One of the biggest perks of working in the Bay Area is its closeness to several beaches. In less than an hour, Zander and I can be enjoying an ocean view from the warmth of our cozy home on wheels. Now that he has grown more accustomed to being on a leash, his daily adventures are getting us both excited to explore the sights.

This week, we decided to explore the deserted beach. Due the rain and wind, many people decided to stay away from Half Moon Bay which left us quite alone and surprisingly dog-free. Thus, Zander was able to freely roam the camp grounds and hills next to the beach at the state park without much fear, apart from a few adults that ventured too close to our wanderings causing him to go into high alert.

I decided to see what he might do when he encountered sand since his reaction to clean litter is quite excited and almost manic. Surprisingly, the sand was less thrilling for him this time, perhaps because it was damp from the recent rain. What did wow him and made me chuckle was his keen interest to walk atop the ice plants which gave the distinct impression of a stage diver being supported by very pointy green hands. Zander certainly seemed to grasp that something in his cruising along the beach had changed, but he didn’t seem to register what had put that new “spring in his step.”

After exploring a few of the wildflowers, wood alcoves, and sandy hillsides, the grey skies opened up to release their deluge upon any sunset aficionados brave enough to be still on the beach. Thus, our exploration of wildflower carpet and bird refuge ended with each of us getting some whip cream and me a hot cocoa to watch the final descent of the sun below the horizon.