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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