Church

We took a long drive Sunday morning from San Diego to Fontana so I could meet Dad's nephew, Brennan and his family. Of course, we had to take one of "Dad's Detours" along the way. Stopping in at the original Mission San Diego de Alcala in Mission Valley just before mass, we didn't expect to see much inside the sanctuary, but holy smokes...they invited us in!

Founded in 1769 this was the first of the California Missions

This is a shot from the back...the bells with the crowns on top are original, from Spain.

Here's a cool angle of the Mission's facade

Cue the Gregorian Chant...here we come.

Those are the original bricks laid for the floor by the Kumeyay Indians...and the original beams brout in from Julian, CA, so I'm told! All I know is that Julian is famous for its apple pie...BTW, I'm starving!

OK, this is cool. I found a brick that a pup stepped on waaaay back in  the 1700's...maybe my ancestor?

This is Father Junipero Serra, who founded the California Missions. It is said that  this is a life-sized likeness.

One of the many graves in the Indian cemetery.

This is Fra. Serra's apartment...well, more like a townhome, with a loft, and everything! No fridge of microwave tho...drat!

I like playin with little people! Colton loves to play ball!

This kid wore me out!

Cousin Brennan and family...Say cheese!...that reminds me...Im still starvin'

Dog Beach, Coronado

We got up at sunrise, had some breakfast and crossed this huge scary bridge in the sky...then, COWABUNGA! Surf's up! I am finally a bi-coastal swimmer! Not a lot of pups can make that claim...just a lucky dog I guess.

THISAWAY to the BEACH!!

I am SO PROUD that I made it to the West Coast! Now I know why Dad is so ga-ga about it!

Dogs in Coronado are very polite. They didnt even try to steal my ball!

Now I am in my element!

This beach is my new fave! 

Comin' at ya!

SHAKE SHAKE SHAKE!

I can't stress how very important it is to exfoliate...

Whattayamean Im not allowed in the jeep till I bathe?

This place is older than dirt!

This is as close as they will let me go. Must be pretty fancy in there!

Time for a nap while Dad eats lunch...must be nice.

A frosty cold one at one of Dad's favorite haunts.

The Brig's fish tacos are the bomb...not that I got to benefit from them at ALL.

I got to have lunch after all, with cousin Hazel and Eli.

Peñasquitos Canyon

Dad used to ride horses and mountain bikes out here when he was in college. What a special place to go for a nice afternoon hike! And of course, the weather is perfect!

Here's the trailhead...oops where is my leash?

If you geek out on historic trivia like Dad...this is for you...for a little perspective.

This is the old Ranch House dating back a gazillion years, or so.

I like this hike, cuz there's lots of shady spots!

Finally! I think we hiked about 2 miles in, to find this waterfall. Yep, I dove in!...'couldnt help myself.
Can you spot the tiny people on the rock?

That's one big boulder. Not sure how this got here, but it's not goin' anywhere anytime soon.

Dad says I must be part Mountain Goat!

Ok Im ready to go back now.

Met some new friends. Dogs in Cali are nice...so are the people...so far.

Once in a while, ya just gotta get out and sniff 'em!

Heading back to the jeep...this was a long trek...but so worth it!

Go West Young Pup!

Good morning! We pulled out of Scottsdale at about 530am, heading for Cali.

This will be a milestone, since Dad has so much history here, and always brags up the West Coast, so now I get to see what all the hubub is about. Here we gooooooo!

It's WAAAY too early!

We got waved through the border YAY! ...guess we dont look too threatening.

GREAT! I thought we left all those critters back in AZ! Careful where ya SQUAT!

Resting up for the big plunge! This better be good.

I thought those guys were extinct!

Dad found me an awesome dogpark in Riverside! Those guys behind me are ka-razy!

The Pacific Ocean Beckons!

Whaaat? We're going on ANOTHER ROAD TRIP??

That's right, Dad and I are packing up the Grand Cherokee for another grand adventure! Now that the weather is warming up, and we are somewhat settled in our new home in Scottsdale, it's time to venture out to the West Coast to visit some friends and family. Stay tuned for some fun pics and colorful commentary from yours truly! —NACHO MUCHACHO

DAY 4: Las Cruces, NM to Scottsdale, AZ

Last night we checked in to a cabin perched upon a mesa overlooking the Organ mountains just in time for a really nice sunset.










How's this for an idea for Stephen King's next novel?? "Son of Cujo" perhaps?



Thank God Dad let me sleep in a little for once...My blankets are sooo cozy.

We drove through some heavy fog that made Dad say some bad words, but we got through New Mexico and crossed the AZ border finally around 9am! Yay! We are Arizonans...Arizonians? Arizonanians??? Whatever we are officially, it's nice to finally be here.

The mountains here are really cool...they are all made of boulders. It's a far cry from Flat Florida!

Looks like we are not the only ones who made the trip from Florida. That's a Catalina sailboat from Sarasota! I think these sailors are on their way to Lake Pleasant! Bon Voyage!

A nice sunset for our first night in Arizona. We are safe and sound and ready for some new adventures...Thanks for riding along! This is Nacho Muchacho signing off!