by Sandy Lurins

One thing I know about myself: every so often I simply have to get in a little rest and recreation, and sometimes that means being disciplined, making sure I really do "get away" from it all. When I need to take a break from the pace of my life and put the computer and cell phone away for a few days, I often head to The Sea Ranch, which spreads for more than ten miles south of Gualala along Highway 1.

If you´re looking for the kind of weekend getaway that allows you to walk for miles along the coastal bluffs, breathe in fresh ocean air, and let stress slip away a bit more each moment, then pack up the car and grab your best human and canine companions for a weekend of bliss. Well... wait a minute. You will need to do some advance planning. While both Sea Ranch and the general Gualala area have a number of dog-friendly properties, you should expect to make reservations at least a few weeks in advance. However, once you have secured your canine-friendly accommoda-tions and the day has come to depart, let yourself revel in the journey and the destination.

Gualala is about 50 miles north of Bodega Bay. You can take the very twisty, windy highway all the way there or jog off along the elevated Myers Grade Road a few miles north of Jenner. This route offers amazing views of both ocean and country. Myers Grade Road turns into Seaview Road along the way; to return to the highway and continue north, you will need to turn west on Timber Cove Road. This route is still a bit twisty but much easier on any venturers who get queasy.

There are numerous options for overnight stays (see sidebar). My favorite place is a dog-friendly rental home at The Sea Ranch, which gives easy access via Sea Ranch private paths to the coastal bluffs (note, The Sea Ranch is an "on-leash-only" environment). However, if you do stay elsewhere, you will be able to use numerous public access points all along Highway 1, as well as the beach and paths in Gualala Point Regional Park (parking is $4 in these parks).

So many trails, so little time

One of my favorite dog-friendly homes at Sea Ranch is perfectly located about four miles from the Sea Ranch Lodge. After a lazy morning enjoying cof-fee, watching deer in the meadow, and wandering around the garden, it´s time to grab a water bottle, leash up the dog, and go south on the bluff-top path. Word of caution: The tall grasses and open fields that comprise much of the Sea Ranch open space mean one must be vigilant about ticks. Please make sure your pup is guarded by a good preventative and/or be prepared to inspect after each outing.

Why is four miles the perfect distance? About the time you´ve explored and wandered your way to the Lodge, you and your canine companion will be hungry and ready for a late lunch. We sat on the porch and the gracious hostess brought water for the dog and BLTs on whole grain bread for the people. Once everyone was refreshed, we made our way back to our home away from home, and with eight miles under our belt, we enjoyed a well-deserved soak in the hot tub and a nap before dinner.

Sunday´s sweet surprise

Something about that ocean air puts me to sleep early and gets me up early in the morning, too. So after a short walk it´s time to plan the day. Even if you have to check out of your accommodations today, there´s time to explore in town. If you are experiencing latté desire, stop by Trink´s on the west side of Highway 1 and grab some caffeine to go.

Once a year the town of Gualala opens its doors to the Art in the Redwoods Festival (see sidebar), held the third weekend of August. Wander the cooling redwoods and meet artisans, many local, with a variety of paintings, pottery, and other artistic treats. Fido is welcome to wander the outdoor booths with you, on leash. You might just, however, find yourself unleashing your wallet.

Hungry? If you didn´t partake of the delicacies at the art festival, and want something cheap and delicious, grab some tacos from the taqueria behind the Gualala Hotel. You can buy more food than you can eat for $5 and more than satisfy your cravings.

No trip to Gualala is complete without a sojourn to Gualala Point Regional Park, which is just about one mile south of Gualala. After parking ($4 day use fee), wander through a grassy meadow to the dunes, then down to the beach. This is a driftwood lover´s paradise.

Although the park officially requires leashes, the rules seem relaxed in the farthest portions of the beach. Do be cautious, though! Here, as in many of the North Bay´s coastal areas, the ocean can be dangerous with sneaker waves and undertow.

Is it time to leave already? Maybe next time, you can stay a day or two longer. A weekend in Gualala just isn´t enough.