Zion National Park - Sunday and Monday: Steve and I each took the bus separately into the canyon. Steve had the morning hikes and I had the afternoon hikes. Dogs were allowed only on one trail and we didn't want to leave them alone. Sam is still bonding with us. He sometimes worries that we will leave him somewhere along the road.
The park was beautiful with its varying shades of red rocks and green foliage. It became my favorite Utah National Park. (See Steve's pictures on his blog site.) Sam and Sea-Sea made friends with the hotel staff and were given privileges (though we didn't take advantage of all of them) to roam certain areas of the hotel grounds. Lots of hugs for the dogs.
Springdale is a fun little town with good restaurants and interesting shops. We met a photographer named David West. Steve may have to go back and go "shooting" with him. David does gorgeous work. My iPhone photos aren't close, but I had fun taking these...
Nevada - Tuesday: We got to see Terry and Pat Donnelly and their home in Mesquite (Golf Heaven). It is the perfect place for those two and their undying golf addiction. Terry took us on a tour of the many beautiful golf courses. They have a course just across the street from their lovely home with its tropical landscaping. There's no need to worry about these two leaving Colorado. They are tanned, relaxed, and playing golf 4-5 times a week. Terry is still writing. He has a column in the local paper. I am sure Terry is the liberal voice of Mesquite. (Go, Terry!)
We left Mesquite for the Hoover Dam. Once again, Sam and Sea-Sea got to hang out in the back of the truck. (They have been unbelievably mellow throughout this adventure.) Steve walked the new bridge to get the best view of the dam. The bridge is an amazing architectural feat. With my fear of heights, I just ventured out to where I could barely see the dam. It is 75 years old and looking very strong.
Santa Barbara - Wednesday, Thursday: Sea-Sea went to the beach for her very first time. She was a little wobbly with her balance. She got confused with the water moving so quickly around her. Sam lived in Florida and Oregon before joining our family, so he wasn't that impressed with the salty water. However, beach path hikes have been fun here. They met plenty of Santa Barbara dogs and their owners.
We have been staying at the cutest place ever - The Beach House Inn. Even though its claim to fame is its dog friendliness, we'd have stayed here just the same. It's comfortable, warm, and inviting. The room is more like a studio apartment with a fireplace, kitchen, and large bedroom. The courtyard has colorful chairs and umbrellas to entice you to spend time outdoors. It's only a couple of blocks to all of the action. Bo found the place for us. Members of his band have stayed here.
Speaking of Bo...The best part of the Santa Barbara leg of the journey has been hanging out with Bo and Pam in their "natural habitat." They took time out of their busy lives to introduce us to Santa Barbara. We got to visit their homes and have dinner with them two nights. Relaxed, fun conversation with family. What more could we ask for? Sea-Sea got in her Uncle Bo time with plenty of hugs. Sam met Bo and Pam for the first time and bonded immediately. He became a huge Uncle Bo fan.
This is my first time in Santa Barbara. It is more beautiful than the pictures you see of it. I definitely see why its so popular.
Bo & Sea-Sea: Happy Together!
