A Relaxing Day

This morning we decided to explore the area around us and skip wine tasting.  We stopped by the local visitor's center to get information on Armstrong Redwood Park and be sure we could take Sparta hiking there.  The hiking paths are closed to dogs, but they allow dogs on leash on all the paved roads so we were able to see almost all of the park on foot. Sparta didn't seem to even notice how big the trees were, but Jon and I were awestruck; it is a beautiful place to spend a few hours.  Next we drove to Bodega Bay and ate lunch at an outdoor cafe that served delicious fish . .  .with our stomachs satisfied we drove to the dog friendly beach and walked the entire beach.  Sparta found a tennis ball and carried it around with her for a long time.  She greeted several dogs, but none of her potential playmates were allowed to romp freely.  Sparta was coated with sand when we left the beach so we forced her to let us shower her off.  On the drive back from Bodega Bay we stopped by a local cheese shop and then at a grocer to buy some smoked salmon.  For dinner tonight we are planning to build a fire outside, sip some wine, and enjoy bread, cheese, and smoked salmon;  we also have some fruit we can nibble on . . . sounds like a great meal to us.