A great start

We went up to Sunol Regional Wilderness for the usual New Year’s Day trek.

I really wish the rest of the bay area would get on board with the East Bay parks leash rules. Off leash,  if under control, in all undeveloped areas. Unless otherwise posted, of course - wetlands, bird breeding grounds, etc. We always meet such well behaved dogs. In such a large area that also has cattle, coyotes, squirrels, etc., you do need to actually, you know, train your dog or spend many hours chasing it. Also, because of the size of the parks, there is no social or spacial pressure. No forced interaction. Everybody just keeps moving. I think it is very sad that the simple act of being off leash is a novelty to so many dogs. Freedom should be the rule, not the exception.

People, cows, and dogs. And no one died.

It was just an amazing day. So much clearer over there than on the bay side. Low-60’s had everyone comfortable. Warm enough that no jackets required and cool enough that no miserable dogs.  

Except, perhaps when asked to pose.  

Or leave the cow shit alone  

And, hey, that goes for coyote shit, too.  

How about we just take all shit off the menu?  

I guess their priorities change as they age, too.

I hope you all enjoyed your holidays.
Let's hope this year is a bit smoother than the last one!