"Like a band of Gypsies we go down the highway ~~ We're the best of friends ~~ Insisting that the world keep turnin' our way…" Willie Nelson – Johnny Cash
Lots of Dogs and Cats
Since we left Alberta in October 2023 we have been doing a lot of pet sitting for dogs and cats. We didn’t exactly plan it that way but that’s how it worked out. Right after Christmas we drove to Jacksonville in southern Oregon (near Medford) to spend two and a half weeks watching two big dogs, arranged through TrustedHousesitters. We had never watched big dogs before and we weren’t quite sure what to expect but it was a lot of fun. Willie is some sort of German Shepherd mix and Max is an Australian Shepherd mix. Max loved to play ball, even in the snow, and Willie loved running around barking at squirrels. The house was out in the woods on a fenced 10 acre property so they had the run of the place. Both dogs were well-behaved and affectionate, and they waited patiently while we slowly learned to respond to their communications. The town of Jacksonville was about a 10 minute drive away. It was a gold rush town in the mid-19th century but was largely abandoned with its buildings intact when the railroad bypassed the town and instead went through nearby Medford. Hence, downtown Jacksonville is full of beautifully preserved old buildings. We enjoyed several walks in the old town. Click on the first photo in each block to view larger images in a slideshow.
Max and Willie in the family room with Carrie.
Willie and Max wait for treats. Blurred tail photo shows rapid wagging.
Carrie knitted this Advent stocking during the month of December, one of Norwegians Arne and Carlos’ patterns.
Charlie and Max stand by an old railroad trestle in the hills around Jacksonville.
Another view of the railroad trestle across a ravine.
Wille doesn’t seem to mind the cold, snowy weather.
The first snowfall at the home in Jacksonville was light and fluffy.
The car was dusted with snow in the driveway.
Interesting old homes and yards seen during walks in Jacksonville.
Many deer were seen on walks in Jacksonville neighborhoods.
Jacksonville City Hall. The city is at a lower elevation and didn’t get any snowfall.
Old homes viewed in Jacksonville on walks.
Jacksonville park with an old steam engine and vineyard.
Closer view of the old steam engine.
Cypress garlands adorned historic buildings downtown for Christmas.
Old house is now an art/home/garden business.
Downtown picturesque Jacksonville.
Old buildings renovated to house retail shops.
Original City Hall in Jacksonville.
Heading south on I-5 in California, a view of Mt. Shasta.
After Oregon we returned to Tucson to once again watch Rox, the dog, and Tasha and Trill, the two cats. We have watched them several times so Rox gets very excited when we return. The cats not so much, but they’re cats.
View of the clouds coming to Tucson during the heavy California rains.
Tasha is a lap cat, for sure.
Rox is an exuberant cockapoo.
Trill loves to be petted, but definitely not a lap cat.
Sunset during neighborhood walk in Tucson.
Snow-capped Mt. Lemmon in the Catalina Mountains is visible from the west.
After we left Tucson at the beginning of February we had a gap in our schedule so we decided to spend two and a half weeks in Borrego Springs, a small and isolated town in the California desert east of San Diego. Along the way we made a brief stop at the Robert J. Moody Demonstration Garden in Yuma, Arizona. Borrego Springs is one of eight international Dark Sky Communities – the first in California. We had taken a day trip to Borrego Springs a few years ago and we liked it so we decided to return. The town is surrounded by Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, the largest state park in California. Our house had beautiful desert and mountain views and we enjoyed walking in the nearby neighborhoods and desert.
A favorite travel activity is visiting various botanical gardens.
This demonstration garden in Yuma, Arizona, is tended by the University of Arizona.
Large agave.
The view from our VRBO home in Borrego Springs.
The mountains are between Borrego Springs and Palm Springs.
Recent rain has resulted in new green growth on the ocotillos, and a rainbow in our back yard.
Borrego Springs Desert Garden features local plants.
Another view of Borrego Springs Desert Garden.
Hiking in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.
View of Borrego Springs from a mountain road in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.
Borrego Springs is home to a variety of giant rusty metal scuptures dotted throughout the desert.
Mammoths
Mythical sea serpent
The sea serpent undulates below the road and reappears on the other side.
A favorite neighborhood walk was among the houses at the De Anza Country Club.
Heart shaped rock arrangement in a xeriscape yard.
Almond trees in full bloom along CA highway 99, heading north back to Sacramento.
One thought on “Lots of Dogs and Cats”
Being an animal lover, I really enjoy hearing about all your pet sitting escapades. Doing this would be a dream for me! I am happy you are having all of these wonderful experiences, such a great way to live in retirement.
Being an animal lover, I really enjoy hearing about all your pet sitting escapades. Doing this would be a dream for me! I am happy you are having all of these wonderful experiences, such a great way to live in retirement.
All my best to both of you!
Carol