This post is a little late – too many good times had over the holidays to focus on any updates. One of those good times – Carmel, CA – the day after Christmas. If you are a super lucky Labrador your parents take you to Carmel! Nothing like Pebble Beach on a glorious afternoon playing ball, running through the surf, hanging with the other tourists.
Pebble Beach Views
The beach at the end of Ocean Drive in Carmel, CA is one of the best off-leash beaches in California. Arriving in Carmel can be frustrating; Highway 1 consolidates into one lane of traffic as you come into Carmel, then struggling to get downtown and park can lead to more than a few rants. But once you are parked, walking around, enjoying the sites and people it is a great town. We parked about 8 blocks from the beach, which isn’t bad and a nice downhill enjoyable walk most of the way. Once you are on the beach and the leash is off, this dog goes nutso: running into the surf, chasing his ball, digging in the sand, and occasionally stopping to sniff other dogs. We stroll the length of the beach, lobbing the ball for Brodie here and there, and become completely immersed in the sites, sounds and smells. Pebble Beach is spectacular: the grassy knolls, the small cliffs, the trees, it is an amazing site to behold. Then there is the ocean itself, the deep blue cold Pacific Ocean, white fuzzy waves rolling in, the smell of salt in the air. If you are lucky you will see dolphins or even whales – depending on the time of year. This year we only saw tourists, but that was okay too. Everyone was in a great mood, enjoying the sun on our faces and the fact that we were in one of the most beautiful locales in California.
Running on the beach
After we spent a few hours on the beach completely mesmerized by its beauty and spent ample time playing, we headed back to the hotel. That walk was a bit more of a struggle, those same 8 blocks – but very different headed uphill. Good news, many of the merchants along the way have pet water bowls out. Brodie took more than his fair share of water along the way, lapping up water every chance he got. Swallowing gallons of salt water made him a bit thirsty. We got checked into our room, had a nice bottle of wine, and rested before dinner. This trip, we stayed at the Carmel Lodge – great pet friendly hotel. Brodie loved it here, simple room, not too nice that we were worried about him ruining anything, and not to bare that we felt like we were being punished for bringing our dog. It was just the right mix of human and Labrador accommodations. Big shout out to the Carmel Lodge – great place to stay with or without your pet. In the heart of downtown Carmel, near many great pet friendly restaurants, and very nice staff.
In the morning, back to the ocean – much more fun to be had! It was a great trip, enjoyed by all of us, but especially Brodie Brown.
Life is good
Life is good.
Living with a Labrador 