It is with lots of happy yapping that I get to share with you my latest review. Elaine Bryant, the owner of one of Mendocino County’s most historic and treasured inns contacted me to share the news that she had recently made ‘The Hideaway’ a pet friendly room at the Elk Cove Inn and Spa. She extended an invitation for me to come and experience the inn along with my two uprights and I had a feeling we were going to be in for something special. The Elk Cove Inn and Spa began life as a private residence. Built in 1883 by the L.E. White Lumber Co. as the home of the mill’s superintendent, the Craftsman style main house and later additional adjacent buildings are perched high above Greenwood State Beach and are nestled snugly on the side of a cliff overlooking the dramatic rocks and shoreline. All the buildings including the iconic and picturesque Victorian gazebo, (a truly romantic setting suitable for the most magical moments such as a wedding) are majestically situated overlooking the coastline. The ambiance of the Elk Cove Inn invites you to step back from the everyday and simply relish time in the pleasures of relaxation, where gloriously idle moments spent observing the striking landscape and the serenity of being one with nature will reenergize and rejuvenate you. Add a spa treatment or two to your stay and you will feel reborn. All rooms (except The Hideaway) have uninterrupted ocean views so as Mother Nature works her magic you have a front row seat for the show. You can be witness to spectacular storms and romantic sunsets with their constantly changing range of colors that traverse all the drama and hues that artists have ever captured. Add delicious food, complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, a welcome basket with house-made cookies, wine and fruit along with port and chocolates for a decadent nightcap and you have yourself a series of indulgences one can get used to.On arrival my dads checked us in at reception in the main house. The reception area also has a nice sample of postcards of the inn and area, Elk Cove Inn keepsakes and local wares for sale. Patty, the innkeeper on duty was very welcoming and gave my dads an orientation to the property including the times for the cocktail hour and breakfast, the location of the private access to the beach (dogs are permitted on leash) and the procedure for booking spa treatments. Patty then presented my dads with the welcome basket and a copy of the pet rules for them to read, acknowledge and sign. Patty then escorted us to our room.

View from the back of the inn

The Hideaway evokes its name perfectly, a cozy space with a well-appointed bathroom that has a large walk in shower complete with multiple showerheads. The main room has a king bed and love seat (a courtesy sheet is provided for covering the comforter on the bed for those of us furry family members that are allowed on the bed). The room includes a coffee maker, small refrigerator, microwave, large flat screen TV with Direct TV and free Wi-Fi. A nice mix of antique pieces and modern touches meld together harmoniously. Little things like the tissue on the top of the box that was turned into a delicate paper tissue rose and the small vases of local flowers picked fresh from the gardens delight the eye. There is a heater in the main room and a radiator to make the bathroom toasty and after a luxurious shower you can wrap yourself in soft, warm comfort with the luxurious terry robes. The room benefits greatly from having high ceilings and plenty of natural light is provided by several skylights. If you open the window in the bathroom the sounds of the ocean’s music will soothe and inspire. Housekeeping had thoughtfully placed a mat and bowl of fresh cool water for me in the bathroom, so I immediately took a nice long drink. I am glad it didn’t take my dads long to get settled as this canine was anxious to go to the beach.

The Elk Cove Inn is surrounded by grounds that are both ornamental and practical. Herb and vegetable gardens meld with native flowering trees, shrubs and flora which present the senses with a pleasant color palate of sights and smells. Being safely leashed, remember we are on a steep cliff, my dads and I spent wonderful quality time together walking the grounds. Access to the beach from the inn is by a narrow and sturdy stairway off the front garden that zigzags the cliff, I had great fun traversing it. The beach is full of interesting drift wood and benches and fire circles are nestled among the huge logs. These are great spots for sitting and soaking up the rugged beauty of the cove while scanning the ocean for bird and marine life. Of course I found plenty of smells to keep me very occupied and intrigued.

View of the inn from Greenwood State Beach

Because food service takes place in the main house, I wasn’t allowed in as I am not a registered service dog (- my dads are working with me on that.) The weather on the Mendocino Coast is temperate so sitting in the car with a cracked window or two for the short time while my dads ate; looking at the magnificent view was not an imposition. My dads later regaled me with stories of the cocktail hour and breakfast. From 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm in the main house a selection of complimentary soft drinks, liquor and accoutrements for making your own cocktails along with a variety of wines and cheese are served for your enjoyment. You are free to take your drinks back to your room, stay and enjoy them in the dining room with its large picture windows that frame the dramatic ocean view perfectly or enjoy them at one of the many intimate seating areas dotted throughout the property. I especially enjoyed sitting on my dad’s lap in an Adirondack chair as we shared in the simple enjoyment of staring contentedly at the stunning view.

Part of the morning breakfast offering

Breakfast is served in the main house from 8:30 am to 10:00 am and what a spread. My dads delighted in telling  me about some the delicious and delectable offerings: house-made corned beef hash topped with poached eggs, baked polenta with a roasted tomato sauce, cinnamon glazed apples, bread pudding with walnut whiskey sauce, fresh sliced tomatoes drizzled with infused olive oil and fresh herbs, deviled eggs, cereals, oatmeal and trimmings, fresh fruit salad, French toast with warm strawberries for a topping, a selection of fresh baked pastries and my favorite – sausages ( my dads brought me a morsel of those to try). Along with a great selection of fresh juices, tea, coffee and complimentary champagne you have a terrific and varied breakfast of champions to start your day. Each morning new items appear as well as favorites like the Morning Pie made from cottage cheese and oranges, similar in style and texture of cheesecake this is a regular guest must have. In fact, many of the recipes at the Elk Cove Inn are so popular with guests that upon check out you are presented with a booklet of them to take with you so you can recreate some of the Elk Cove breakfast experience at home.

Great sunsets!!

With full stomachs you will be ready to start the day exploring the historic and charming village of Elk and the surrounding area. A short distance by path from the Inn will take you into Elk where several restaurants, village store, post office, art gallery, garden store and beautiful Victorian architecture are yours to discover and savor. The Elk Cove Inn and Spa is ideally located for exploring the Mendocino Coast: to the south is Point Arena, with its open to the public historic and working lighthouse and B. Bryan Preserve, the 100 acre home to various species of endangered animals such as giraffes, zebras and three different types of antelope, where tours are offered. The famous Bowling Ball Beach is one and a half miles from the Inn and can be accessed by path from the Inn, but check for the low tide as that is the only way to really see and appreciate this natural wonder to its full effect. Manchester State Park is a little further south as are the coastal towns of Anchor Bay and Gualala with its innovative and superb art community situated on the Mendocino/Sonoma County border. A few miles north of Elk is Highway 128, the gateway to Anderson Valley and home to dozens of Mendocino County’s premiere wineries and breweries. If you want to explore the giant redwoods Hendy Woods State Park in Philo is the place. To the north Van Damme State Park in Little River and the village of Mendocino, which is an authentically preserved Victorian coastal village and the City of Fort Bragg, home to the world famous Skunk Train and Glass Beach, are all in easy driving distance of the Elk Cove Inn.

Green State Beach Visitor Center Museum

Elk has a varied and fascinating history and the Elk Museum (open seasonally) is a must stop to learn more about the important and exciting history of this charming town with two names: Greenwood and Elk. Elk village has a delightful array of charming historic buildings, also explore the hill top graveyards at Cuffey’s Cove, grab a bite of lunch at the world famous Queenie’s Roadhouse Café or pick up picnic supplies and a delicious made-to-order sandwich from the Elk Store. The Bridget Dolan Pub offers excellent traditional pub fare and for a special local’s insider experience – any Friday or Saturday evening, have a drink at the hilltop Beacon Light Bar by the Sea overlooking the dramatic coastline. It is one of a kind.

For a complete description of the Inn, its 15 guest rooms and suites please visit www.elkcoveinn.com. A visit to Elk conjures up delightful imaginings of days gone past, this idyllic coastal hill top village and the exquisite hospitality and ambiance of the Elk Cove Inn and Spa offer the visitor a truly satisfying get away from the fast pace of everyday life.

Happy Tail Wagging Travels,

Hairy Putter

Elk Cove Inn
6300 Highway 1
Elk, California 95432
(707) 877-3321

Whale Watch Inn

It transpires that I had received an invitation from The Whale Watch Inn to come and experience their hospitality. The Inn was formerly a private residence that has through the years expanded to include 18 uniquely decorated and appointed guest rooms and suites. The owners still maintain a residence on the property. The Inn has been managed for the past 15 years by a delightful woman named Gretchen. The Whale Watch Inn is comprised of several buildings nestled discreetly throughout the grounds. It sits on two private acres perched on the high bluffs at Anchor Bay near the town of Gualala on the picturesque southern Mendocino County Coast. The Whale Watch Inn has its own beach access with commanding views of the rugged coastline. With its pristine sandy beaches, it is aptly named. The unobstructed Pacific Ocean view makes it an ideal spot for watching marine life especially when the whales swim by.

When we arrived, I was greeted by Gretchen who immediately bent down to give my head and ears a rub. She asked my dads if I had my own travel items: bed, blanket, towels and bowls because if not, the Inn is happy to provide them. Well my dads took advantage and said that I would appreciate them all. We were all very impressed that such amenities were available. I do travel, as many canines do, with some personal items such as my favorite blanket, a handy towel and dog bowl(s) (see first paragraph for that tale) but often one forgets things and it is great that the Whale Watch Inn thinks to provide them. Disposable bags were also offered; very pet welcoming indeed. Gretchen said that our room was still being prepared but she would gladly take us on a tour of the grounds while we had daylight left. Gretchen said that she had something special to show us and as we followed her along the paths that connect the various buildings, we got to experience the lovely landscaping of the grounds. Shortly we arrived at an area that had a brand new chest high (on an upright) wooden fence which enclosed a generous area that she presented as the soon-to-be-completed off leash dog run. Yeah, my ears pricked up and my tail wagged furiously at those words. Gretchen said they were waiting for the finishing touches: a disposable bag dispenser, seating for the uprights and guess what my canine friends, it will have its very own water feature. My uprights chatted with her about other Mendocino County inns and businesses that have or are beginning to include off leash pet areas and what a wonderful amenity to have. Pets and their uprights appreciate and value an establishment that provides a safe and social place like an off leash play area for us.

As I mentioned earlier the Whale Watch Inn has its own beach access by way of stairs that meander their way down the cliff. It is steep in areas but if you are able, well worth the trek as at the bottom a wondrous sandy beach, tide pools, waterfall and small rocks provide great smells and walking adventures. We went a little way down to several of various decks, took in the panoramic views and breathed in the fresh clean sea air. Throughout the Inn’s grounds are benches and places to sit where one can enjoy the sights and smells of the gardens and spectacular ocean views. Gretchen also gave us a tour of the Whale Watch Room; this common area, multi-functional space with features such as full kitchen, walk around fireplace, multiple seating areas, telescopes, games, books and again spectacular ocean views is perfect for special events, meetings, weddings and gatherings.

On our return to the main building Gretchen offered my dads a complimentary glass of wine which they enjoyed by the fire in the lobby area looking out the picture window and savoring the view. I took this opportunity to lie down on the hearthrug to feel the pleasant heat of the burning wood warm my fur. Twenty-four hour complementary tea and coffee is available for guests in the main building and there is boutique collection of merchandise for sale in the gift area too. Our room was now ready and Gretchen kindly showed us to it. When I entered, I was very intrigued as there was a very strange structure in the room that went all the way to the top and disappeared into an opening in the ceiling. One of my dads began to climb this structure and I followed and got confused as I could see between the stairs, my other dad and Gretchen. For a moment I wasn’t sure what to do, go further up or go down, then all the uprights laughed as I raced back down then up again half way, then down again, then up a little further until my curiosity got the better of me and I just had to find out what was at the top and wow! There was a swimming pool, well it was a Jacuzzi tub, but to me it looked like a gigantic pool. I put my paws up on the ledge to check it out but it seemed along way down. It was all very exciting and I raced back down. Apparently, this is what uprights call a spiral staircase and for the rest of my stay I navigated it like a pro.

Upstairs jacuzzi tub

Underneath the spiral staircase a lovely comfy doggie day bed, fluffy towel and blanket had been set up for me along with a placemat and two shiny metal bowls, one filled with fresh water. Forgetting the strange structure for a moment, I went over to the items and gave them a good hard sniff. Then took a big drink of water and jumped right into the bed. Before Gretchen left us to settle in she asked what time would we like breakfast, did we have any dietary issues and would the uprights like tea or coffee with breakfast. While my dad’s began unpacking, I took the opportunity to hang out on our private deck and watch the ocean traffic, pelicans flying in perfect formation, sea gulls squawking their cries for food and the odd ship far out to sea.

Pleasant music is piped into the guest rooms and a control for volume allows you to regulate its impact. We found the selections played very soothing and relaxing. There are no phones or televisions in the rooms and with such views, why would you need them? Free wireless is available throughout the Inn, so communicating with the outside world or catching up with your favorite show is always available if you have the right portable electronic viewing devices. There was a small refrigerator and icemaker in the one of the two bathrooms that was very handy for storing my FreshPet travel meal. We spent some time drinking wine on our deck and reading about the area from the visitor’s guide provided. We checked out the in-room menu that offers guests a choice of a snack basket, dessert basket, or a cheese, crackers and dried fruit plate as well as modest selection of local wines and beers at very reasonable prices. The Inn staff is very helpful in suggesting dining choices in the area and will gladly make reservations for you. As we all sat on the deck drinking in the view, the sunset, the wine and the soothing sounds of the waves as they hit land, we all felt completely relaxed. The Whale Watch Inn is aptly named for if the whales were out you would surely be able to spot them.

As dusk fell around us, it was time to think about food. Well, I do that all the time but the uprights for some reason don’t always seem as preoccupied with the subject as I. My FreshPet meals are so convenient especially when I travel I can pick them up at most grocery stores in a special refrigerated section. They are made in the USA from all-natural ingredients and are very nutritious and delicious. My dads decided to go into Gualala to eat some BBQ at Bones Roadhouse for their dinner. I have to say that while I had to remain in the car with the smell of smoking meat drifting my way I could only think that this is doggie torture and should be stopped; please Bones, get some outside tables so a canine gourmet such as moi can join in the paw-licking feast.

When we returned to the Inn, it was dark but the lighted pathways make an evening walk safe and visible. Soon my dad had a nice fire going in the room and my dads both sat in the easy chairs. I sat in my dad’s lap and we all savored the tranquility of the moment as we watched the flames of the fire do their dance. It was then that we noticed the personalized handwritten welcome card from the inn staff and the courtesy chocolates, which my dad soon indulged in. I made do with one of my healthy treats as chocolate is not good for dogs. Soon it was time for sleep and we all slept very well.

I woke up bright and early ready for an adventurous day. After my morning constitutional one of my dads decided to go and try out the Jacuzzi tub. He was gone for quite a while; I went up the spiral staircase with confidence and checked on him periodically. When he did finally came down it wasn’t too long before there was a knock at the door and a tray was brought in that carried with it an incredibly delicious odor. Yeah, breakfast had arrived. I became very excited and jumped into a chair to inspect its contents. Soon we were all tucking in to a delicious breakfast. The uprights continued taking pictures and video throughout our stay and after one more trek around the grounds, we packed up the car and said very sincere thank you and goodbye to Gretchen and her staff. Everyone at the Whale Watch Inn was delightful, helpful, attentive and friendly. Four legged guests are treated with the same thoughtfulness, courtesy and respect as upright guests. A stay at the Whale Watch Inn is wonderful any time of year and I can’t wait to go back when the whales are passing by.

Whale Watch Inn
35100 Highway 1
Gualala, California 95445
1-800-WHALE-4-2
www.WhaleWatchInn.com

View From Our Room

So out came my overnight bag and all my accoutrements, bowls, treats, toys and bedding, which pleased me very much. In no time I was packed and ready to go. However my dads’ packing is a whole other story. I can attest to there being only one overnight bag between the two, however, there was also, the cameras (still and video), lighting units, light reflectors, microphones, iPad, laptop, iPod and human only knows what. Did I mention that we were literally going down the street? I could have walked to the Beachcomber Motel faster than they packed and loaded the car.

Finally, we arrived and when one of my dads went into the front office to check in, I hopped up on the console in between the driver and passenger seats, my usual pilot perch and watched intently. Soon he was back with key in hand along with a Welcome Bag for me. Inside were a courtesy towel and a sheet (return or leave in the room upon check out) for covering the bed and furniture and a copy of the Beachcomber Motel Pet Guidelines. Wow! There was even a copy of my Pet Friendly Mendocino Travel Guide, but most important – there were treats.

Soon we settled into our wonderfully spacious room where I discovered the sliding glass doors and the unobstructed and breathtaking ocean view. My dads opened the doors and out I popped and what a great surprise on the balcony next to mine! There was a chatty Jack Russell. We exchanged tail wags and some verbal banter, however I think we got a little too boisterous as the uprights distracted me and back into the room I went. Not long afterwards, another canine neighbor appeared on the deck and now I had two pals to hang out with. Then there was a knock at the door, woof, we had a visitor – it was time for my appointment. After I sniffed, tail wagged and accepted the head rubs from this visitor, I was soon picked up by my dad and placed on the bed, which they covered with the sheet provided at check-in. The visitor was named Aaron and he began to gently rub and stroke me, oh it felt so good, I soon became very relaxed and he used his fingers to knead my paws, my legs, my back, my tummy and in fact he massaged me from head to paws and I was soon putty in his hands. There I was lying on a comfy bed with the soothing sounds of the ocean in the background and with the magic touch of an upright’s soothing hands; I was truly in doggie paradise. The Beachcomber has a spa as well as various treatments for uprights. At the spa they offer in guest room pet massages. Pet massage is as beneficial for us furry family members as it is for uprights and the prices are very reasonable. Is a pet massage not the coolest thing ever?

After I woke up from my massage, another adventure awaited me, a romp on the beach. The Beachcomber is right on the ocean and a walking/biking path is right outside. It hugs the dramatic and amazing coastline for miles. A whole lot of canine socializing happens along the Haul Road as it is affectionately called. We need to be on a leash but we have miles of headlands to explore and with all its wonderful smells it gives us plenty of opportunities to make our mark. When I got back, the pet towel the Beachcomber provided was very handy for wiping off my sandy paws.

View from my room

As the sun began to set the uprights poured themselves some wine and we all sat out on the deck and enjoyed the amazing sight of the sun saying a spectacular goodnight by giving us a brilliant show of amazing color. By then I knew it was time for dinner. Usually my dads pack all my food to take when we travel, but recently they have discovered a range of wonderful readymade meals. So earlier my dads had gone to the local Safeway where they sell the delicious brand of healthy and nutritious dog food, Freshpet. These meals and snacks make eating on the go easy and healthy. After a satisfying meal of lamb in gravy with vegetables, we left the Beachcomber so my dads could have their dinner. They chose to eat a little north of Fort Bragg in Cleone at The Purple Rose, a favorite local Mexican restaurant. Even though we four-legged gourmets are unable to dine at this restaurant (no outside dining available) it was comfortable enough for me to stay in the car with the windows cracked and my dads parked so that I had a great view of the diners. With well over twenty different brands of tequila to choose from for making margaritas and some tasty food, they seemed very happy with their evening too. Disclaimer, they did not try all of the tequila brands, well, not in one night.

After we got back to the Beachcomber, I had another adventure; I sensed and smelled cat. Well, I took my dad on a reconnaissance of the area to investigate. It was dark but my nose is my eyes and I could “see” clearly. I soon found the cat basking in the moon’s glow on the stairs leading to my room. I wanted to play chase but my dad was not so eager and I was reluctantly steered in another direction. Let’s just say I spent most of the night in front of the patio doors keeping sentry duty. After a couple of occasions of waking the uprights with demands to go out and then using that time to go cat hunting, when I tried a third time my request was not met with the usual enthusiasm. In fact, I was not taken out again until dawn. Uprights have no sense of canine priorities!
Your stay at The Beachcomber Motel includes a continental breakfast that is served in the lobby. Guests are asked to adhere to the policy of no pets in a food serving area out of respect to the other guests. If the weather is amiable, we can accompany the uprights and sit at an outside table or you can take your breakfast back to your room or enjoy it on the Captain’s Deck while looking at the magnificent ocean view. After breakfast, my dad Alan was booked in for a massage and I got to hang out with my other dad in our room where I curled up on the comfy bed and watched the roundup of the previous evening’s election coverage. When my dad returned he had this wonderful sense of peace and tranquility about him, rather like moi after my massage.

The Beachcomber has a variety of different accommodations and room types priced for all budgets. It truly is pet friendly affordable luxury on the beach. For more information please visit: www.thebeachcombermotel.com.

Hairy

Beachcomber Motel
1111 North Main Street
Fort Bragg, California 95437
1-800-400-SURF

It wasn’t long before they were loading up the car; I feel compelled to accompany the uprights in this task just to make sure that my bag is not left behind. It has never happened before but a canine can never take the chance, so I feel it best to monitor the process and make sure the uprights know that I am around. They often refer to it as “getting under their feet,” I think of it as a kindly reminder of my continued inclusion. Soon the call for me to get my harness on was issued and we were off. Now usually my overnight bag indicates a long time traveling in the car, so I prepared myself by turning round and round on the back seat making sure the blankets were positioned just right (my uprights refer to this as nesting). I was beginning to get settled, then no sooner had I closed my eyes, (my ears always remain perked) we stopped and I heard the words, “Hairy we’re here, out you go.” What? Had I slept longer than I thought? Boy that was no travel time at all.

Wow, what was this? Were we visiting some friends’ home that I had not been to before? As I got out of the car and sniffed, I smelt ocean, pine trees and yes, the ever-present hint of those annoying squirrels. What was this, no leash? Usually before I exit the car I have to have my leash attached; instead, I was loose and fancy free. The uprights began unloading the car and there it was, my bag being carried down the steps towards this unfamiliar house. Eager as I was to go explore, I felt it best to follow the bag, well it does have treats in it and there is always the chance that if I stick close by I will get one. Once inside the house, I forgot about the treats and I began a thorough search for other occupants and scents that might give me a clue as to who we were visiting.

Once we were all in the house, I completed my search, and for the life of me, I found no familiar upright smells. My dad’s gathered in front of this enormous window and then suddenly the window began to move. I jumped back and looked from side to side as the window began to fold and soon the whole side of the house opened up and the uprights walked outside. Well, as one not to be left behind, I stepped outside. Wow, what a view! Before us was an incredible panoramic view of river meeting ocean, tall jagged rocks and the unmistakable sound of water rolling onto sand. I soon made use of the time outside to mark my presence for those pesky squirrels and began a thorough reconnaissance.

Soon the uprights were unpacking and putting things away. Then all of a sudden the window wall was closed back up and we were heading out the door back to the car. Wow, where to now, we had no luggage! In a short time, the car stopped and I raised my head to look out the window and I recognized that we were in front of Mendosa’s grocery store in the Village of Mendocino. Wired, what were we doing here? Soon the uprights returned to the car with bags of groceries and we set off again. Back at the house overlooking the ocean, with the window wall once more opened and the uprights and I enjoying the view it was explained to me why we had come only such a short distance.

Enjoying the view

It seems that my good friends at Coast Getaways had invited me to come and stay at one of the beautiful homes they manage. These private homes are called vacation rentals and these exclusive homes are a wonderful getaway option for visitors. In fact, my uprights kept referring to them as “a home away from home.” Some of these homes allow four legged family members to stay in them like the one I am reviewing for you now. Most of the homes offer exclusive views, privacy and upscale amenities. The home we stayed in had a couple of things I had never seen before. Apparently the room that smelt like pine trees but had no pesky squirrel scent is called a sauna and outside was a big tub of water that came to life with jets of bubbling water, the uprights referred to this as a Jacuzzi. Usually I love water but this tub reminded me too much of bath time and I stayed a good nose length away. In fact there was a bench next to the Jacuzzi that was perfect for me to lie on. From this perch, I could see everything and stay dry. Uprights sure like water and there was another big tub that holds water in one of the bedrooms that also looked out over the stunning views of the Navarro River meeting the Pacific Ocean. I had my bowls set out, toys and favorite throw on the couch and my uprights close by, with the sun streaming into the living area from the window that moved, I really felt at home in my home away from home.

One of the benefits of being on the coast for four legged inhabitants and visitors is that the weather seldom gets above 70˚ and rarely below 50˚ during daylight hours. This allows us to remain in a vehicle, with the windows cracked of course, on those rare times when it is more suitable for us to remain safely inside. The first evening of our vacation stay my dad’s had an anniversary and birthday to celebrate; they decided to go to a restaurant called the Ledford House in Albion that was nearby. I had had a very busy afternoon exploring the property and did not mind having a siesta in the car; I also knew that when they came back there would be something yummy for me to try. They did not disappoint, and brought me a delicious morsel of duck liver paté. On our return from the restaurant the uprights could not stop talking about their meal and by all accounts it was a great success. When the uprights talk about food in such excited tones I know that they had a great time, they kept referring to the meal as “exquisite morsels of utopia on a plate.”

Once we were back at our home away from home, the uprights took advantage of the facilities and enjoyed a sauna and Jacuzzi. Later they lit a fire and we all snuggled up on the couch to enjoy a very peaceful and relaxing evening together. The house had everything, books, games, flat screen TVs, DVD player and a selection of movies just to name a few of the amenities. The following morning after a night of pleasant dreams where I chased pesky squirrels, I awoke to the familiar and comforting smells of sausage and eggs. As an alternative to cooking, you could travel a few miles south and enjoy breakfast in Elk at Queenie’s Roadhouse Grill with its alfresco dining patio or head north a few miles to Little River and enjoy the traditional family hospitality of the Little River Inn and savor their renowned breakfasts. Doggie parlor dining is available at the Little River Inn, so if you go, let them know if you will be joining the uprights for breakfast. The house we were staying in was close to Highway 128 and this scenic road takes you on a magical trip through redwood forests to the beautiful wine region of Anderson Valley with its quaint small towns and excellent pet friendly winery tasting rooms.

The master bedroom

After breakfast we all piled back in the car and spent time exploring Navarro Beach, although not an off leash beach, it is full of wonderful driftwood and golden sand. Then the uprights had great fun choosing items to cook that evening at the well-stocked Albion Village Store. They told me that some dear friends were coming over in the evening for a visit and to have dinner with us. As many of you are aware, my uprights love to cook and entertain and the challenge they set themselves was to create and serve a gourmet meal using only the cooking and serving items that were available. Once back at the vacation rental the uprights opened the window wall and we all spent time relaxing in the sun on the comfortable patio furniture.

Once our guests arrived, we spent time together watching the sun set over the magnificent view, laughing, nibbling on cheese (another favorite of mine) and clinking glasses. I was up on a lap, chin and belly being rubbed, head and ears being patted and joining contentedly in the festivities, could a pooch feel anymore loved? The home had two outdoor grills but the uprights chose to prepare our dinner using the indoor cooking facilities. Dinner turned out wonderfully and the uprights had a fully stocked kitchen of pots, pans, dishes, glassware, linen and silverware to use.

So on our last night with fires lit, music playing, uprights chatting and tummies full I dozed contentedly and I can’t wait to experience another “home away from home.” So next time your uprights contemplate a getaway, why not suggest a vacation home rental where families, couples and groups can share quality time together in magnificent settings, with complete privacy and luxury at very affordable rates. Vacation homes also make ideal special event locations and make celebrations that much more intimate and fun.

Well done Coast Getaways and thank you for the opportunity and fun, Hairy.

Coast Getaways
45061 Little Lake Street
Mendocino, California 95460
800-525-0049
coastgetaways.com

Visiting the Tasting Room in Hopland

One of the truly remarkable aspects of Mendocino County is the diversity of its inhabitants and businesses. So many businesses excel in multiple endeavors and many have over time morphed into multifaceted enterprises. McFadden Farm and Vineyard is a wonderful example of how a rural business has expanded and developed without compromising its core principles. Guinness McFadden began farming sustainably and organically long before its current vogue. This was quite radical, especially at a time when growing produce and raising livestock humanely in pesticide/hormone free environments was the exception not the norm. Guinness has championed and pioneered natural farming techniques since he began farming. McFadden continues today to incorporate sustainability and biodynamic practices.

A native New Yorker and Notre Dame alumni, Guinness also served in the Navy and was honored with a Bronze Star for bravery in Vietnam. After attending Stanford Business School, he eventually fell in love with Potter Valley. Over the years, along with the raising of five children, he has built a well-respected and award-winning farm and winery. McFadden Farm, along with cattle farming and wine making, produces a variety of herbs for culinary and decorative use as well as producing its very own wild rice. This transition did not happen overnight. Guinness McFadden’s dedication to organic farming began over 40 years ago. To support his eco-friendly sustainable agricultural practices, he built a hydro-electric power plant in 1983, capable of powering 100 homes and in 2005 he installed solar panels to make the farm completely energy sufficient. For a fascinating and detailed history of Guinness and the McFadden Farm please visit www.mcfaddenfarm.com.

McFadden did not start producing its own wines until 2003; previously they supplied grapes to other local winemakers. Some of the outstanding varietals that McFadden produces and that are available to try and purchase are Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, McFadden Sparkling and the exclusive Coro wines (Coro Mendocino is a class of ultra-premium wines made to showcase the rich heritage and unique characteristics of Mendocino County).  

What a wonderful reception the uprights and I receive when we visit the McFadden Tasting room in Hopland CA. Although Guinness spends most of his time working the vineyards and farm with his long-time employees who are truly McFadden’s extended family, his surrogate is John Cesano the Tasting Room and Wine Club Manager for McFadden. John is the charismatic face and voice of the McFadden brand and boy does he do a great job. Whenever I drop in to see him to allow the uprights the opportunity to taste the delicious wines, John is always ready with a cool bowl of water and a yummy treat for me. Oh, plus the ear rubs, chin tickles along with plenty of attention that I receive. I have seen John in many situations from one-on-one interaction to juggling the huge crowds at one of the Hopland Passport events. He never ceases to amaze at his ability to give time, knowledge and hospitality constantly and to always make that individual feel that they are all that matters. John knows his stuff and has a great way of talking about a subject that doesn’t make you feel that you need to have taken a vintners course to understand all about winemaking. He makes wine and food fun to discuss and of course try.

Wine Club Members Picnic

Every year Guinness and the McFadden team put on the annual McFadden Farm wine club membership BBQ and this year I received an invitation to attend. It was a perfect summer day as we drove the very scenic drive to Potter Valley from Fort Bragg. When we pulled into the farm I was met by Mr. Guinness McFadden himself. He offered me a tour of the farm along with several scratches behind my ears (just how I like). I got to do another first, the transportation from the parking area to the picnic area was by tractor, so I got to sit on blanketed hay bales and ride through the farm and vineyards. At the picnic area, several McFadden Farm family dogs came by to say “hi” as did lots of uprights. More people arrived and over the next couple of hours the party atmosphere went into full gear and by twilight the buffet of delicious, tender tasty McFadden meats, farm fresh salads and artisan breads was served. Hal Wagnet, Mr. DJ extraordinaire, played a wide variety of music that had people up and dancing into the wee hours. The evening the uprights and I experienced was a quintessential Mendocino County farm to table meal event. Hope I get to participate again, yum yum.

Hopland is a great place to stop off and enjoy the wonderful hospitality of John Cesano and his great tasting room crew of McFadden Farm and Wines. Try their herbs and herb blends and wild rice. Try exceptional award winning wines at very competitive prices and consider joining the McFadden wine club for even more savings on all McFadden products. Oh, as you are getting your treat, don’t forget to tell them that Hairy sent you.

McFadden Vineyard Tasting Room
13275 S. Highway 101, Suite 5
Hopland, California
707.744.8463
www.mcfaddenfarm.com

The Buckhorn is helmed and operated by Chef and Owner Tom Towey who has put together menus that offer familiar fare with some delicious and unique twists. Open every day for lunch and dinner (except Tuesday and Wednesday) and for Saturday and Sunday Brunch, the Buckhorn has a cozy pub/club dining room and plenty of patio and deck seating. The patio is just perfect for soaking up the village feel of this gem of a town in the company of visitors and locals.

On a warm late spring evening, the uprights and I settled among several other diners at one of the outdoor patio tables. In short order a bus person arrived and set up place settings and brought water to the table. He asked if we would like water for me and of course, we said “yes” and shortly a delicious bowl of cool water was placed in front of me to savor. Soon our server arrived with menus and told us about the specials of the evening. He offered to give us some time to study the selections and said he would return shortly.

Looking over the menu I was torn between ordering the venison burger or the buffalo burger. My upright dads decided to go with the local Salmon Caesar Salad and the Ruben with a side of Sweet Potato Fries (yum, my favorite). Soon our server returned; we were just about to give him our order when a woman leaned over the railing from above the patio and in a loud excited voice said, “Is that Hairy Putter, oh my gosh – he does restaurant reviews!” Oops, my cover was blown. I had made the mistake of taking off my dark glasses disguise (a la Ruth Reichl) and my identity was revealed. The waiter looked up at the woman and she said, “Tom, this is Hairy Putter and he wrote a nice comment on Facebook about the Buckhorn, in fact, he is famous. I follow him and his reviews and he produces a great Pet Friendly Guide to Mendocino County.” So, our waiter was actually the owner, Tom, and the lady a regular diner and friend of Tom’s. Well, I felt like a true celebrity, she even came down to the patio to visit with me. Her name was Caroline and she lives in Sonoma County but travels to Mendocino regularly. I so enjoy meeting my followers; they are always so nice to come over and pat me and say sweet kind things.

Yummmm! Here comes by dinner.

The Buckhorn was out of venison that night so buffalo it was and was it tasty. My dads’ food was equally good. Grilled to perfection, moist, flaky salmon adorned a generous helping of crisp romaine lettuce that had been tossed in a delightfully creamy dressing with hints of garlic and anchovy. The Ruben was a generous sandwich with flavorful and tender corned beef, melted Swiss cheese and crisp sauerkraut. Insiders’ tip; the sweet potato fries were crisp on the outside, warm and soft on the inside and lightly dusted with brown sugar that combined beautifully with the natural sweetness of the sweet potato. They were paired with a sauce made with mayo, molasses, and buffalo wing hot sauce that made these fries out-of-this-world delicious. We enjoyed our meal very much; in fact, I can’t wait to go back to try the Weekend Brunch.

The Buckhorn serves a nice variety of beers, many crafted in the area in both 13 oz. and pints. The wine list is very comprehensive and has a balanced selection from some of the most popular award winning local wineries.

Tom was gracious and kind – he confessed that The Buckhorn is new to the doggy dining scene. So please make sure that if you go that you are in a good mood and on your best behavior. As with any place we travel we want to make sure that we are welcome back time and again. Boonville can now boast another great eating establishment that welcomes canine diners at their alfresco dining areas and I just can’t stop barking about that.  Tell them “Hairy sent me!”

The Buckhorn Boonville
14081 Highway 128, Boonville, CA
www.TheBuckhornBoonville.com

After an exhausting (but so much fun) Saturday at Hopland Passport recently, I was invited along with the uprights to stay in Ukiah and unwind with some dear friends of the two and four-legged variety. Upon waking on a warm, sunny Sunday refreshed and reenergized it was time to watch as my travel bag and I were once more loaded into the car. Expecting to be driven right home to the coast, you can imagine my delight when shortly we pulled up in front of Patrona. Even more exciting was the fact that my side car door was opened, my leash attached, my chair pillow (always a good sign) retrieved from the trunk. Was I really going to get to experience Patrona again? Yes, I was on my way with the uprights; could this really be happening! With my tail wagging, ears up to attention and nose twitching, my party and I were escorted to one of the tables set up under the welcoming shade of the trees.

At Patronas with friends, Jonathan & Richard

Even though I have eaten lunch at Patrona before with my uprights, we had never experienced their Sunday Brunch. Before I knew it a bowl of fresh cool water was brought out to me and the uprights were soon engaged in conversation with our delightful server and they got right to work ordering Bloody Mary’s and mimosas. The Brunch menu at Patrona changes like their menus for lunch and dinner do depending on what local fresh ingredients are available, with an emphasis very much on seasonal specialties. On this visit the uprights ordered the fresh crab Benedict, Patrona’s traditional eggs Benedict and their inventive twist on huevos rancheros. For moi, well, I dined on chicken apple sausage which was delicious and very satisfying, especially the morsels that had been dipped in hollandaise. I have to say, there were a lot of ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhhs’ coming from the uprights – this I have come to recognize as upright-speak for ‘they like what they are eating and drinking a lot.’

This gem of a restaurant is located at 130 West Standley Street in the heart of historic downtown Ukiah and is open seven days a week for lunch, dinner and Saturday & Sunday Brunch. Patrona has developed a very loyal local following and is the epitome of what a neighborhood restaurant is all about. Whether you are dining inside or on the patio, locals and visitors congregate and enjoy a vibrant, yet relaxed atmosphere. This delightful fact has been illustrated time and again as often when we have dined with local Ukiah friends they always run into other friends at Patrona. The bartenders create delicious and inspiring cocktails that set one’s taste buds working overtime savoring the flavors that dance satisfyingly on the tongue. The chef creates food that constantly delivers taste sensations that linger seductively on the palate and dazzle the senses. Patrona prides itself on using organic, fresh, local and seasonal ingredients; this ensures that the food is always well-balanced, beautifully presented and delicious. Patrona‘s wine menu has some continental offerings but concentrates largely on local offerings and features a venerable who’s who of Mendocino County wineries at very competitive prices. Another great thing at Patrona is the extensive selection of menu items that are offered in two portion sizes.

The interior design at Patrona creates an atmosphere of subdued sophistication and that reflects equally in the presentation of the food. Patrona respects its place in the community and gives back generously. One of the wonderful things Patrona has initiated is Community Dinners where the chef creates a three course meal of exceptional value and the profits from these dinners go to local charities and causes. Patrona often features specials like reduced price taco evenings.  And, on special occasions such as Valentine’s Day, be prepared for a menu experience that will make everyone feel romantic.

Whether it is for lunch, dinner or Sunday Brunch, if the sun is shining or the evening warm and you are in the vicinity and the patio is open – Patrona is the perfect place to while away a little time soaking up the charm of downtown Ukiah, while enjoying the pleasant and efficient service, the tantalizingly creative cuisine along with the charming atmosphere. Then take time to go for a stroll, because surrounding Patrona are a varied and interesting collection of unique boutique stores. Also, don’t let your uprights miss the opportunity to pick up some treats for us canine gourmets at The Barkery which is a short two blocks from Patrona. By the way, remember to tell them all that Hairy sent you.

Patrona Restaurant is open daily:
Monday-Sunday
Lunch 11:00-5:00
Dinner 5:30-9:00
Saturday Brunch 11:00-2:00
Sunday Brunch 9:00-2:00
Located = 130 West Standley Street
Ukiah, CA 95482
Telephone = 707-462-9181
Website= www.patronarestaurant.com

Patio Dining (seasonal)
Reservations Recommended

Hairy and Benny

Rivino winery started life four years ago when Jason and Suzanne moved onto her family property and they began to develop what is today the label Rivino. Their first bottling in 2008 was Viognier and in only one year the 2009 vintage rated 95 points at the 2011 California State Fair. It has received a host of other Gold Medals from prestigious wine fairs, competitions and experts. Other varietals produced at Rivino are Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Sangiovese and Sedulous, which means “attention to detail or working painstakingly” and it is the perfect name for what it takes to be a serious wine maker and producer. Sedulous is only available for tasting at the winery and is available for purchase through the Rivino Wine Club.

The tasting room has a cozy inside facility and a terraced outdoor area with fire pit and some unique feats of engineering that Jason has incorporated utilizing his past education and career skills, mechanical engineering and construction, such as the very cool outside service bar. Water for thirsty canines is provided along with a tasty treat or two. Benny was a gracious host and Jason and Benny even preformed a trick to entertain us.

My uprights reported that all the wines they tasted were delicious; the taste sensations on the palate were complex and exciting, with subtle citrus notes and tropical flavors that came together on the palate to create a mouthful of joy. My uprights remarked that so much happened on the palate – and yet one could easily isolate and identify specific flavors. Each wine was unique and interesting, perfect for drinking on its own or pairing with food.

My eyes took in the vistas of the valley as the mouth and nose danced to the smells. With the glorious sun shining down, Benny and I sat under the protective shade of trees, listening to clinking glasses while my uprights learned about the winemaking craft from a couple whose passion and enthusiasm, care and love is captured exquisitely in the nectar they are crafting and then poured lovingly into the glasses, gently swirled, then sniffed appreciatively before being raised to the lips and savored on the tongue and finishing the tasting experience with a satisfying swallow.

What a perfect way of appreciating nature, on a glorious sunny day, celebrating this wonderful planet with new friends and fun canine company. That is what Jason, Suzanne and Benny with Rivino have captured and bottled. When you stop by tell them Hairy sent you.

Rivino Winery
4101 Cox Schrader Road
Ukiah, CA 95482
707-293-4262

My dad at the lighthouse

Well “shiver me timbers” if I did not receive a piece of bark-mail from my good friend, Dillon the Docent Dog, of Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park, reminding me that it was Whale Festival time in Mendocino County. He was barking the fact that the lighthouse is one of the best places on the Mendocino Coast to view the migrating whales and the park was going to be having lots of fun activities celebrating all things Whale. I have been meaning to talk about the wonderful State Parks that Mendocino County has, so this was a perfect opportunity to revisit this park and join in the whale watching fun.

Located between the villages of Caspar and Mendocino, Point Cabrillo State Park is situated on 296.5 acres of open space and unobstructed shoreline with plenty of hiking trails and opportunities for wildlife spotting. The park welcomes canine visitors but requires us to be leashed for our safety as the cliffs along the ocean are steep , the trails full of interesting smells that may distract us from paying attention to our uprights and some of the wildlife that share the park are not always friendly to us. Please bring disposable bags and water for us, as the park does not provide these and we can get thirsty. (You can get some awesome collapsible doggie bowls that fit nicely in a pocket, purse or backpack for just such occasions.)

Lighthouse Keepers Home

The first inhabitants of the area were the Pomo Indians who used the land for summer hunting and gathering. By the 1850s settlers and lumbermen began using the land for grazing and harvesting lumber; as the settler’s population increased, the Pomo tribes’ use dwindled. In 1850 it was the shipwreck of the brig Frolic along its shores that alerted a San Francisco lumber dealer, Harry Meiggs, to the vast redwood groves concentrated along the Mendocino Coast. Consequently with Meiggs’ construction of a lumber mill in 1851 at Big River, Mendocino as we presently know it began.

After the 1906 San Francesco earthquake damaged the Point Arena Lighthouse the need for a another lighthouse between Cape Mendocino and Bodega Bay was apparent as much of the wood being used to rebuild San Francisco was shipped from Mendocino County. Construction began in 1908 and the lighthouse at Point Cabrillo was completed one year later. It was first managed by the U.S. Lighthouse Service until 1939, then by the U.S. Coast Guard until 1991 when it was taken over by the California Coastal Conservancy and finally the California State Parks system acquired the park in 2002.

The park today has several original circa 1900’s structures on it; four are open to visitors including the Lighthouse, Lighthouse Museum and one of the original Lightkeeper’s cottages. The Head Lightkeeper’s cottage and two additional cottages are now vacation rental. The main vacation rental house is not pet friendly but one of the guest cottages is and rental information is available at www.mendocinovacations.com. The rehabilitation of the park and its structures has been undertaken by the nonprofit Point Cabrillo Lightkeepers Association. We are allowed into all the other buildings. Dillon tells me that if we are really well behaved and charm the docents that a treat at the lighthouse Gift Shop will be forthcoming. The tower of the lighthouse itself is not accessible to us as the stairs are very step and narrow. There are, however, benches dotted in and around the park, where we can wait, chaperoned by an upright while the other uprights tour the lighthouse. The benches are also great place for a picnic.

The fun of the park begins at the entrance, which is approximately ½ mile from the lighthouse. There are various trails to the lighthouse and a paved road, so comfortable walking shoes for the uprights are recommended. Those uprights with disabilities can drive (very slowly) to within a couple of hundred yards of the lighthouse and make their way from there. Point Cabrillo is also a great park to explore by bicycle. Along the paved road to the lighthouse are various signs that have statistical information and fun facts about whales and other wildlife in the park to amuse the uprights on their journey. We will be far too busy sniffing and marking to read the signs, but it is a good time when the uprights pause for a more intense nose-to-the-ground investigation.

The day that I visited it was a perfect weather day on the Coast. No wind, clear skies, plenty of sun and a calm ocean, all optimum conditions for whale watching. A giant jigsaw puzzle of a Grey Whale was laid out on one of the lawns and many young and adult uprights became engrossed in trying to put it together; it wasn’t as easy as it looked. I paid close attention as the puzzle was not too far from the refreshment stand where hot dogs and popcorn were being enjoyed. I shared some of my dad’s Bratwurst and it was yummy delicious. The Coast Guard were also on hand showcasing one of their search and rescue craft as well as giving an operational tour of the lighthouse to those brave enough to climb up to the top. There were plenty of docents and whale/marine experts on hand to talk to the uprights about the history of the park, how to best observe the whales and walking/historical tours were available of the park and lighthouse. During the Whale Festival there was a $5 charge to climb the lighthouse and a $5 suggested donation for parking. Otherwise, parking at the park is free and suggested donation(s) are requested for the lighthouse tour.

Dillon & I at Point Cabrillo Light Station

Point Cabrillo Light Station is still a vital, functioning part of the safety of the Mendocino Coast and is operational 24/7, 365 days of the year, reflecting the light every 10 seconds to signal marine traffic. The park has been lovingly maintained and restored by volunteers and the generosity of visitors and donors. My friend, Dillon the Docent Dog, is an advocate for the protection of Point Cabrillo and several other of Mendocino County’s State Parks that have been threatened with closure this year. Please take a moment to check out his blog, www.dillonthedocentdog.wordpress.com, and join him in his quest to “Save Our Parks”. For more on this important subject you can also visit my comment blog, www.hairyscomments.com .

Whether the ocean be full of whales or not, Point Cabrillo Light Station Historic Park is a must-go-to-attraction while visiting the Coast. Bird watchers, marine watchers, wildlife watchers, architecture buffs, history and maritime enthusiasts will all get something wonderful out of a visit to Point Cabrillo. If you see Dillon the Docent Dog when visiting and his upright Kevin, bark that Hairy sent you.

Well you could have me chasing my tail with excitement at what I have discovered! Along Highway 128, in the town of Boonville in Mendocino County, a place exists in the heart of Anderson Valley where uprights and their beloved four legged companions can bask in the simple pleasure of over 800 acres of unspoiled nature in safety and tranquil isolation. Sheep Dung Properties, which includes The Other Place and Long Valley Ranch, offer canines and the uprights a wonderful opportunity to share an amazing human and doggie get-away experience, in what can only be described as a Doggie Paradise.

The Breezeway

Sheep Dung Properties is owned, designed, built, nurtured and operated with love, attention to detail, comfort and sophistication by Ann and Aaron Bennett. These two amazingly talented and conservation-conscious Anderson Valley locals have created a get-away sanctuary of amazing serenity, offering guests the ultimate in private indulgence and comfort. Formally Sheep Dung Estates, Ann and Aaron relocated and changed the name from Estates to Properties in 2003, when they sold the original Sheep Dung Estates that had been an off-the-grid hidden oasis since 1991 in the town of Yorkville and bought 800 acres of what was once The Moonie Ranch of the Unification Church founded by Sun Myung Moon.

I first had the opportunity to get to know Ann when we worked together at Bark in the Park in San Jose in 2011, and along with providing me with lots of yummy treats she told me all about some incredible properties that she has in Anderson Valley where I could run free. Could this really be true? Well little did I know that an invitation for me to come and stay had been offered and my dads had arranged for us to spend a couple of days at the Other Place property.

Regular followers of my blog know how much I love a road trip. So you will not be too surprised to learn that once I saw my traveling bag and all the goodies that go into it on the bed in the guest room, I never left either one of my dads’ sides until I made sure that everything I would need was safely packed and loaded in the car, especially me.

We were to stay at The Breezeway one of four distinct “California County Cottages” as Ann likes to describe them. The Other Place is situated overlooking the town of Boonville, with magnificent views of the picturesque Anderson Valley. Our cottage was one of two original structures that were used as chinchilla barns. Darn, I did check and there are no chinchillas left to play with.

Here’s how I first knew this was going to be a really cool place. Once you turn into the property off Highway 128 you drive through the middle of a vineyard, over a cool modern bridge and begin to climb the valley side. We had to first stop and open a gate, drive the car through and of course close it back up. When we arrived and pulled up to our abode my dads opened the car door as usual and guess what? I was not told to wait while a leash (or as I refer to it a ‘The Freedom Preventer’ is attached) my dad just said “Hairy, off you go,” well I wasn’t quite sure if I had heard right, so I gave him a curious look, a slight tilt of my head and my best wide eyed stare and waited for clarification. “It’s OK Hairy, you can go.” Well this dog did not need telling twice. So leash free, I jumped out of the car and immediately my senses were overwhelmed by the assortment of smells that enveloped me, automatically my nose twitched excitedly, I aimed it down to the ground and I was off exploring. I started with the rocks and shrubs closest to the house, after a brief exploration of the Weber Grill, then I climbed the stairs to inspect the wood stack. Suddenly I found myself looking through the entrance of the Breezeway and I felt like I was on top of the world as stretched out before me was the amazing Anderson Valley, viewed from way on high in all its magnificent glory, as I had never seen it before.

My View

One of my dads had disappeared inside the cottage and the other had begun to unload the car of all my goodies, so I thought it best if I accompanied him. Usually several trips to unload the car are made and I wanted to make sure that they did not forget anything, especially if it belonged to me. Also, there were some more very curious smells I needed to investigate, could they be the ghost of chinchillas past? With everything unloaded from the car, I found myself staring out of this wall of glass with its unparalleled panoramic views, savoring the tranquility and marveling at the vista before us. Noticing my curiosity and fixation on the view my dad quickly brought one of the footstools over to the window and put my seat pillow on it, I jumped up and while my dads unpacked I sat contentedly watching nature and the world.

A little while later my bowls were set out (metal dog bowls and place mats are provided if you forget yours) and a nice cool drink of water sounded really good, so off I hopped from my perch and after quenching my thirst I decided it was time for another investigation of the house. As I toured the inside of the building I noticed that there were more doors that open onto outside decks, off the living room and off the master bedroom. All of a sudden, I was in one door and out another, darting across the breezeway from one part of the house to the other. Then down the steps where I roamed from one garden bed to another, wait there were rolling hills to explore and lawns to frolic on and bushes and trees with interesting smells to say ‘hello’ to. All in all I had close to four acres to explore securely that were all mine during our stay as every area at the Other Place is completely fenced. Of course my dads don’t really ever let me out of their sight, so even with this vast potential for freedom I have to stay visible and within calling distance, but it doesn’t stop me from having a very good romp.

The Breezeway

After some time of unadorned exploration and as dusk descended I rested a while on one of the Adirondack chairs and stared contentedly across the valley. Then all of a sudden I heard voices, I heard familiar voices, I turned around and looked back towards the house and there were my dear friends Robert and Travis. I quickly jumped down and raced over to give them lots of kisses. Soon we were all watching the sunset and I was listening to the uprights clinking glasses and laughing, watching the sun set and the landscape grow dark. I was snuggly warm on my upright’s lap, being petted by the hands of uprights I adore, safe from the harms of this world, capturing and storing all those great memories that I will relive time and again in my dreams. As darkness settled over the valley, the uprights drove into the town of Boonville and as I napped in the car the uprights had what I heard them refer to as a wonderful dinner at Lauren’s Restaurant. [For more on the town read my Boonville review].

Breakfast in the Breezeway

After a warm snuggly night where I dreamed of continued freedom, I woke up in the morning refreshed and ventured once again outside to make a very thorough investigation of the property. During the night I had heard activity of the nocturnal kind and so I knew that we had night visitors. So off I went as I needed to find out who they were and what they had left for me to sniff and mark, after all this was my domain for two days. After my morning constitutional and chasing of the odd rabbit and wild turkey, I sat once more in the Adirondack chairs and watched the morning traffic below (birds, cattle and such) while posing for more photos. After such a busy morning I was glad to return inside where I sat at the dining table and had a delicious breakfast with my dads of chicken apple sausage, scrambled eggs, croissants and fresh fruit. I then took the opportunity to take a quick siesta as the uprights cleaned up the breakfast things. Throughout the Breezeway Cottage there are so many eye level perches for me to sit and stare and to keep an attentive eye, to do my job and keep good guard over the uprights that I love.

Doggie Diner Mascot

After breakfast more fun and adventure awaited, we took a trip back down the hill to the office to meet the owner, Anne, and Renee the office manager. Here I came upon a very bizarre and fun sculpture with a wonderful Californian history. Welcoming The Other Place visitors is one of the original mascot heads that adorned the Doggie Diner Hot Dog chain’s Santa Rosa location. (For a fun and historic perspective of this unique piece of Americana check out this link: http://doggiediner.com/pages/hist_main.html).

When we finally went back up the hill, we got to explore the pond were I am told in the warmer months is a perfect place for canine and humans alike to cool off and the Old Red Barn that is in the process of being lovingly restored. At The Other Place we are not just confined to our own private four fenced-in acres, we are free to wander and hike the various nature trails with our uprights chaperoning us, of course. After all there are other two and four-legged occupants of The Other Place that also call this paradise home and some may not always want to play.

For the second night of our stay the uprights decided to eat in. They had picked up some supplies from some of the local Boonville stores, premade lasagna, local organic produce for a salad, crusty artisan bread and cheese (my favorite) and more excellent local wine. So with a roaring fire, me by their side and the amazing sight of a winter storm gathering on the horizon, we spent a truly satisfying evening as a family.

At the Other Place and Long Valley Ranch, rural sophistication melds seamlessly with nature. Each separate dwelling is unique in architecture and landscape. Each of the Sheep Dung properties is self-contained and fully equipped. The Breezeway has a wood stove fire that really did its job quickly and efficiently. The cottage has books, a DVD player, iPod station, Wi-Fi, board games and pay per view movies in addition to the normal television line up. The Breezeway has a full kitchen and had been thoughtfully stocked with breakfast items from local purveyors; from the Mosswood Café and Bakery there was delicious and healthy breakfast granola, and also included were Clover Dairy milk, delicious Pomo Tierra Orchards organic apple cider, coffee, tea and sweeteners. Oh, and of course, a welcome bottle of wine from one of the vineyards in Anderson Valley, one of the greenest wine growing regions in Mendocino County and the Country.

Even though excellent directions for finding the properties are provided, my dads had some difficulty locating the main entrance off of Highway 128 in Boonville. However, knowing how directionally challenged my dads can sometimes be, it wasn’t that big a surprise. The signage is very discreetly marked which can make it a little bit of a challenge especially if you arrive at night.

So now that you know that Sheep Dung Properties is a little slice of Doggie Heaven in Mendocino County, make sure that your uprights tell their friends who may not have four legged children about Sheep Dung, because it is too good a place not to share.

Whether it is a two night, a week or a month stay, and no matter what the season, a visit to Sheep Dung is always a relaxing and revitalizing experience. If you book, tell them Hairy sent you: www.sheepdung.com.

Hairy