Category Archives: Animal Adventures

Adventures in Monterey County: A Month of Pet Sitting

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Yesterday was my last day of taking care of Woody the Cat and Rocky the Dog. The Mistress of the house returned on Friday evening. Just like that my one month stint as a Pet and House sitter came to an end.

I love being in the Monterey county area. There is so much to do and see. A friend, Zee, came and visited for about a week. We paddled the Elkhorn Slough. Though there was wildlife it was a quiet day on the Slough. Two weeks later I returned to paddle it again. It was obvious that migration had begun.

“The word slough, which rhymes with “grew,” refers to a type of wetland. It winds its way through marshy, swampy ground. Like most sloughs, Elkhorn Slough is a quiet backwater to a larger body of water—in this case, Monterey Bay.”

The Slough is home to several sea otters. It is fun to take friends there and see how excited they get when they see these sea creatures. I know they look cute but they are wild and big. They have recently been having issues with a few in Santa Cruz who are taking surfers surfboards.

When I get to know an area better I can show it off to visitors. I became a tour guide for Zee. Each day we took a new and different sight seeing journey.

The Lone Cyprus

It took most of the day to travel the Seventeen Mile Drive, Pebble Beach. It is known for its stunning coastal views, famous golf courses, and landmarks like the Lone Cypress and Spanish Bay. For $12.25, yes there is an admission fee, we had the day to explore along the Pacific Ocean.

Another day we drove through the lovely little town of Carmel and ended at the Carmel River Beach. We met a kitty and her owner on the beach. It was the kitty’s first outing and oh my she was having a blast.

One of my highlights of her visit was the day we drove north to Capitola Village by the Sea. It is one of the oldest vacation retreats on the Pacific Coast. It was easy to spend time exploring this quaint town. It was very picturesque, a photographers dream.

Oh I almost forgot to mention the day we spent at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. This Aquarium is world class. I love going places like this and let my child come out. It gets tiring being an adult all the time.

After Zee’s visit, I settled into my friend’s lovely home and enjoyed spending time in one place. When I am stationary like this I get things done on my rig. This was no exception. Jeff a friend of mine taught me how to repair my running boards and bumpers on the rig. They, from time to time get banged up because of high sidewalks or that occasional rock that I don’t see. This past winter I drove over something on the freeway and it cut up into one of bumpers. The trick is Surf Board Repair Kits. I still use them. Over time I have learned more and now use other kits too.

Looking Good

This time I had two to repair. It involves a lot of hand sanding and repeating the process many times. The people in the neighborhood got used to seeing me sitting on the ground, sanding. They would stop to talk. I was praised when I finished side A. It made me feel proud that I can take these things on. Then I finished side B. I am not going to share with you what I did to that side. Currently, my running boards are looking like new. Each time I look at them, I feel a sense of pride. I also feel accomplished seeing a job well done.

I value the time being in one place. I have an opportunity to be more involved in the local community. Each Saturday I explored the Salinas Farmers Market. I found a yoga studio near where I was staying, so I signed up for classes. I began to know the neighbors a little. It wasn’t until Mandy came home that I learned who was bringing the garbage cans in.

One day I met up with Charlotte, a friend and the minister who married Jim and me. It was good to have to time to visit my friend who lives a distance from me. It is a joy to have that time and not feel rushed.

I enjoyed having the animals around. I loved having them sleep with me at night. Dogs and Cats are two very different animals. Cats are more independent. Rocky asked for more of my time. I was more than willing to give it to him. I enjoyed taking Rocky places. He was a nice little companion.

Personally, I will always be a person of the feline persuasion. I have had cats off and on through-out my whole adult life. They have always been a joy. They are more independent and I am used to their needs, and maybe they fit my lifestyle better. They have different needs than a dog. And, I am used to them.

Would I take care of Rocky and Woody again? Definitely. I enjoy helping my friends and I like having some animal time. Would I return to Salinas and Monterey County again? Absolutely. It is such an amazing area to explore. And I need to get out on the Elkhorn Slough again and again.

As I make my way south to San Diego, I have had time to reflect on this month. I am glad I took the opportunity to stay in one place and be entertained by the dog and cat. Today, I am glad to be hanging out at the beach north of Santa Barbara. I enjoy being on my own again. It is good to have different options in my life.

Today I am thankful for a little dog with a big heart. Today I am thankful for a cat that is a warm and faithful bed warmer. Today I am thankful to embrace a different and unique lifestyle.

On to San Diego.

Meet Woody and Rocky: A Cat and Dog’s Tale

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Meow, Meow. Woof, Woof. Janet is here!!!!

Hi we live in Salinas with our owner and friend Mandy. Who are we? Woody the Cat, Meow. Rocky the Dog. Woof.

Rocky the Dog here. A few weeks ago Janet showed up at our door. I was so excited to see her. She has been here before. I like Janet and it is fun to see her. She takes me for walks. We walk near and far. I get a chance to sniff and check all the many dog mailboxes in the neighborhood and beyond. It is fun to have her here.

I don’t know why Janet shows up. This time she showed up and Mandy disappeared. She said words like vacation and Australia. Mandy talked about Melbin (Melbourne). A few days after Janet arrived, Mandy left. Now, here we are, Woody, me, and Janet. I miss Mandy but Janet is fun and she is a good substitute for my person.

Janet plays with me. I get the “zoomies” and run around the dining room table and leap on and off the couch. It is so much fun. It ends with hugs and pets. I really like ripping around the house. I also like my treats, a lot. And food, I like food too.

A few days ago another person showed up. Janet calls her Zee or Mary. She was here for a few days. I liked having a second person here. I got more attention and love. And, now today, just like that she is gone. I don’t know where everyone goes. Mary said she wanted to take me with her. I have a new fan. That is what happens when one is cute and spunky. That’s me.

Janet is still here though. Hopefully, Mandy will come through the front door at some point in time. I will be so excited to see her. She is my person.

Oh, and tomorrow Janet says she is going to give me a shower. Well that is going to be fun. I am up for just about anything. I will end up smelling pretty and all my beautiful fur will be fluffy and clean. Yay.

Meow. Woody the Cat here. I know you have met me before. I am the cat with the grand tail. I live with Mandy and Rocky. I am an older kitty now. I spend a lot of my life under Mandy’s bed. It is quiet and safe and I can stay away from Rocky when he gets too rambunctious. He is just a young spunky thing.

I may spend a lot of time in my safe place. But, I do like to come out. I enjoy getting pets and treats. Usually I show up in the evenings when the sun has gone down. I like it when the humans are comfortable in their easy chairs. I can hang out with them. I get a lot of attention and pets.

Check Out My Grand Tail.

I am allowed to be on the dining room table. Why? Rocky chases me and likes to jump on top of me. I can only handle his play for so long. Then I need a safe spot to view the living room world. So the living room table is my spot.

I have found my way to Janet’s bedroom. I like sleeping with humans at night. I share the bed with Rocky and Janet. We all like to hang out together at night. It is fun to have sleep buddies. I am always nearby for pets and hugs.

So here we are. Janet, Woody and Rocky. Janet is pet-sitter extraordinaire. She also does a good job with the house and yard. She keeps all things running. When Mandy returns, everything is in order. Mandy can pick up on her life with Rocky and Woody.

Today we are thankful for Janet coming to take care of us. Today we are thankful for food, fun, loves, pets and “zoomies”.

Today we are Thankful.
Meow, Meow. Woof, Woof.

Exploring the Hidden Gems of California’s Central Coast

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A woman who I worked with posts photos on Facebook. She occasionally asks readers to guess where her office is that day. Maybe I should do something similar and ask my followers where I am today.

A little over a week ago I left San Diego and drove north. I camped along the way. I enjoyed a night at Lake Cachuma, near Santa Barbara. My husband, Jim, liked to say God Bless You any time I said the lake’s name.

After spending the afternoon and evening I continued north to Pismo Beach. This is such a lovely little town on the Pacific Coast. Pismo Beach is a classic beach town and is located about half way between Los Angeles and San Francisco. It is known for its wide white sand beaches, the boardwalk, a monarch butterfly grove and cinnamon rolls.

I set up camp at the State Beach. Then, I walked out to the ocean to watch the birds, people, and sunset. I like this little town. It is often on my radar when I am moving north or south along the Pacific Coast.

For the next month I am in Salinas, California. I know you have met Woody the cat in earlier blogs. I am house sitting for him and his companion, Rocky the dog. I am getting my animal fix. I will be here for the next month while their owner travels “Down Under.”

Woody
Rocky

I always look forward to coming here. Why? The Elkhorn Slough is about 20 minutes from the house. My kayak is excited to put in to one of my favorite places. Migration season is here and that means I will see all kinds of shore birds, ducks, pelicans and more. Sea Otters are plentiful. I adore those creatures that look so gentle but can be quite aggressive. And who knows what else will show up on my explorations of the slough.

Monterey and Carmel are close to Salinas as well. There are great cycling trails. I can bike from Monterey to Pacific Grove and beyond. There is the 17-Mile Drive to explore too. The Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row are also near by. I like taking advantage of what is close by when I stay somewhere.

I have one friend coming to visit. I am not sure if she is coming to visit me. She might be visiting because she also wants to get out on the Slough. It will be good to have someone to paddle with and share Wow experiences.

Otter in the Elkhorn Slough

If you can time it right, you are more than welcome to visit. I know my friends Pat and Sandy have been here to kayak the Slough with me and they are always welcome to return for another visit.

After a month in Monterey County I will be heading south once again to have another type of adventure. Stay Tuned.

Today I am thankful for so many things. I am so thankful that I discovered the RV lifestyle. Buying an RV opened up a whole new world to me. I am so thankful for all the friends I have made. I am thankful that these friends trust me with their homes and their animals. I am thankful that they want to come and visit and explore with me wherever I am.

Today I am Thankful.

Capturing Magic Moments in Nature

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I have earlier written about magic moments in time, small and large. Some moments are so small and wee, they get overlooked. Then, there are other moments that are moments to pay attention to, to sit up, to notice and share.

Years ago, I went on one of my first trips abroad. I traveled with a friend, Kat for three months to southeast Asia. There were moments on that trip that reminded me of National Geographic , The Smithsonian and other magazines. I started to call them my National Geographic moments.

Wat Suwan Kuha

We traveled off the west coast of Thailand by boat to see the largest reclining Buddha in the country. It was in a cave out in the water. As we walked into the cave I noticed a large white sheet. It extended from high into the cave to the floor. Near it was a rope ladder that disappeared into the upper reaches of the cave. We saw people high in the cave. I said to Kat, jokingly, National Geographic is up there filming.

When I was back home I saw a copy of the latest addition of National Geographic. There was an article about the Thai men climbing high into the cave to collect nests for Birds Nest Soup. It was a National Geographic Moment. And I was there.

There were so many other moments like the above one on that three month journey.

Over my lifetime I have experienced many more moments that bring back instant memories.

Helliwell Provincial Park

Two days ago I was visiting Hornby Island in Vancouver BC. I took a hike in Helliwell Provincial Park. This was a wonderful hike, through forest to the ocean and a hike along the cliffs.

At one point I decided to stop and enjoy the view out across the water. Far out in the water, I noticed something. I thought it was a seal making its way to a spit of land. Did I have my binoculars with me? No. Did I have my long lens with me? No. The small spot disappeared and then became visible again.

A Borrowed Photo from the Internet. This is what I saw from a distance. Thank you Julia Tanncer (photographer)

As it approached the spit of land it became clear to me that it was no seal or sea lion. An eagle appeared out of the water dragging what I can only guess was a fish in its talons. It dragged the fish up on land and slowly dragged its catch higher onto the spit. I imagine it had to dry off before it would even try to fly. Somewhere nearby was another eagle. They were calling to each other.

Reaching Dry Land
A Pic of the Fish
Finally Airborn

Even without binoculars I felt for that moment in time, magic had come alive. It definitely was a National Geographic Moment. I never expected to see an event like this, even from a distance. It was an honor to be there to watch nature up close (kind of) and personal.

Moments like this make me wish that someone had been with me. We would have discussed what we were seeing. We would have been amazed together. It would have been fun to have shared this with another person. And maybe between the two of us we would have had a long lens or binoculars. Sigh.

Alone or with someone else these moments are so magical. It takes me out of thinking and acting and puts me in the here and now. For a moment everything else stops. It allows me to absorb fully what I am seeing. It can easily take my breath away. And just for a moment I am there.

Have you ever had one of these moments? Please feel free to share. I would enjoy hearing the magic of small or big moments in time.

Today I am thankful for the majesty of nature. I am grateful for stopping to se amazing things happen before my eyes. Today I am thankful for magic in my life.

Today I am thankful.

The World of Stanley and Sitka: A Cat’s Perspective

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Meow, Meow

Hi. Today we found Janet’s computer and decided we wanted to say hi.

We are Stanley, the Orange One and Sitka the “Water Boy”.

We live in a house with our friends. We are Canadian Kitties. One day a long time ago (or so it seems) our friends disappeared and Janet showed up. We don’t know where they went and we don’t know where Janet came from. Just like that, there was a change of people. This change was made to guarantee that our lives go as uninterrupted as possible. And, we are good with that.

I am Stanley. I am an orange boy. I have heard people say that I am different because of my color. I would like you to know that I am different because that is how I was made. I am a mush. I like to be petted and skritched. Sometimes I follow Janet around. This way, I can be sure to get enough of everything I need at any given moment.

Janet appears bothered when I try to chew on this machine. This also happens with other machines that she has around. I know I wouldn’t chew on them if she paid more and more attention to me. Today she had a serious talk with me about my chewing on her hands and arms. I laid there and looked at her with defiance in my eyes. Ha, I will show her. (I do like her….just don’t tell her that). Excuse me but I have to go curl up next to her.

Oh, one more thing, I have the best whiskers. They are long and curly and strong. It is one of my best features well, except my belly and my color. I am a handsome boy.

I am Sitka and I am a White Water Boy. I love water. I really, really, really love water. I like it in the sink, shower and toilet and anywhere else I can think of finding it. Water is my life blood. When Janet turns the sprinklers on outside, I go and sit under the spray. I stay there until I am wet all over. I really love water. Janet told me the other day that she had to ring my tail out before I can come in side. Hee Hee.

My coat is always clean and white and I bet you know why. Water. It keeps me so clean and fresh. When one is a white kitty this is important.

I like being aloof and independent. I will never be like Stanley, he grovels way too much. For the first several days I let Janet let me in and out. I even let her pick me up to come into the house. I don’t like to come in when I am outside. Other than that I stay out of her way because I am aloof. I am a kitty.

Now that Janet has been here for a while I am warming up to her. She is actually pretty nice. I found out that if I lay on my back on the sidewalk she will rub my belly. It feels really good so now I let her do that more often. I also like when she talks to me in her kind and soft voice. OK so she is not the bad. One day she brought us treats from the Farmers Market. Even though I usually don’t like treats, I found that I like those treats. Janet is not that bad to have around.

I like to walk the neighborhood. It consists of three houses and a walkway to the beach. Everywhere I go I meet up with water. I am glad I live next to the ocean.I love water. Sometimes if I wander too far the crows find me and harass me until I get back to my house. They can be such a bother.

From both of us…we are pleased to meet you and tell you a little about our life in the north country. Janet tells us our friends that live here all the time will be back soon. That will be fun to see them again. In the meantime, it is nice to have Janet here. She ensures we are loved. We are also taken care of in the manner to which we are accustomed.

We are after all, Cats.