Antelope Point in Page, AZ for a night

Denali had a great time swimming in the river and running around Buddah Beach

We think this is where the Red Rock Crossing vortex is

Right below Cathedral Rock

Denali might have got all the vortex energy because he got the zoomies right after

Stopped at a winery in Page Springs for a flight and a cheese plate

Sunset over the vineyard

At the Vortex

Denali needed a nap

We have wild burrows at night!

Sticks!

They have a cute bbq restaurant down on the docks

Denali seemed to enjoy watching the ducks

Loves his daddy!

We have a nice big site

More burro action!

And Denali is excited!

Soaking up the last rays of the day

“Look mom, more burros!”

“You’re not paying enough attention to me, dad.”

Managed to get a nice little camp set up amongst the chaos

We have new flamingos, thanks to Terri and Reilly

Lots of lights out there! There’s about a mile and a half of endless RVs.

Denali was very happy to find his grandparents at the track!

And they’re off!

The four champion contenders

Blaney wins and does a rare burn out

The bottle was way cooler than the wine

Denali is happy for the lake after the racetrack

Getting the zoomies out!

But check out the view from our bedroom window

And running the zoomies out of the husky!

Tired husky is a happy husky!

Sunset from our campsite

Stopped in Santa Barbara for lunch

Oysters and chioppino on the wharf

Look at all those silly betties!

Pulled into Avila Beach

Really nice waterfront campground

Went exploring Morro Bay and found a crazy good olive oil shop, lots of friendly puppies, and this fantastic boutique winery

All of their bottles had art on them!

Sun setting over Morro Bay

Back at camp, enjoying our fire pit

Wiped out puppy!

And decided to go paddleboarding. Denali was hesitant about the waves, but a little coaxing and he was just fine.

So we headed put to the kelp forests

To see the otters!

A couple of them were especially curious and followed us for a long ways

The sea lions who have been keeping Steve awake at night

And Denali got some time to run and play on Dog Beach

We found a local band playing on the wharf - nice accompaniment to our clams and oysters

And then took a sunset bike ride to town

Avila Beach is such a cute town

With an amazing sunset!

Not nearly as pretty as Avila or Morro Bay, but the monarch butterfly grove was cool

Also not as dog friendly - and Denali really wanted to go down there

Done with Pismo and onto wine tasting at Baileyana

These hills are actually volcano plugs! These are what’s left of an extinct volcano when its ash and lava are eroded away - it’s the magma that was left in the throat of the volcano when its fires went out. This chain of plugs starts with the oldest, Islay Peak, and ends with Morro Rock. They’re known as the nine sisters (although there’s actually 23).

We treated ourselves to the hot springs at Sycamore tonight

You can rent this private oasis by the hour!

And then we say so long to cute Avila Beach. But not goodbye - Avila and Morro Bay have been pur favorites this trip. We will be back.

Our camp for the next six days in Paso Robles

The RV park has a few of these clubhouse and pool facilities

And lots of firepits

Denali needed some serious daddy time tonight

Had some wine and snacks at the historic old village, now the site of Hearst Ranch Winery

And then on to Hearst Castle

The view are incredible

The Posidon pool, complete with real marble Greek statues of course

The grand entrance to the main house

Everything is opulent and over the top - this is the room where Hearst’s guests would gather for cocktails before dinner

I think that’s the fireplace I stood in as a kid

The dining hall with its ridiculously long refectory table

Even the ceilings are over the top

The theater

The floors throughout the indoor swimming pool are inlaid with 24 carat gold

Leaving the enchanted hill and looking back on the castle

One of the 4 guest houses

Mable statues everywhere

The outdoor pool

The main house

Egyptian Statues

The main entry

16th century tapestry

Spanish carvings from the seats

Dining hall

Cass Vinyard

We found some beautiful vineyards

Denali approved of the cheese plate at Cass Winery

Time to find one more…

Last tasting of the day at Tobin James. They have the most popular wine club in California - and we joined.

We’re deconstructing Isoceles today! It’s Justin Vineyard’s icon Bordeaux style blend, and we get to mix our own.

We kind of made a mess 😂

And then we got to taste some library wines, going back to 2001

Justin might have some of the prettiest vineyards

Pulling into L’Adventure

We’re doing a library tasting with them and learning about one of Paso’s very first winemakers

The founder, Stephan, left behind three Left Bank chateaus to come out here and be allowed to make the wines he wanted. And they’re fantastic.

The day cleared up and we met up with cousins from the Bay Area, Jill and Eric, and headed to Tablas Creek

And tasted a LOT of wine

Denali gave up his bed to cousins for a couple days

Really pretty property with lots of art, a railroad…

And its own air strip!

But the covered bridge might be the most impressive feature

And then back to Justin for lunch and a special tasting

Denali met his cousin Trey this weekend

He seemed to approve

Trey isn’t quite the poser that Denali is

Bye for now Justin!

Jill and Eric headed out early. Denali was so happy to have his bed back that he kissed it for a few minutes!

One night at a Harvest Host called Slash X in Barstow. There’s so many stickers that Denali had to wear his shoes.

Poor guy is just wiped out!

Till the next trip!