A couple of things about Sykes Hot Springs and Arroyo Seco

(I just added the Arroyo Seco part in the title, realizing that all the things I say about Sykes are relevant to Arroyo Seco as well - crowded, crowded, crowded)

Sykes Hot Springs is a pretty popular destination for folks around the SF Bay Area. You can find detailed info anywhere on the web about it if interested, but I'll add my two, uh, barks:

This is a very crowded trail all year long, all week long (Arroyo Seco less so during the winter). It's a relatively easy 10 mile day hike for some people, and is entered through Pfeiffer Big Sur SP, a hotspot for RV's, camping, lodging, etc.

We're working on Quark, but the pit-bull/shepherd in her makes her kind of a guard dog, so we were nervous the first time taking her there. She did fine, but we were extra cautious and kept her close when someone approached. Make sure your dog isn't the type to go off barking and chasing people or other dogs, even if they are friendly.

When you are soaking, the tubs are kind of on a mini-cliff, so it's not easy for your dog to stay close to you, or for you to just jump out and grab them if need be. They are above the Big Sur river so Fido can play in the water, but again, you are not going to be able to have quick access to them, so keep them on a leash in eyesight of the tubs if you're unsure.

Great hike if you don't mind people, nice campgrounds, great soaking (although not so hot as a hot spring should be). More on the Ventana Wilderness and Los Padres National Forest later, it's a great place to take the dogs, and is generally pretty desolate.

Poppin' the cherry

I will preface my first post with this statement: I am not a writer, nor do I aspire to be. I'm a girl with a dog. I've looked for good sites specifically for backpacking with dogs, but usually get directed to "pet-friendly hotels" and other such crap. I don't need a hotel. I have a Tacoma. 4X4, that is, which may come into play on some of my trips.

Basically, I want to share some of the places I've found that I've enjoyed with my dog, Quark, a pit-bull, german shepherd, border collie bundle of awesome:

I'm starting this blog, pre-dating a camera I have not yet bought. The next couple of posts will be a synopsis of a few of the trips I've taken in the last year, with minimal pictures, and only my memory to guide you there.

So, first a couple of things. Safety, courtesy and whatnot.

I've seen a lot of blogs that tell you how to backpack with your dog. Most of them say keep your dog on the leash when they are on trail. Unless your dog doesn't listen to you, at all, then please let fido run free. Most places I go are devoid of people and are designated wilderness or national forests. I only focus on places which allow dogs to be off leash.

Fling your dogs poop off the trail, please.

KNOW YOUR DOGS LIMITS. 'nuff said.