Monday, January 10, 2011

It's a Wrap

A few final notes from my recent vacation in California...

A different kind of off-leash dog park
This three acre site is privately owned and open to a few folks (and doggies) in the neighborhood during the late afternoon and evening hours.


Only one family at a time is allowed in the park. Participating dog owners help with the maintenance - keeping brambles pruned, pathways mulched, trash collected, etc.

Though not as sociable as a public dog park, it's a wonderful place for owners and dogs to spend some quality bonding time together!

Trinidad Head and beyond
Hiking on the beach and along the coast is always a major pastime when I visit Humboldt County.
looking south to Trinidad Head
The vistas, flora, and fauna are always intriguing; redwood forests alternate with lush green pastures full of dairy cows.
wonderful colors in this melange of fungi, lichen, moss & foliage
looking north from Patrick's point

People
Of course, it's the people that make any vacation special!

I was thrilled to meet up with Arcata garden designer and writer Genevieve Schmidt. She blogs here and is a fellow member of the Garden Designer's Roundtable.Gen is a talented and thoughtful young woman; I was so inspired by her enthusiasm for all things gardening. She's a crafter and a foodie, too - what's not to like?!

 We were treated to an elegant crab dinner
and a rousing game of hoops

on Christmas Eve by the Glenn-Benson family. These kind and generous folks, neighbors to my sister and brother-in-law, welcomed us like we'd been friends for years.

And finally, a big thank you to Allison, Jonathan, Zoe and Abiba for treating us to such a fun and memorable holiday!
(sorry for the blur!)

8 comments:

Robert Webber said...

Absolutely charming post, but the first shots the design winner. Beautiful simplicity and soft colours.
Thanks!
Best Wishes
Robert

Jocelyn H. Chilvers said...

Awwww, thanks Robert! I forgot to mention that the dog park is fully fenced, but occasionally hosts the odd deer or bear. The main purpose of the site is to serve as a play/run space for rescued greyhounds.

Genevieve said...

Awww, yep - great minds and all that, Jocelyn! Lovely photos of everything. I've never been to that dog park but have heard about it often from friends and clients. Thanks for sharing a bit of local flavor with this local!

Les said...

That coastline is beautiful and so different from what I know. I am gald you had a great vacation.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for making our holidays merry! It's always a treat to rediscover our own backyard with you and Jim!

Allison said...

Oops! That Anonymous comment was from your sister (who misses you)! LOL!

Debbie/GardenofPossibilities said...

Jocelyn, It looks like you had a wonderful vacation. And how exciting that you got to meet Gen at the same time. I think we should start a page on the GDRT website with photos of roundtablers meeting like you and Gen did. It's great to see how a shared passion for gardening creates new friendships.

Jocelyn H. Chilvers said...

Gen and Allison, rediscovering the local amenities is one of the best things about having guests. When can you come?

Les, I think the ever-changing coast line is the most fascinating aspect of the ocean!

Debbie, I think you've hit on a great idea there! If not the website, then perhaps the FB page?