Half Moon Bay

Since we rescued Lois, we hadn't made it out to the coast, so this past weekend with its amazing weather was the perfect opportunity. And, with so many dog-friendly beaches, Half Moon Bay was the natural choice.

Destination

We headed for Poplar State Beach, just south of where highways 92 and 1 meet. At the end of Poplar Street, right off highway 1, there's a nice parking a

rea for the beach that isn't full if you get there early enough. It's a great dog-friendly beach, and wasn't too busy even on this sunny Sunday. On our trip, there were several dogs playing to the south end of the beach, and almost all were off- leash. The beach technically requires leashes, and I would advise them if you aren't confident with your voice control over your dog.

Recreation

We had plans to walk around a bit, too, but we climbed down to the beach first to cool off the dogs. Lois and Clark had a blast playing on the sand, but weren't too keen on the cold ocean

waves. So, after they had been sufficiently dunked, we hiked back up to the top.

Just south of the entrance to the beach are a few small trails that direct you to Wavecrest, 200 acres of conservation land protected by Peninsula Open Space Trust. This is dog-friendly land with trails that follow along the cliff top and afford great views of the beach below. There are also several benches and spots along the cliff that can be used for a picnic. On a hot day, it's a great place to walk around with the ocean air to cool you and your pooch off.

For Lois' first excursion, I'd say it was a great success! The beach time and the hike plus a fun car ride was all that was needed to make her and Clark happy (and sleepy!). I'd definitely recommend this trip next time you're on the Coastside!

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Lois

The Vagabond Dog has a new doggy member! Lois is Clark's new sidekick (we just couldn't NOT name her that) and she'll be sharing in his adventures!

Lois is also a German Shorthaired Pointer. They're awesome, energetic and loyal dogs. If you're ever interested in one, check out NorCal GSP Rescue.

North Bay Day Trip

Destination
We were itching to get out of town, and with the promise of good weather, we headed for the North Bay on a Saturday morning from Mountain View. After battling frustrating traffic through San Francisco (grrr), and stopping briefly for lunch in Sausalito, we headed up Hwy 1 to Stinson Beach, then on to Sonoma in the late afternoon. My co-blogger Cheryl already has a post on Stinson, so be sure to check it out for more details and another point of view.

For the amount of time we spent on the winding roads (gulp), and trying to find parking (horrendous), I would have rather gone to Carmel Beach. It would have taken less time to get there, the parking is better, the beach is nicer (sorry, I'm a sand snob), and frankly, there weren't as many playful dogs at Stinson. So, after walking the length of the dog-friendly portion (the northern end we've heard referred to as "Upton Beach"), and sitting long enough for Fletcher to discover sand crabs (digging, a new behavior, ensued), we wound our way to Hwy 101 and headed toward Sonoma.

Neither of us had been to Sonoma, so we just made it up as we went along. Before getting into downtown, I spotted Cornerstone from the highway. I had remembered reading about this funky, landscape architecture-inspired series of shops and gardens, so we pulled in. As it was already after 5pm, most of the food/pottery/home wares stores were closed. So, we left Fletcher in the shade while we poked around a bit. There is also wine tasting on site, with roshambo winery winning the fun-name-contest in my book. I love me a game of rock-paper-scissors! Now, I should probably try the wine... There was a wedding getting underway on our way out, and what a beautiful, quirky, setting to say "I do" in.

Onward and northward: Despite a pretty crowded evening downtown we found parking on a side street, parallel to Broadway, the main drag, as it "t's" into the main plaza. Fletcher and the two of us got out of the nicely refridgerated car and wham! hot Sonoma sun. This is where I nag and remind everyone to always keep a big bottle of water in the car for your dogs. We don't go anywhere without filling up one (or two) for Fletcher and collapseable bowls stay in both of our cars.

We strolled around the perimeter of the plaza, and wandered down some side streets to see the idyllic wine country houses. We obviously did not get a lot of time to explore the surrounding area, so next time we'll want to come back with Fletcher and visit some of the dog-friendly wineries and numerous foodie havens.

Degustation
Our quick lunch in Sausalito was takeaway from Salsalito Taco Shop, eaten on a bench in the shade with Fletcher staring up at us hopefully. My fish taco was delicious, my tostada was nothing I'd do again. Chicken nachos were good, but got soggy fast.

I cannot resist spoiling Fletcher when the opportunity arises, so when we spotted Three Dog Bakery I prepared to restrain myself. A little Papillion greeted us, and as usual Fletcher was gentle and let the little dog sniff him out. The woman working the store was very welcoming and we left with "Terrier-Misu" ice cream (getting licked enthusiastically below) and an assortment of cookies and biscuits.


After Fletcher demolished his icey treat, we were on the lookout for our own. On the corner across from The Girl & The Fig is El Dorado Kitchenette. As the name implies, it's a smaller cafe/bakery attached to their hotel and restaurant. I snuck away with some delicious! homemade soft serve ice cream (vanilla and chocolate swirled) and a chocolate chip cookie. The cookie doesn't compare to Icing on the Cake in Los Gatos, but the ice cream? Yes please. We found a nice bench in the shade on the corner of the plaza to appreciate our desserts and the setting sun.

By the time the last of the ice cream was licked away, we were not hungry for dinner. So instead of taking in Sunflower Caffe, recommended to us for being dog-friendly by Three Dog Bakery, we headed home.


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North Coast

For our big trip this summer, we planned a hiking/camping trip up to the Mendocino area. We originally thought we could make it all the way to Eureka, but we opted for less driving and more relaxing. So, we instead headed to Russian Gulch State Park and Salt Point State Park with Clark in tow (or rather, sleeping in the backseat).

The first stop on the trip was a night at Russian Gulch SP, just north of Mendocino. Once we got off 101, the drive was beautiful, winding through forests until we emerged out on the coast. After driving for much of the day, we were happy to finally get to the campground and discover that we had randomly reserved agreat spot. It had a nice alcove in the trees to pitch the tent and a small creek alongside the back. This was one of Clark's favorite parts about the entire trip. He was definitely in his element, pointing out the various birds and other small creatures while splashing through the water. If you're planning a trip to this state park, see if campsite #17 is available!

That night and again in the morning, we took a short walk to a very secluded beach in a small cove, only open to those camping there and those with a day use pass for the park. Both times that we were there, we shared the beach with less than 5 people. The beach had several rocky areas that Clark enjoyed climbing around on. We had nicknamed him Mountain Goat by the end of the trip for his climbing skills!

After camping that night at Russian Gulch, we started making our way south to the next campground. On the way, we stopped in Mendocino to pick up provisions at a cute local market. We also stopped at Mendocino Headlands State Park. There's no fee to park and walk around. The park is basically a series of cliffs and fantastic views of the ocean. Clark loved ambling around on the rocks above the water and investigating all the new and fun smells. I would definitely recommend a stopover at this park if you're in the area.

That night, we stayed in Salt Point SP. At this park, you can reserve a spot ahead of time, but then you pick a campsite once you get there. We managed to get another great site here, #10, that had a trail which led right off of it to the ocean. We did this beautiful hike the next morning and spent awhile walking along the cliffs. Other than being extremely windy, we really enjoyed this park. And, dogs were definitely popular visitors there.

Overall, it was a great trip. Clark loved all the fresh ocean air and time outside. Judging by how much he slept on the way home, I'd say he really enjoyed himself!

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Fremont Older Open Space Preserve

Destination
On the edge of Saratoga is a great dog-friendly open space area, the Fremont Older Open Space Preserve. Dogs are allowed on every trail in the preserve provided they are leashed. Since this is one of only ten other dog-friendly preserves managed by Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (here's the complete list), it seems to be a very popular area for dog owners. We saw several happy dogs and their friendly owners on the trail.

We chose the Hunters Point hike, selected out of the Peninsula Tales & Trails guide by David Weintraub. This hike starts at the parking area off Prospect Road where you can choose from three different access points. Trying to avoid the crowds that were going for the most visible trail, the Cora Older Trail, we started out on the Creekside Trail, just a small walk up the road from the parking area. This trail is designated by a sign and a staircase that takes you down closer to creek level. This section of the hike was fully shaded and very nice. From that section, we joined up with a small section of the Cora Older Trail which then led us to the Hayfield Trail, both much less shaded, but instead affording quite a few nice views. Hayfield Trail takes you up to Hunters Point. There is a short steep section to get to the top, but the view is well worth it. Clark particularly enjoyed it, planting his front paws on the wooden railing to get a better view.

From Hunters Point, we continued on the Seven Springs Trail which forms a loop with the other trails to end you at the parking area again. This trail was variably shaded and sunny and changed elevation several times, though not drastically. Besides the Creekside Trail, this was the quietest section. The highlight was spotting a deer bounding away when it got the scent of Clark.

Only a three-mile hike, this loop is great for a quick morning jaunt. We left our house at 9am and were home by 11:30am. 2 and a half hours is not bad for some exercise and a little nature. I definitely recommend this hike to anyone looking to spend some quality time outdoors with their pooch.


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Carmel Valley

Destination
Growing up on the Monterey Peninsula, Carmel Valley was always the prized sunny spot when the coast was gloomy. So, in November 2008 we took a weekend at the Quail Lodge and lucked out with some glorious weather, good food, and fun times with Fletch.

Accommodation
The Quail Lodge is a relaxed, well-appointed AAA 4-Diamond resort with a golf course, spa, and an off road school operated by Land Rover. We stayed in a spacious king-size room for one night, which came to roughly $250 with the $35 dog fee included. Fletcher was given his own welcome package and bed/dishes/dog bone place mat to use. There was a custom-stamped "Quail Lodge" biscuit in his bowl, and we were given to keep a collapsing nylon water bowl, leash, poop bags, and a "Max's Pet Picks" guide to the area named after the resident standard poodle... oh, and cutsie note from Max welcoming his fellow canine to the resort. Max ended up not taking to Fletcher when they met later on... but Fletcher had a ball with some other new friends.

Recreation
Your best bet for some great hiking with hilltop views is Garland Ranch, part of the Monterey Peninsula Regional Parks District. I've been going there since I was a little girl, floating down the Carmel River (when there was water!) on an inner tube (literally, from Carmel Chevron), cooling my feet over slimy river rocks looking for little fish. Now, massive efforts are underway to protect the health of the river and keep the steelhead from disappearing...

However, the pains of environmental degradation aside, Garland Ranch gives you great trail choices, short/long, steep/not so steep. The visitor center is a good place to get your bearings and grab some shade.

Next on our itinerary was some no-dogs-allowed recreation: wine tasting at Bernardus. The tasting room was very busy and the wines were tasty enough we walked away with two bottles. Some time we'll have to leave Fletcher behind and head to their Bernardus Lodge, which was a 2008 Top 100 World's Best in Travel + Leisure magazine, and Cal Stamenov's Marinus restaurant.

Degustation
We're actually huge fans of the Corkscrew Cafe in the Village. The Georis family who owns Corkscrew also runs the fabulous Casanova (outdoor seating is dog-friendly) and La Bicyclette in downtown Carmel. However, on this trip we decided to switch it up and eat at the Quail's dog-friendly casual restaurant, Edgar's. This was a pleasant walk along the golf green from our room, and our table outside was warmed by a fire pit. Fletcher was promptly given a water bowl and a complimentary biscuit while we perused a special dog menu for him.

After our hike at Garland Ranch (where we met some other very nice dogs), we ate at Cafe Rustica in the Village, just around the corner from Corkscrew, and the Georis and Talbot tasting rooms. Cafe Rustica was delightful in ambiance, good but not "I have to eat here again or else" food (BLT salad and rustic vegetable sandwich). Unfortunately, a very obnoxious dog across the way from us made me think that hospitality should only extend so far.




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Stevens Creek Trail

Destination
On a recent relaxing Saturday, we were interested in finding a nearby hike that didn't require driving up to an hour or dealing with windy roads and traffic. After some quick research, the Stevens Creek Trail in Mountain View seemed to be the best bet. Although I knew it was a very urban trail, I thought it might be a nice way to get Clark some exercise and also see some new sites in Mountain View.

Recreation
We picked up the trail on Dana Street at the Landels Park entrance. On weekends, it seems like most people park in the school lot next to the entrance, but there is also some street parking. There is also a big grassy field just off to the right after the entrance that I'm sure could be used for a good game of fetch. This field and the adjoining playground look like they are open to the public on the weekends and after school hours. Also, right after the entrance, there is one of the doggy bag dispensers with a nearby trash can that appear periodically on the trail- just a friendly and helpful reminder to clean up after your dog!

Although it is an urban trail, there were many sections that felt quite secluded. The sounds of traffic and everyday city life aren't ever too far away, but it is also easy to drowned it out. However, there were a few sections that I can imagine skittish dogs not enjoying. One small section of the trail passes right alongside the freeway with no sound barrier between you and the rushing traffic. Clark didn't seem to mind it too much, though, and he can sometimes shy away from loud noises. Also, if your dog is afraid of heights, then they probably won't like walking across the bridge that spans Central Expressway in Mountain View. Clark also dealt with this bridge very well, although he took extra caution to balance himself when the bridge started vibrating a bit due to wind and pedestrian and cyclist traffic.

The best parts of the trail are those that pass right alongside Stevens Creek. Small footbridges span the creek at several places, allowing a good view of the water below. In a few more exposed areas, the creek rushes alongside while you follow the concrete pathway under freeways. We even spied a few ducks lounging in the water. Clark didn't seem to notice the water, but was instead preoccupied with all the new smells. He especially loved the forested areas which were quite frequent.

One portion of the trail is elevated and therefore very exposed. This section begins right after passing under 101 and continues as you pass by Microsoft on the left and NASA Ames on the right. If it is windy like on the day that we ventured out, then I would recommend not doing this portion of the trail. With almost no protection and the constant enthusiastic pulling of Clark, we were almost blown over and emerged very frustrated. However, when the day is clear and there is only a slight breeze, I think this section would be one of the best parts of the trail.

Within three-quarters of a mile of the Bay, dogs are no longer allowed on Stevens Creek Trail. Not knowing this going into the hike, we were disappointed to find that we couldn't continue on all the way to the Bay. However, if you know this information ahead of time, it is easy to extend the hike and get some bonus time out and about for you and your dog. Instead of continuing to the end of the dog-friendly part of the trail, you can detour off the trail and head west on La Avenida Street or Crittenden Lane. Both connect to Shoreline Boulevard, which you can then take North to the Mountain View Dog Park. This dog park is off-leash and looks like a lot of fun. Clark and I have stopped by, but since he can't be trusted around small or hyper dogs, we tend to stay away from such off-leash parks. But, for a social, energetic dog, a stop here would be the perfect cap to an already fun day.

Degustation
After hitting the trail for a few hours, lunch in downtown Mountain View can be a relaxing way to enjoy the afternoon. Castro Street has a lot of dog-friendly outside seating. Some favorites of mine are the Amarin Thai restaurant, Pasta?, and Cascal, all with comfortable outside areas.

If you're looking for a local excursion, then the Stevens Creek Trail definitely makes sense for you and your pooch. It can't stand up to a real nature experience in one of the many preserves to the west and south, but it is suited perfectly to a low-maintenance weekend hike, or a quick jaunt after work on a weekday. And, there may be even more trail to hike soon; Friends of the Stevens Creek Trail has information on coming additions, including trail sections in Sunnyvale, Cupertino and Los Altos.


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Stinson Beach

Destination
Stinson Beach in Marin County is a great place to take any beach-loving dog. Although a far trip north for those of us living in the south bay, the drive through San Francisco, over the Golden Gate Bridge and into Marin is well worth it. The views from Highway 1 as you skirt the coast are one-of-a-kind. However, if your dog has a tendency to be car sick, this might not be the drive for you. Clark is mostly tolerant of windy roads, but on our first trip to Marin, he wasn't very happy in the backseat. Luckily, there are several convenient turnouts that allowed him to get fresh air along the way. Stinson Beach, located within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA), can be found along Highway 1 in the town of Stinson Beach, just a blip on the map, but very cute and quaint.



Recreation
There are a few options for dogs visiting Stinson Beach. They are allowed to enjoy the county section of the beach on the north side, but are not allowed on the GGNRA portion to the south. The south side is the most readily accessible portion since it is right by the open parking lots, but the south side is just a short walk away. Also, though dogs are not officially allowed on the south beach, I saw many there, although still far less than on the north county beach. Dogs are also required to be leashed at all times, but that rule seems to have been brushed off by many dog owners. Whether you want to obey the rules is really up to you as I didn't see many enforcers in the area. Trying to obey the rules, we took Clark to the north section of the beach. The beach was full of dogs having a great time and it seemed to be a popular spot. Unfortunately, with many of the small dogs off-leash, we had to keep a mindful eye on them and Clark so as to avoid any problems. Clark did enjoy himself in the waves and sitting on the beach for a bit, though. Afterall, if you give Clark waves and some sand to role around in, he'll love you forever.


Dogs are also allowed in the grassy picnic areas in the parking lot, of which there are a few. The area farthest north of the parking lot is open and allows for a lot of room to roam. Eventually fleeing the busy dog beach, we ended up here. Clark had a great time exploring the area, full of trees, grass and the smells of countless dogs who came before him. Especially if the beach is cold and windy, this area is relatively enclosed and can be convenient to turn to for drying off and eating a picnic lunch.



Degustation
Not having brought a picnic lunch and looking for some local flavor, we ended up at the Stinson Beach Grill, right off the highway. We asked the restaurant staff if we could bring Clark along with us while we ate in the large outdoor dining area and they were very accommodating. Although not allowed to actually be on the patio, he could sit just outside of it. There is a fence running around the edge of the patio, so we put Clark on one side of it, passed his leash through one of the holes in the fence and enjoyed our lunch while he drooled from the other side. This set-up only works if you get a table that is next to the edge of the patio of course, but there are several of those and the restaurant didn't seem like it gets overly busy. Although not as convenient as a restaurant that lets you have your dog next to your table with you, it served its purpose. Plus, our food was really delicious - which Clark didn't mind, either since he was passed a few samples.


Stinson Beach is definitely worth the trip, especially if your dog loves the beach and socializing with other dogs. Since it was our first trip up to Marin, we also managed to fit in a drive up to Point Reyes where we roamed around the little town and went into the dog-friendly bookstore, Point Reyes Books. If you're traveling all the way from the south bay like we did, I recommend making a day of it by visiting both Stinson Beach and Point Reyes. Dogs are also welcome at many of the beaches on the Point Reyes National Seashore, so if your pup really is wild about the sand and surf, combining these two areas of Marin would make for a great day for you and your dog.






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Day Trip to Carmel

Destination
On Valentine's Day weekend, we were looking for something to do that was fun and romantic...with the dog. Although I had never been down to the Monterey Peninsula, I had always thought Carmel sounded like an idyllic place on the coast. It's also well-known that it's one of the most dog-friendly cities in the country. The Carmel city website even has a dog-friendly page with a lot of good recommendations and information. So, with Clark in the backseat, we headed down south on Highway 1 - a drive worth doing even if you don't have a destination.

Recreation
One of the goals of the day was to get Clark some time on the beach since he always seems to love frolicking in the waves. Although we had also intended to stroll around downtown Carmel and have lunch at an outdoor cafe, we were foiled to some extent, an experience that has left me with a few words of caution to those unfamiliar with Carmel. I would recommend investigating to find out whether there is a golf tournament at nearby Pebble Beach before you embark on your trip, something that we didn't do. As a result, we ended up fighting the crowds in Carmel for parking near downtown and weren't able to successfully park and find an outside restaurant for lunch. Instead, we ended up grabbing deli sandwiches from a nearby Safeway and eating them on the beach (which ended up being perhaps more fun and far less expensive).

The other word of caution I have is for those pet owners who have dogs that can difficult around other dogs. As a high-energy hunting breed, Clark has the instinct to hunt small animals, such as squirrels, but this also includes small dogs. He also can have issues getting along with large dogs who are hyper and overly curious. So, walking around Carmel turned into a precarious adventure to avoid the many other dogs also strolling around the town so as not to turn them into potential snacks for Clark. I imagine this wouldn't be an issue for most dog owners, but I wanted to have full disclosure for those who have dogs with similar temperments to Clark. All in all, I think it is great that there are so many dogs out and about in Carmel. Living in a place where dogs aren't always welcome, it is nice to see the universal love of animals in this unique town.

After grabbing sandwiches, we took the short drive down to Carmel River State Beach, right off Highway 1. The section we went to has parking available in a large turnout on the side of the highway. Even during the weekend, there seemed to be plenty of parking. This beach is also known as Monastery Beach, indicated by the sign at the roadway. This sign also indicates that dogs are welcome as long as they are leashed - good news for us!

Clark was instantly curious as soon as he stepped out of the car. After enjoying our sandwiches on the beach, Clark went for several runs into the ocean. With the water as cold as it was, he would only dare to go chest-deep, but he still got a great workout and had a blast. Our extendable leash comes in handy on these beach trips in case we don't want to run into the cold water with him (although you can almost never avoid being dragged in anyway). Lucky for us, the beach was almost deserted and Clark could frolic in the water without concerns about other dogs. Some beaches that are open to dogs can be so packed with them that it is hard to let Clark have a carefree good time. This beach ended up being perfect for this purpose. Plus, it's a beautiful beach with great scenery for the humans!

Overall, I would highly recommend our plan of taking a picnic lunch to the beach if you have a more solitary dog like Clark. If your dog is social and well-behaved, then you couldn't ask for a more accommodating place than Carmel. We met one woman in downtown who, while making friends with Clark, told us about taking her dogs into the various shops around the town. When she hesitated to bring her canine companion in, the shopkeeper even insisted! If you're looking for a place to visit where your dog will be universally accepted and loved, then Carmel can't be beat. Just check the golf schedule first!


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North Tahoe

Destination
Although it was a work trip organized by my co-workers, I still managed to fit Clark into the mix. We headed off to Tahoe for the weekend, mostly with the intention of skiing, although I was interested in finding some dog friendly hiking trails as well. I bought a great waterproof jacket for Clark just for the occasion (which he tries his best to get off at every opportunity!). Although the drive from the South Bay is at least four hours, Clark loves taking trips in the car, so I knew it wouldn't be a problem.

Accommodation
The group of us rented two cabins in North Tahoe, one of which was dog friendly. We found the cabins online through Agate Bay Realty. They have handy dog symbols on the website under the amenities section for each cabin, which makes finding a rental that works very easy. Our group stayed in the Dillow house in Carnelian Bay, which was cozy and unique. There was even a small twin bed in our room for Clark to sleep on! There is a pet deposit, but as long as your dog is well-behaved, there is no problem getting the deposit back. Our cabin was also close to the resort where we skied, Northstar, so it was easy to leave Clark for a few hours in the cabin while we hit the slopes.

Recreation
Even though I was eager to try skiing for the first time, I also wanted to make sure Clark had the chance to have some fun. He enjoyed rolling around in the snow near the cabin and searching for squirrels and other small animals, his favorite occupation. For all I know with Clark's rescue dog past, this could have been his first time in the snow, but he seemed to take to it quickly.

Wanting him to get some good weekend exercise, I sought out a dog friendly trail for Sunday. By happenstance, I drove by what looked like a great trail on the way from the ski resort to the cabin. Right off of Highway 267, or North Shore Road, is a small parking lot and a trail across the highway which leads up to a great trail that overlooks Lake Tahoe. Since I found the trail simply by driving by it and spotting several hikers with their dogs on the trail, I still don't know the exact name, but I can pinpoint it within the Lake Tahoe Basin National Forest off Highway 267. Check out the map below for its location. If you want to plan ahead, Pets Love Tahoe has a great list of Lake Tahoe dog friendly hikes.

The hike up to the top, about 2 miles, was great. Although there was a lot of snow on the ground, and the occasional ice, we were careful to keep our footing. Clark seemed made for this type of terrain, easily navigating the snow and pulling the rest of us along. At the top, we enjoyed the amazing view of the lake and scarfed down some welcome snacks. Packing for Clark for a small hike is easy-just water and a treat and he's happy! He was all smiles at the top, enjoying the crisp air and the exercise. And, his jacket proved its worth and kept him snug and dry.

Overall, it was a great trip for humans and dog alike! You couldn't ask for a more beautiful winter setting or a more convenient combination of dog friendly and human friendly activities.


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Tahoe Truckee

Destination
Fletcher was (we were!) in need of a new adventure, so we planned a trip to Lake Tahoe at the last minute right after New Year's 2009. For all we knew, this was going to be his first snow given his Merced shelter background. We first investigated going to Yosemite, but from what we learned calling pet-friendly hotel Tenaya Lodge, our experience with Fletcher there would be limited in terms of accessibility to the Park.

Accommodation
Some quick research for pet-friendly accommodations in the Tahoe region led us to Cedar House Sport Hotel in Truckee. We were drawn to their eco-friendly architecture and the fact they clearly embraced doggies as their guests. Thankfully, they had one room left, a Designer Suite, which is the second nicest room they offer ($275/night + $50 one time dog fee).

The hotel is eco-modern-mountain (my term), with warm wood, exposed steel, and fun angles. The modern comes out in the room decor, which is very "euro" with modular furniture. The rooms could use a bit more lighting, but there was an elegant bath with a big shower, plenty of room for Fletcher's crate, and a flat-screen for winding down with a movie.

For Fletcher's comfort they provided stainless steel bowls, a comfy bed, some doggie-doo bags, and nicely wrapped treats.

Breakfast is included and is served at their new restaurant on site, Stella, which while we were there appropriately had a star ice sculpture outside. We could comfortably leave Fletcher in the room while we ate on the premises (since they ask you not leave your dog alone if you leave the hotel). The restaurant is one big room with an open kitchen, and while the menu is limited, overall the food is fresh and well prepared (although stay away from the gummy frittata in the morning). For dinner one night, my choose-your-own-toppings pizza was cooked in a wood burning oven and the hot chocolate came with sprinkles over whipped cream (which a kid of any age would love).

Recreation
For Fletcher to get his snow-legs we went just down the street to a baseball field so he could run around off leash. We were so relieved to see him embrace the snow!

We asked the helpful folks at the front desk at Ceder House where we could go snow-shoeing with him, and they told us about the Truckee Sports Exchange in old Truckee on West River Street, which was on the way to Donner Memorial State Park. They were helpful although a bit preoccupied, thus giving us one set of shoes with two left feet...

For two days we snow-shoed at Donner Lake, which is conveniently located close to town. There were groomed cross country trails, but the fresh powder off the path was great for snow shoes. The lake view was stunning, and despite being a weekend it was not busy. Often we could let Fletcher off leash and he had a ball romping around.


If you wanted to go skiiing or boarding, we ran into folks at the hotel who were taking their dog to doggy daycare in town while they went to Northstar or Squaw, both of which are close by. Northstar itself was dog friendly, and we walked around their new village one night looking in store windows, sipping hot chocolate, and watching the ice skaters while we kept warm under heaters.

We couldn't resist doing some saucer'ing. In Donner Lake Memorial Park, as well as off Donner Pass Road, there were some great hills for flying on plastic. Fletcher had an absolute ball chasing us up the hill then running after us as we laughed to the bottom.


Degustation
Scraps Dog Bakery in old Truckee was a great find. The treats were spectacular looking, and I assume great tasting given Fletcher's keen attention to every crumb. They also had toys, food, and a sunny window spot for the cats they help adopt out from the store. Doggie donut (r).

Aside from the hotel's Stella, we took a chance on Burger Me and Taco's Jalisco, both on Donner Pass Road. While I appreciate Burger Me's commitment to local sustainable meat sources, my veggie burger was forgettable, and some of the fries weren't cooked through. Taco's Jalisco's nachos were overly greasy (yes, I know they're nachos), and the tacos (fish and beef) were okay. I guess we're a tough crowd.


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