I had been trying to check out Fort Funston for the longest time.
It worked out to be the same weekend as Mylie's Birthday - so hey, let's just call it a celebration.
Fort Funston is on the south end of San Francisco, along the bluffs above the Pacific.
It is incredibly beautiful.
Sandy Dunes.
Ice Plant for Days.
This weekend in April it was bright green, spattered with bright fuchsia blooms.
Fort Funston is a huge off leash dog area.
With temperatures about to hit the mid seventies on a sunny Saturday, there were dogs EVERYWHERE.
Random black labs running around the parking lot, with no owners seeming to claim them?
Uh, okay.
Anyway, my sister and I took Mylie out towards the trails.
I had high hopes.
But, after a couple of rough aggressive dogs at the dog park, Mylie can be a bit skittish with other dogs.
On leashes, controlled by both owners, meeting is usually good.
But if she feels surprised or cornered, I get nervous for her reaction.
So, while we headed out, we eventually found a tiny patch of sand and ice plant where she could roam, or scamper in her case, around freely.
But her independence didn't last long as a bunch of other dogs - I'm talking a TON, were all over.
So we headed back to the car for the next part of our adventure.
As awesome as Fort Funston is, on a crazy busy Saturday, it's just not for her.
For a super social and active pup, it is a dream.
Maybe we'll get back there on a weekday when it is less hectic.
I'd love to give it another go.
Off to our next stop, Fort Miley.
Mylie's namesake Fort, almost.
See how regal she is sitting next to the sign?
I need to start off saying,
I FREAKING LOVE FORT MILEY.
We will be back.
One day hanging with my family a few months ago, we happened upon it.
I had never even heard of it, but on our way to the Legion of Honor, I saw the sign,
and of course made my dad make a u-turn.
I had been dying to bring the Smiley dog back.
It has some of the most beautiful views of the Pacific and the Golden Gate.
We parked, descended the stairs to the trail, and headed east - towards the bay.
Totally dog friendly, and rumored to have an off leash dog area (though I didn't seem to find it, but I wasn't really looking), it was a bright trail, with some lush greenery along the way.
Laura and I found an awesome shady staircase where we could hear the crashing of the waves down the way....so we took them, not exactly sure what we'd find.
Best.
Decision.
EVER.
As the trees opened up, we found this:
Super awesome semi-secret beach.
Rocky, not necessarily a swimmy beach, but the waves were crashing and the ocean was spraying.
Tons of mussels in shells between the rocks.
I wanted to stay there forever.
So did Smiles.
She found a comfy place to sit.
Schnoodle on the rocks.
We climbed back up the bluff, on a different trail, more rocky, and found a cool rock maze as well.
And some spiritual enlightenment.
We turned around and headed back - mission complete.
Adventurous success.
And it was time to refuel.
Thank goodness for the iPhone.
And the Google.
"Dog friendly restaurants in San Francisco"
And my sister doing said googling, because I imagine there were quite a few results.
BUT, she discovered the Park Chalet, the sister restaurant to the Beach Chalet had outdoor dog friendly seating!
And was right nearby.
An already awesome day, just got even more awesome.
Is that even possible?
Mylie and I secured some lounge chairs while Laura ordered us some lunch.
Mylie got to feel like a big deal out and about with the rest of the city dogs in Golden Gate Park.
We all went home a little sweaty and a lot happy.
I love me some dreary, rainy weather, but when it comes to adventures, warm California sunshine is where it's at.
As far as adventures go, this one goes down in the books as a perfect 10.
Linking up over here for the first time:
