California Girls

[Dori & Rua]

Last Friday, April 13th, my brother Ralph flew out from California to drive back with us. I picked him up at the Omaha Nebraska airport at 2:15 PM and we literally hit the road, after picking up lunch for him at McDonald's. Rua was safely fastened into the back seat and the SUV was loaded to the brim. The original intention was to arrive in San Mateo CA Sunday, around 4PM. That would put us there in time to join everyone for our sister Dawn's birthday dinner at sister April's house.

I drove the first 3 hours or so partially across Nebraska. If you have ever driven across Nebraska, you know it seems to go on forever. The plan was to drive to Sidney NE and spend the night. But, as we got close to Sidney we decided we could go further than that so we decided to go to Cheyenne WY instead. Well, Ralph didn't mind driving, and I was a woman on a mission, so before we knew it, we arrived in Rawlins, WY at 11:15 PM (gained an hour). We drove approximately 630 miles on Friday. Rua was such a great little traveler, sleeping quite a bit of the way.

We spent the night at the Days Inn. I didn't sleep very much, excited about arriving in CA and trying to keep Rua from barking at every little noise she heard. Her kennel was packed at the bottom of the pile and I didn't want to have to unpack the entire back end of the SUV to get it out. We got up about 6AM, and after the nice hot breakfast the motel provided, we got back on the road at 7:04. We encountered some snow and slushy conditions during the first 1 or so of the drive on Saturday morning. About 40 minutes into the drive, I noticed a semi ahead of us with Arpin written across the back of the trailer. I announced to my brother that my stuff was on that truck! As we passed the truck, I read Holiday Van & Storage - Omaha, NE on the side of the cab. We did indeed pass my belongs. What a small world!

Based on the amount of road time we had done the day before, we knew that, while it would be a long drive, we could reach San Mateo late that evening, so we went for it. We had 1050 miles to travel. It was a really long ride for Rua and come late afternoon, it had taken a toll on her. The poor little thing was so darn tired she was sleeping sitting up.

I had hoped to be able to use my little Toshiba Netbook, tethered to my cell phone accessing the internet, but the vast majority of the trip we had no cell service. Everyone was expecting us to arrive on Sunday, and it wasn't until 5:30 that we were finally able to tell everyone we were going to arrive later that evening.

We finally pulled into sister Dawn's driveway at 10:07 PM Saturday evening after 16 hours of travel. It was such a long day but so well worth it to finally arrive in California and be here with family. It was nice knowing we could get a good nights sleep and be able to spend the whole day with the birthday girl. Here is our first picture together as California Girls!

Rua and I were both pretty tired and both of us slept pretty well on Saturday night. I was sleeping on a blow up mattress and I put Rua in her kennel since I didn't want her barking should she hear strange noises.

Over the past few days we have been getting settled into sister Dawn's house and our "room". Our stuff arrived yesterday and last night, for the first time since March 27th, Rua & I both slept in our own bed. I was a bit concerned Rua might bark at strange noises, but she was a good girl.

Today, we truly embraced life as California Girls. I needed to pick some food up for Rua and chose to drive to Pacifica to get it (about 25 minutes on the California coast). It was a beautiful day for a drive, so Rua and I took off, with the GPS guiding the way. We encountered no traffic to speak of, thank goodness. I can't even tell describe the feeling I got when the Pacific Ocean first came into view. Looking at the ocean made me feel so incredibly happy.

After we picked up some food for Rua, I drove up the road a bit towards a pier and found a place to park. Rua and I took a little walk and then decided to walk down to the beach. Here are some pictures of the beach and of Rua playing in the sand!

Rua really, and I do mean REALLY, loved the beach. Here are a couple of videos (if the links don't work, go to http://lifewithrua.com/ !

 

Rua at the Beach

Rua - In the Ocean

It was a wonderful day! We are truly California Girls now.

[BG and Gavin]

Glad everyone arrived safe and sound.  Congratulations on starting the new adventure of the rest of your life!

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Oh Dori! So happy for you! I'm glad you are safe and sound. Rua looks like she is loving that beach!

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Dori it is great to hear from you. RUA sleeping standing up! Adorable. Sounds like a pretty good trip and a wonderful first day! I hope you two are truly happy there! Good luck!

[F, Calla & Luca]

Sounds like you and Rua are doing very well and I'm so glad for you. The new chapter in your life is off to a great beginning . Wishing you the best of luck in finding a job and place of your own.

[Kaytlin and Cooper]

wow thats quite the journey. How neat that you passed your belongings. glad you weren't waiting for them for over a month like we were when we moved (never using that company again).

Glad to hear you arrived safely for the new chapter of your life!

[Christine & Shelby]

So glad you all arrived safely! I am originally from Belmont neighboring town south of San Mateo.... Loved going out to Pacifica and Half Moon Bay! Can't wait to Read more updates on your blog.... It will be fun to see/hear about my old stomping grounds.

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

Welcome to California Dori and Rua!!!!  I love the videos of Rua's first visit to the sand and beach.  She is going to need a lot more baths now that she can spend time at the ocean.  That is Gracie Doodle's most favorite thing to do.  She is a 100% California Beach Doodle!  I was just up in San Jose for the birth of my daughter's first baby.  We arrived March 31 and drove back home on March 7th.  Of course Gracie Doodle made the trip with us because her cousin Luna (Ridgeback) is her best friend.  We stayed at our daughter's house and watched Luna until they brought the baby home.  Then we moved in to this lovely dog friendly Inn in Los Gatos.  Los Gatos is a completely dog friendly town and every store front has a water bowl.  The inn was perfect for us with the Los Gatos Trail (hiking, jogging, walking and dogs) one block away.  My daughter takes Luna there all the time for walks and adventures.  If you ever want to get away you can message me and I can give you the Los Gatos Inn info.  Really cheap too by comparison to the other places.  We love to take the dogs to Santa Cruz beach and also another beach a few miles further in Apos.  That is my favorite place to go.  The sunsets are amazing there!  Go on DK and Friend Lynda Kamrath who has Harpo and Groucho Too. She lives in Prunedale and is very active with Doodles.  We met up with her a few years ago.  I will be spending a lot more time up there visiting the baby.  But sometimes flying so Gracie won't be with me.  Would love to meet sometime though once you are settled!  I am so happy for you two.  It has been a tough year for you but there are so many wonderful things to do and experience here in California and you both will love it!!!  xo

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

What a wonderful journey and great to know that you arrived safely.  What joy to have that access to the wonderful beaches and that ocean.  I always find the sea to be calming and uplifting at the same time.  Both you and Rua are going to have a wonderful new life.  Good luck to the CG's

[Carol and Banjo]

So happy you've made it safe and sound Dori and Rua.  Wishing you all good things.  I have a feeling life is just about to begin for you Dori!!!

[Traci -Bexter & Maggie]

That is really great, Dori!  I'm glad that little Rua enjoyed the beach!  When everything settles, I bet you will really enjoy California!

[Christine & Camus]

Welcome to California Dori.  You are going to love it.

[Julie and Maggie]

Welcome to the Bay Area! I'm in Contra Costa County if you have figured out where that is yet. Did you get on the Northern California group yet? They have a Doodle Romp in San Jose coming up very soon. Also, in addition to Los Gatos like Nancie said, if you ever get a chance to go to Carmel that is probably the most dog friendly place in the state. I think Crystal Springs reservoir is close to you too.