 3 nights for the price of 2! Enjoy a menu of romantic meals fresh flowers and complimentary Scharffenberger chocolate and champagne. Go for a romantic horseback ride to a beautiful vista and then cozy up together next to the fireplace in your cabin. Dogs will enjoy the warmth of the fireplace, too. Plus, they offer one FREE massage per couple. Email: stay@highlandranch.com

Be sure to bring some of your own chocolate goodies to dip into for a deliciously intimate experience of your own making.

 

Crater Lake Company’s Chocolate Truffle Body Polish with the aroma of pure chocolate.  Made with organic and fair-trade cocoa and pure white cane sugar, this decadently divine body  scrub protects the skin from environmental factors that can age and ultimately dull the skin.   $22 at craterlakecompany.com.

 

 

DaBomb Yummy Soaps: Fraiche specializes in bath bomb swizzles and goat’s milk soaps, Rich Dark Chocolate soap is a special treat under $8.00. Three pak with rose, cherryliciious and rich dark Chocolate soaps. More info at: http://www.myfraiche.com 20% off by using coupon code fraiche20

 

Chocolate Dreamz Valentines Gift (the yummiest smelling) consists of 4 oz. Chocolate Dreamz Scrubz and matching scented 2 oz. Oilz by Scrubz.  Handmade in small batches.  Jars are recyclable, bags and scoops reusable.  Use only the finest food grade and organic oils in base. Scents are created using the highest standard essential and fragrance oils.  scrubzbodyscrub.com

 

And when you’re in the mood for a chocoholic snack:

Distinct Flavors to Make you Drool

Caramel Sprinkled With Grey Salt, Espresso, Cognac, Rose, Jasmine, Cinnamon/Cayenne, Shitake Mushroom, and more

http://gailambrosius.com/explore-flavors/

 

Chocolate Dufflets Crackle, Tumbles, and Morsels are created from entirely natural ingredients. The Crackle is a twist on the classic Florentine that encases toasted nuts within sheaths of layered Belgian dark chocolate. Visit www.duffletsweets.com

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Filed under chocolate, chocolate travel, dog travel, eco friendly/green, girlfriend getaways, Mendocino, Palm Springs, passion, pet friendly lodging, pet travel, romance, sexy, travel, Uncategorized, Valentine's Day, wine country

cottages at little river cove…

When we drove onto the property last week, we saw a few deer and does and later, some wild turkeys behind the cottages frolicking in the forest there.  While there, Cici met a new Lab boyfriend named Cody.  She waited outside his cottage until he came out to play.  There were several other dogs there, two little dogs, and another larger dog. Cici was excited to meet all the other dogs and visitors.

The cottage we stayed at was like an upscale home with all of the modern amenities… It is both kid and pet friendly.

Six of the nine cottages are designated pet friendly (see below). Upon checking in, guests staying in one of these cottages receive a pet welcome kit that includes a pet towel, treats and hot pink waste bags. Each of the pet-friendly cottages comes with a pet bed and there is an outdoor pet shower to rinse away the sand from a day of play on the beach.

The nine cottages are all named for nearby towns, we were supposed to stay in Ignacio but instead are staying in Albion. There is Elk, Humboldt, Caspar, Dillon, Farllon, Jenner, and Gualala.  As we drove onto the 2 acre property, we saw a bunch of deer, including several does and wild turkeys.

The Albion cottage is very modern and features upscale amenities and conveniences, from the
comfortable, contemporary décor – including stainless steel appliances and
granite countertops in the kitchens – to plush robes and an optional
grocery service, where guests can have personally selected staples
waiting for them upon arrival. Amenities include 32-inch, flat panel
TVs and DVD players, along with free Wi-Fi.

Guests can enjoy additional comforts, including in-cottage massage and spa services as well as a concierge
service.The concierge service can help book a sea kayak tour, rides on the
Skunk Train, a fishing trip out of Noyo Harbor, horseback-riding
tours or set up a luxury wine tour to the nearby Anderson Valley.

The  smoke-free property is located at 7533 North Highway 1 in Little River, just two miles south of
Mendocino.

Tony, the manager has a brindle dog named PJ and an orange and white dog named Oliver. Both are mixed mutt rescues.

Oliver was rescued from Placencia, Belize. He was a sweet, but beat up young dog who instantly began hanging out around Tony’s cabin. They loved his personality and began feeding him chicken and rice, eventually allowing him to sleep on the couch during the daily heavy monsoons while inquiring with the locals about his story.

A month later, after a complete check up and clean bill of health, he was shipped to San Francisco airport where he became part of Tony’s family. He and PJ got along quickly and aside from what appears to be his occasional longing for warmer weather, he seems to be quite happy and most certainly has a brighter future than if he stayed in Belize.

PJ was an East Palo Alto rescue, adopted 8 yrs ago as a puppy from the San Mateo County Peninsula Humane Society. She is a very close companion who has traveled all over the country and part of the world including NYC, Boston, Miami, Denver, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands. PJ has lived in some of the finer hotels in the world, and experienced a lifestyle that most dogs dream of (sailing, swimming in warm Caribbean waters, cross country travel, hurricane parties, room service, going along on the job, down comforter dog beds, visiting restaurants and bars, etc).

Both dogs are very well adapted to the hospitality industry lifestyle, and handle themselves very well on the property.

They are very excited to warmly greet guests that arrive.

There are tentative plans to build a dog run/park area on the property, but that has not been finalized. They want feedback from pet owners that have stayed at the cottages.  They also plan to upgrade some of the pet amenities offered in the units

Due to popular demand, they have recently increased the pet friendly units from three to six of the nine cottages on site.

They are as follows:

Albion, Caspar, Dillon, Elk, Gualala, Ignacio

http://www.cottagesatlittlerivercove.com/pets.php

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Filed under California, deer, dog friendly, dog travel, dog treats, dogs, four paws up, K9 approved, K9 travel, mutts, pet care, pet travel

it’s a dog’s life in elk, california

Majestic forest kind with antlers high,
Mighty strength belongs to you.
Fill my mind with common sense
To do the things that I must do.

http://www.greenwoodpierinn.com/

Greenwood Pier Inn & Cafe
California & Tex-Mex.
Address: 5928 S. Hwy 1, Elk, Ca. 95432
Phone: 707-877-9997
Toll Free Phone: 800-807-3423
Fax: 707-877-3439
Rates: $130-$300

We stayed in the Loverly Starfish room, double bed, jacuzzi tub, fireplace, ocean view from private balcony, microwave, fridge, cafe, pet friendly, no phone or internet access in room but in office… the next night, we stayed in the East Valley room, with two beds, a real fireplace, Internet access, and no ocean view…

http://www.greenwoodpierinn.com/inn/eastgallery/eastgallery.html

The folks here in Elk are very friendly, feel like we’re back in Oregon again… 🙂 this is a small town about five miles south of the cutoff from Highway 101 to 128 and it is on Hwy 1. You can drive south all the way down to San Francisco along the coast… the weather was delicious and sunny, then rainy and cloudy and warm and cool… very peaceful and delicious food in the cafe… complimentary breakfast was scrambled eggs, country potatoes with toast, orange juice, fresh fruit, and tea or coffee, you could also get quiche of the day, there were three kinds, veggie, spinach and feta, and a tex-mex kind.

Cici met a few dogs along the way down the coast from Westport to here… a lab named Chester on the beach, she was kind of tired from her adventures with M the night before, but she did manage to chase Chester a bit down the sand… there was a couple from Austin, Texas with two schnoodles (poodle and schnauzer mix), who said hello, until cici saw the two kittens running around here, the dogs distracted her a bit…

here’s a few photos of my royal dog lazing on the bed in the Starfish room … pampered pooches, it’s a dog’s life, ya know…

from now on, when I talk about the various inns we stay in, will try to give them a new category such as:

furs class

pampered pooches

farm and country k9

doggone fun

affurdable

pack leaders special

ruffing it

whaddya think?

we think the Greenwood Pier Inn is four paws up, K9 approved and furs class, and special thanks to Mike, Steve and the innkeepers of this inn also have the Sandpiper down the road (not pet friendly), but thanks to Jaci for recommending us to Greenwood and they also own The Inn at 17 Mile in Pacific Grove…

they also do small weddings here, tomorrow is one and hopefully the weather will cooperate…

http://www.greenwoodpierinn.com/

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Filed under California, dog friendly, dog travel, dogs, four paws up, K9 approved, K9 travel, luxury travel, Mendocino

did you ever hear elk mating, well, we did…

we had a day… or a few of them, was feeling dizzy for the last couple of days, and pulled over by an RV park with a bunch of elk, I mean 40-50 elk and they were just sitting around the grass… people kept coming by taking photos of them. it was south of a town called orick before you get to arcata and eureka. we decided to spend the night there and heard the elk all night making noises, as Ken and Fran explained, the elk bull was telling all the other males to keep away from all his females… it was a very melodic sound… kind of cold and could not find my generator to pump up the air bed, so we slept on pillows and hard ground.  cici slept, i slept a couple of hours. we stayed in a crescent city motel the night before… most of them were full for some reason.

then we drove past eureka and arcata to near garberville… past the avenue of the giants, before the one log house…  it was foggy and cold along the coast and hot in garberville… we stayed at richardson state park where there are redwood trees and a very small river, there’s been a drought.  the benbow campground was closed and this was the next nearest place on our way to leggett, now we are back to westport and the howard creek farm… stay tuned, next post !

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Filed under California, camping, dog friendly, dog travel, dogs, four paws up, K9 approved, K9 travel