The Dog People

No new trails have been explored or local eateries sampled....So what have we been up to?

Well, with over a decade of being dogless in our family...the right canine finally drew us to her. We have been seeking to rescue a dog from one of our local shelters for a couple of months now. Although we were attracted to many...age, size or temperament required us to step away and think about our decision and the commitment needed. How much training and exercise would our pet need? How much romper room could we offer? Could we make the financial commitment for health care, food and comforts (cushy beds, toys and treats)? Would our living environment be a safe haven...not only for our new pack member, but all children and adults who visit us? We questioned all the above and even more. That is until we saw Doegee (D-O-G), the pre-adoption name we gave her. After that first visit we were dedicated to getting her adopted and committed to ensuring our home was hers.

We first saw her one hour after her photo was posted on the San Luis Obispo Animal Services Division web site. The breed and size sparked our curiosity. The look of despair on her face kindled our empathy. The next day we saw and met her for the first time... and thanks to those amazing volunteers knew she would be a perfect fit for our lifestyle, personality and home. These volunteers are truly amazing, as they give countless hours of time to the facility and offer to become foster parents to many dogs until the right owners choose to adopt. Doegee had been abandoned, so we had to wait the standard five days to allow her previous owners to retrieve her. There was little chance of that though...she had no license, no micro chip, was not spayed and had no "dance" left in her stride...frightened and alarmed by quick movement, so submissive her stomach almost touched the ground when she approached you and then yelped with fear just from a tender petting. Behaviors most likely created by long term abuse from that "higher intelligent species".

Sydney Talia, the name we gave her, is a 2 1/2 year old Australian Cattle Dog. She possesses the trademark markings from her ancestors, the white blaze seen on her forehead, the black tail root-spot and the distinguishable tan points...all which can be attributed directly to her original fore bearers of the late 1800's.

We have devoted most of our time getting Sydney acclimated to our home, our town and our lifestyle. We also taken short roads trip up to Sonoma County to visit Camp Nicolai...We left mom and dad knowing that Sydney loved the cool tile floors, the never ending supply of treats, the single level viewing platform to keep track of her pack and most of all the ongoing petting and affection.

Multiple walks are scheduled each day, whether on the nearby Fiscalini Ranch Preserve, our dog friendly beaches, or the many coastline creeks. Sydney's presence on all these trails is a regular occurrence now.

Our dear friends, John & Diane recently lost their beloved golden retriever...Cassie. A beautiful puppy, Hannah, is now slowly filling the loss. Diane was asked recently by a friend, "do you guys ever take a break from dogs?" She was quick to reply..."there is nothing to take a break from, they are such a joy."

So we are now returning members to that devoted club (dog people) of millions...individuals who have pets as their soul mates, best friends or surrogate children. Only time will tell if we reach the level of "Pet Ambassador", but we are headed in that direction for Sydney is now a key member of our family. She is already providing us a peaceful comfort when she is just lounging or sleeping, has offered us many hours of camaraderie whether on the trail or on a road trip and from the beginning of her stay with us has demonstrated her unconditional love. She is an unending source of kisses, cuddles and surprises.

Dogs are so wonderful...they have an innate ability to truly live in the moment. Time is non-existent...our seconds, minutes or hours are meaningless in a dog's world. And how great is it to have a companion, friend and protector who is non-judgemental, irrespective of your status, whether you are a common man or celebrity, homeless or a land baron, penniless or wealthy...our Sydney will loves us for loving her. And she has unknowingly chosen an immense, but wonderful life path...creating a lifetime culmination of offering unconditional love, loyalty and joy.

Soda Springs Trail

Our desire today was simple...seek out a nice, short day hike with a some grade and fantastic views. We had heard about this trail, located about 23 miles north of Cambria, but had only passed it on our many drives up the coast toward Big Sur.

Located in the Silver Peak Wilderness of the Los Padres National Forest, the Soda Springs Trail begins along Soda Springs Creek at a rock gorge filled with seasonal pools and a waterfall. You head up a well marked path through a lush riparian vegetation of ferns, alders and California bay laurel. The trail starts off as an easy climb up the shaded forested slope to the ridge directly over Hwy 1 and the Pacific

Multiple overlooks greet you with sweeping 180 degree ocean views that are spectacular. At the posted 1/2 mile junction with the Buckeye Trail, we chose the left fork which climbs 2,000 feet in 3 miles to Buckeye Camp. This is the point where easy converts to steep and moderate. On our hike, the trail conditions were passable, but was definitely due for some good trail TLC. For many, long pants are a necessity here. Although lined with many wild flowers, the trail is overgrown with poison oak and coyote brush and your footing can be compromised from the loose dirt and rock. Some parts of the trail were completely eroded and careful maneuvering was required for safe passage pass some significant drops...so backpackers be wary. This is probably a wonderful hike in the springtime with the running creeks and small waterfalls. We opted to call it an afternoon after a couple of miles and 1,100 feet of climbing....headed home for a cold beer and a nice grill.

Sebastians General Store & Cafe

Just a perfect afternoon! Picnicking at San Simeon pier, watching a pod of Humpback whales breeching offshore and enjoying one of the best "homemade" sandwiches not made at home. Our lunch, a hot New York Style pastrami, was prepared for us by Sebastian's General Store and Cafe.
Other than the great food offerings, what makes this eating establishment so unique and a draw to the curious, is the building's locale, uniqueness and history. Sebastian's General Store started aboard the brigantine sailing ship Ayachuchio under the command of Scottish whaling captain John Wilson, sailing between Peru, the Sandwich Island and California. In 1852, during the Whaling years, Wilson purchased one of seven licenses issued by San Luis Obsipo County and built the store out on San Simeon Point, the original location of most of the many buildings that comprised the booming whaling village of San Simeon. The store was then dragged by horses to the current location about 1878 and has been bought and sold several times since then. Recently renovated and opened, Sebastian's is now decorated with an eclectic collection of antiques. They have artifacts displayed from that time and a growing museum of pictures spanning 100 years or more. Along with the grocery store, Sebastian's also feature their cozy Cafe serving Hearst Ranch grass-fed free range natural beef, local wines and beer, bottled water and soda (including the rare Nesbitt line of soft drinks that you we boomers remember). Indoor and outdoor patio seating is available to patrons to eat their lunch there and relax and enjoy the historical scenery....or you can take it down to the pier as we did on this brilliant day.

Being part of the original village of San Simeon, you can view a collection of some beautiful historic Spanish adobe architecture of the old Village of San Simeon, although access is restricted. You will see a Julia Morgan designed warehouse and homes built for Willam Randolph Hearst employees. And right next door to the store is the picturesque and historic Home School built in 1903 with Hearst Castle framed in the background.

A short walk down the road, is our perfect lunch spot at William Randolph State Beach. The 1,000 foot-long fishing pier and crescent shaped beach offers families picnic and barbeque areas. The sheltered cove perfect for relaxing, getting some rays, kayaking and swimming for those willing to brave the brisk water. Or walk the white sand beach to San Simeon Point and baste yourself with spectacular ocean views.

Past the village is also an access point to a wonderful walking trail that will take you north to Arroyo Laguna Beach access. Situated on the cliff above the ocean below and through an eucalyptus grove and Monterey pine forest, you will be rewarded with beautiful sweeping ocean views. Some of the trail is through a "cave" of trees skirting the sea wall above the rocky beach below until it reaches the dunes.

So if you are planning a trip to tour Hearst Castle, the elephant seals at Piedras Blancas or just a drive on scenic Coast Hwy 1, we highly recommend an afternoon lunch served up by Brian and Abby, and the rest of the wonderful folks at Sebastians.