Archive for Dogs
Hiking Around The Bay – Marin
Posted by: | CommentsOne of the most affordable things to do in the Bay Area is to enjoy the beautiful natural scenery. I go for a hike everyday with my dog Poncho, my neighbor Amy and her dog Annie. Today was one of those beautiful Bay Area days so I thought it would be fun to share some photos from our daily hike.
Poncho waiting to go on hike. He can see Amy’s house from this window and waits there every morning. The other day Poncho escaped because someone left the gate open and I found him in Amy’s yard waiting by her door.
Annie at the beginning of hike. She likes to take her time.
Miwok Cutoff trail. Amazing views of Tennessee Valley Beach and Muir Beach.
Here are some of the views we see everyday on our hike. The amazing thing about the Bay Area is that the same view looks different everyday depending upon the weather. It could be totally foggy with no view, crystal clear, cloudy, you just never know what you are going to get.
If you are looking for some more specific information about hiking in Marin County here are a few Websites I found:
www.marintrails.com
www.bahiker.com
MarinIJ: Hike of the Week
Jobs Around The Bay
Posted by: | CommentsSince looking for a job is on many people’s minds these days, I thought it would be fun to interview Jane Groner. Jane specializes in helping people find jobs. Jane Groner is the CEO of Pacific Placement Group, Inc located in San Francisco.
What exactly do you do?
I am the CEO of Pacific Placement Group, a full service boutique staffing agency in San Francisco. We have been in business since 1982 and place both Temporary and direct–hire administrative staffing at all levels. We strive to counsel people, help them with resumes and work with top companies. Many are venture capital firms, private equity firms, technology and biotech industries. We feel we provide an invaluable service to our clients as we screen and test our candidates and try to find people that will be good fits for the corporate culture of their company and who will add value. We are a “woman certified” company and represent companies in the Bay Area with most clients being in SF or the Peninsula. My staff is extremely professional and I have a Master’s Degree in Counseling, which has come in handy in helping applicants find jobs thru our services or on their own.
What is your favorite restaurant in the Bay Area?
Aqua in San Francisco.
Where is your favorite place to shop for clothing?
The Little Black Dress in Tiburon…have great unusual things and Caroline the owner is great at helping one dress. Must go by appointment as Caroline keeps the door locked… strange but has wonderful things… from head to toe
What do you love most about the Bay Area?
I love the beautiful outdoors..live for good weather and being able to bike and hike
Favorite place to hike or bike? Hike Mt Tam and bike a lot to Tiburon, sometimes, Mill Valley to Corte Madera, to Larkspur and back thru Tiburon..all road biking
Favorite place to take your dog?
I take my dog Harry on hikes all over Marin..he loves it..but gets pretty covered with leaves and dirt..as he is a white cotton and his coat is like Velcro.
Favorite independent bookstore in the Bay Area?
Book Passage
Best place for coffee?
Tully’s but often go to Starbucks as it is close by.
Anything else you would like to share with our readers?
We are a very privileged group of people to live in Paradise, have beauty surrounding us everywhere we go and we must take care of ourselves and our environment and vow to make this a kinder world for all.
Thanks Jane!
Jane’s story about her dog Harry reminded me of one of my favorite children’s books Harry the Dirty Dog. 
Party for your Pooch
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Dog Days of Summer
The Westin St. Francis and The San Francisco SPCA are hosting a party for you and your four legged friend.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Westin St. Francis Grand Ballroom
335 Powell Street, San Francisco
(Special red carpet entrance on Post between Powell & Mason)
According to their Website, Dog owners and dogs will be treated like VIPS (Very Important Pets and Persons). There will be hors d’oeuvres for people and doggies, a raffle to win a Westin Heavenly Dog Bed®, music, cocktails, etc.
Tickets must be purchased in advance. For more information, visit: http://www.sfspca.org/about-us/events/celebrate-dog-days.html or http://www.mercurynews.com/travel/ci_13046281?nclick_check=1
Downieville
Posted by: | CommentsDownieville is not exactly the Bay Area but you can drive to it from the Bay Area in about 3.5 – 4 hours. That counts, right?
A few weeks ago Celia and I and a group of mountain biking friends headed to Downieville for a mini vacation. Downieville is famous for it’s Downieville Classic Mountain Bike Race. Downieville is one of my favorite places. I LOVE Downieville. I go there at least once every year.
Downieville is a beautiful small town located on the Yuba river in Sierra County. It’s a total escape for me to get away from my fast paced Bay Area life style and just simply relax for a few days. The town of Downieville is also very dog friendly. Poncho had a great time swimming in the river. He literally spent hours in the river.
My favorite thing to do in Downieville is to go to the beach and just chill by the river. Sometimes, I even get in the river although it is a tad bit cold for my taste. However, I do enjoy floating on the river on my inner tube. 
Other people like to mountain bike, fish or pan for gold.
We always stay at the Downieville Riverside Inn. We love it there, the inn keeper’s Mike and Nancy are super friendly and the place is very nice. The Inn is located right on the Yuba River so you can hear the river rushing by when you are falling asleep. The room we stay in has a balcony right over the river and also comes with a kitchen. Breakfast is included and is served in a living room. Every morning we sit around living room chatting with Mike, Nancy or some of the other guests while drinking delicious fresh brewed coffee and eating bagels with lox and cream cheese.
I usually go to Downieville the first week in July so I am there for the 4th of July celebrations. They have a small town parade on the 4th that is so much fun. Here are some pictures from past years.
The best part of the parade is at the very end when they roll out a big giant roll of plastic bubbles and everyone steps on them at the same time. It sounds exactly like a big firework show.
The locals of Downieville have always been super welcoming and fun to hang out with. They are even up for some friendly competition in the tug-o-war (locals against visitors) and the foot races.
There are only a few options of places to eat in Downieville: the Grubstake and the Pizza Place. There is also an Ice Cream shop and a a small local market for groceries that has a cafe in the back of the store. I noticed a new restaurant called the Wooden Trout Cafe just opened within the last year as well. I did not get a chance to try it but heard it was good. If you stay at the Riverside Inn and get a room with a kitchen you can cook there or use their BBQ.
If you are looking for a fun, relaxing and friendly place to escape to I highly recommend going to Downieville and staying at the Riverside Inn.
The Riverside Inn is located right on the river at:
206 Commercial Street
Downieville, CA
888.883.5100
downieville.us
Bay Area Dog Parks, Trails and Beaches
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Are you looking for a good park, beach or trail to take your best friend?
The Bay Area has lots of great dog parks and quite a few dog friendly trails.
I’ve never been to the Point Isabel Regional Shoreline dog park in Richmond but I’ve heard it is awesome! I also just read that it is the largest off leash dog park in the nation and has amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
The Marin Humane Society Dog Park in Novato is open to the public for use during select times. The MHS has a list of other Marin Dog parks here.
About.Com has a list of San Francisco Dog Parks.
David Dupont wrote a great article about dog parks and dog friendly trails in Southern Marin.
I just discovered dogs are allowed on the Golden Gate Bridge! One of my goals in life (that I wrote down when I was a senior in high school) was to walk across the Golden Gate Bridge. Can you believe I have not done it yet? I’ve biked across and driven across the bridge thousands of times, but never walked. I think my next excursion with Poncho is a walk across the Golden Gate Bridge.
Also, dogs are allowed at Muir Beach, the far end of Stinson Beach and Ocean Beach in San Francisco.
The Three Ponchos
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Guest post by Jen A, Owner of Puppy Love Pet Sitting
I love pet sitting around The Bay, as it gives me a chance to roam various neighborhoods when I’m out dog walking. Last weekend, I had the pleasure of pet sitting Poncho, a super smart and playful Black Lab who loves to love and like most Labs, loves to eat! I heard there were some great restaurants in Tiburon, so Poncho and I began our mission. As we were wandering Tiburon looking for some good recession specials, I realized our adventure was two fold: cheap eats AND dog friendly. You might think this would be an easy find for the Bay Area; not so. While there are a lot of restaurants with patios, they are usually accessible only by going through the restaurant, where dogs are not allowed. Yes, you can find the occasional cafe that allows pets, but I wanted a meal, not a muffin.
I walked down both sides of Tiburon Blvd. and mingled with downtown long enough to know Poncho wasn’t welcome in any of the local and well known restaurants. Hungry but not defeated, we trekked further down the beaten path. Around the corner and located in what is known as Ark Row, was a small Salvadoran/Mexican restaurant with an even smaller patio called, ‘Poncho’s Casa Manana’. Could it be? This whole time searching for a dog friendly patio and here it was, fatefully waiting to be found.
The owner came out as I walked on the patio. I thought he was going to tell me the usual, ‘No Dogs Allowed.’ Instead, he had a cup of water that he placed at the foot of my table so that Poncho had something to drink. Poncho got waited on before I did! I was grateful for his efforts and introduced Poncho to the owner whose name is…you guessed it, Poncho.
The complimentary chips and two different salsas were first on the table. I ordered a soft shell, open faced taco and it came with a side salad. I saw the dessert menu and had to have a coconut ice cream bar to make a perfectly sweet end to my flavorful and well portioned meal. When the bill came, I could hardly believe the total for my entire meal plus dessert; $6.00! No recession specials needed here, Poncho’s is by far the best deal for price and quantity. Poncho (the owner) returned outside several times to check on me and to make sure Poncho (the dog) had enough to drink. Sold! Any restaurant with authentic food that gives this level of service deserves my business and that of all dog-friendly folks.
Poncho’s (the restaurant)- 110 Main Street, Tiburon
Poncho (the owner)- Accommodating and friendly. His mother and brother own restaurants in San Rafael and Terra Linda.
Poncho (the dog)- The best dog ever, his Facebook page says so. Become a fan.
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Note from Sally: Jen A is a wonderful dog sitter! Poncho was very happy with her. She was perfect for me because she sent me daily emails about Poncho. I’d highly recommend Jen to any dog owner who worries (like me) about their best friend while traveling. Jen took great care of Poncho and kept in contact with me via email so I always knew Poncho was okay. I think Poncho loves Jen more than me now. You can contact Jen by emailing her.
The Pelican Inn, Muir Beach
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One of my favorite things to do on a sunny day is to go to the Pelican Inn in Muir Beach. I love to go with a group of friends and sit on the grass in the sun. You can order food and drinks from the bar and they will bring it out to you on the grass. I usually order a Paulaner Hefeweizen and the Cheese Plate – which comes with various cheeses, crackers and some fruit. Great snack for a sunny day! This is a dog (and kid) friendly lawn. The atmosphere is great. Every time I’ve been there everyone is relaxed and having a good time. I mean what else would you expect from a pub located right next to the beach and not far from Muir Woods?
I’ve only dined here a few times but both times the food was fantastic. I had the Pan Roasted Salmon with Fingerling Potatoes and Roasted Kale.
Actually, on rainy or foggy days around the bay the Pelican Inn is also a fun place to hang out at. The tiny bar has a dart board. We’ve spent some fun evenings at the Pelican Inn meeting tourists who are passing through and staying at the Inn.
The Pelican Inn is located about 20 minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge.
10 Pacific Way
Muir Beach, CA 94965
415-383-6000
www.pelicaninn.com
Dogs are allowed at Muir Beach.
This is not an example of peace on the trails
Posted by: | CommentsPlacing nails pointy side up on the trails is not okay. This nail was found in the bike tire of a friend. The nail got in the tire on a trail that is legal for bikes. We have been finding these nails on various trails in Marin County. Finding one in a bike tire is bad enough. I’m so glad I have not found one in my dog’s paw. Seriously people can we try get along? Peace is possible.
My Favorite Dog Park in Sausalito
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Before I started hiking everyday, I used to take Poncho to the Sausalito Dog Park almost every morning. It’s a great dog park! It’s fenced in and big with lots of room for the dogs to run and play. The park is well maintained, safe and clean. It is also full of tennis balls and old tennis rackets so you can hit the ball really far and make your dog run. There are benches and picnic tables for the humans (and dogs to sit at). Grassy areas, sunny and shady areas.
Nowadays I can’t drive down Bridgeway in Sausalito with Poncho in the car unless I plan to stop at the Dog Park. He goes crazy if we drive by and don’t stop.
Sausalito Dog Park is located at:
100 Ebbtide Ave.
Sausalito, CA 94966
415-846-8323
www.sausalitodogpark.org
Dog Park Tip: If your dog brings a special toy to the park be prepared to share it with other dogs. If you don’t want to share that special toy it’s probably best to leave it in the car. (Same rule goes for small children and playgrounds.) Poncho really likes to play with other dog’s toys… not all the other dogs (or their people) have been taught how to share.
Hiking Around The Bay
Posted by: | CommentsWelcome to Sally Around The Bay! I have to admit, I launched this blog way before I was ready but that is because I got so excited about WordCampSF 2009! So, please bear with me as this blog is a work in progress. I am in the process of customizing the layout and pretty soon it is going to have a whole new (super cool) look. Although, I must say I do like this theme quite a bit.
I just couldn’t wait any longer to start posting. Instead of being a perfectionist I decided to just go for it because that is what this blog is all about: adventure, excursions, getting out of your comfort zone, and just going for it! Carpe Diem!
Besides only talking about the things that cost money in the Bay Area I also plan to share my low to no cost excursions with you. Here is my first, favorite and most affordable thing to do in the Bay Area: Hiking!
I am so lucky to be living in Marin County! I go for a hike almost everyday with my neighbor Amy, her one eyed dog Annie and my dog Poncho. We are in walking distance to a trail head that leads us into the GGNRA. We get to see views of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, Muir Beach, Tennessee Valley Beach, and basically the whole San Francisco Bay Area. The views are absolutely breath taking. This time a year is especially beautiful as the wild flowers are just starting to bloom.
PS. Poncho actually has a fan club on Facebook: Poncho – Is The Greatest Dog Alive. This was created by a young lady who baby sits Poncho and is the president of his fan club. Please feel free to join. It makes Poncho happy to see all his fans.
