Odie the Roadie: 2009

Saturday, December 12, 2009

The Left Coast People Notes

A long, leisurely drive up the left coast is exactly the correct way to get from point A (Los Angeles) to point B (Seattle) so long as you don't have to get there in a hurry. We witnessed some of the most spectacular scenery this great country has to offer. Much like the Grand Canyon and the Rocky Mountains...you simply have to experience the grandeur with all of your senses to truly appreciate what is before you.

We watched elephant seals fighting and pelicans fishing, felt the waves crashing through arched rocks and saw rainbows in the spray of waves. We were humbled by the magnificence of the giant redwoods and marveled at the golden gate bridge. We witnessed surfers challenging 30' waves and were spellbound by the vibrant colors in the sunsets.

On Thanksgiving day we ate cold turkey sandwiches in the car at a rainy roadside stop overlooking the stormy Pacific Ocean and we were so very thankful for that moment and for all of the amazing adventures we have had in our travels. We took our time, enjoyed every moment, caught breathtaking glimpses of a Pacific Coastline and would do it all over again. And if you ever get the chance - make the trip, take the drive. You will not ever regret or forget it. Happy Trails!

The Left Coast

After my people finally returned from their little Mexican fiesta (you know, the one without me...but I'm not bitter) they picked me up from the Canine Cabana and we settled in for a long and scenic drive up the left coast. Specifically, we were heading up the Pacific Coast Highway from Los Angeles all the way to Seattle, Washington. Wherever that is.

I was quite fatigued from my week at the Cabana, so I generally settled somewhere on a soft pillow or blanket in the car and gazed out the windows and had fantastic doggie-dreams.

Occasionally I would summon the energy to get out of the car and look out over the ocean, feel the salt spray on my face, drain my bladder and settle back in for a few more hours. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.

Is this road trip supposed to take FIVE DAYS?? Really people...could you drive a little faster next time?

So we landed in Seattle, Washington. It is cold. It is wet. And did I mention wet & cold? But there are trees and parks and lakes and more trees and geese and ducks and wild animals and more trees and lots of places to run and play! Hooray for Seattle!! Damn tho...it is cold! And I have to wear a coat sometimes when I go out - how humiliating.

Leaving LA - Part One People Notes

Yes, we ditched the dog and boarded the Mariner of the Seas cruise ship and headed south! Our ports included Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas. While Odie lounged at the Canine Cabana, we lounged at the Cabo Wabo Cantina. And all we are going to say about that is "What happens down in Mexico, stays in Mexico!".
Salud!

Leaving LA - Part One

I was totally right about all the boxes, suitcases, etc... everything was packed up, loaded into the car and/or trailer and we were done with LA. I was eagerly anticipating another great road trip to another fabulous destination, except I was driven exactly 8 blocks and dropped off at the Canine Cabana...seriously? Don't get me wrong - I LOVE the Canine Cabana, but I don't understand why we didn't get to start the road trip. No worries - I spent a glorious week lounging about with all my favorite Cabana friends...Olivia, Sasha, Vivian, Bella...the list goes on and on.

When my people returned a week later I found out that they ditched me and went on a week long cruise to Mexico without me!

All I am going to say about my week is "What happens at the Cabana, stays at the Cabana!".
Heehee!

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Brian & Jill's Excellent (mis)Adventure

Have you ever wondered what it would really be like to be stuck in an elevator...a very small (4' X 6'), not air conditioned, in the heat, in the middle of the day, with seven people elevator? Have you ever wondered if all those 'emergency call' and 'emergency bell' and 'emergency alarm' buttons really do anything (They don't. Except the emergency call button did go to a voice mail box that was full so no message could be left.)? Have you ever wondered how we survived before cell phones - literally? Have you ever wondered how it would feel to be stuck between floors of a building and be told that the elevator would have to be 'lowered manually'? Have you ever wondered how you would react when the firemen can only get the stuck elevator door open six inches (Push yourself nearest the crack and suck in all the available fresh air for yourself.)? Have you ever wondered what you would do when the power has to be shut down because the elevator 'reset' doesn't work? Have you ever wondered how many minutes it takes for basic survival instincts to kick in (Exactly 4 minutes for me - the half bottle of water, the power bar and three sticks of gum were mine no matter what.)? Have you ever wondered how sweet the sounds of sirens coming toward you could be?

Besides myself, Paul, Brian & Jill, the other three people in the very, very small elevator were the new *hot* chicks from down the hall - (according to Paul who had already met them (really?), and according to Brian who didn't seem to mind at all offering support & comfort. Whatever.).

I'm just saying...those firemen were also *hot*!!!

I had never, ever wondered about any of those things. And now I don't have to because now I know. And knowledge is power.

Brian & Jill's Excellent Adventure

Brian & Jill came to Los Angeles to visit for a few days. Their visit began with good food, we ate a lot of good food throughout their visit, and we ended with good food. In between all of the eating, we did manage to squeeze in some fun adventures as well!