Arnold Drive, Dog house, Sonoma - July 7, 2010

Walking Distance: .65 mi. (estimate)
Walking Time: 20 min. (6:30 - 6:50 p.m.)
Start and End Point: unpaved shoulder/pull-out area, along Highway 116 East (Stage Gulch Rd.), Sonoma, CA

I had walked this stretch of Arnold Drive (from 116 East to the intersection of Arnold Drive and Fremont Drive) before. I succeeded, with the exception of about 1/3 mile (x2) of Arnold Drive where three houses had barking dogs -- and in two cases the dogs either ran out into the road, or started to head my way.  While I can't say I was looking forward to this, I forced myself to complete this segment this evening. Fortunately, the three dogs in the final yard or two, across the road, did not run out into traffic, but they looked like they might. Keep this in mind if you are passing through this area either in foot or on a bicycle. (My advice, stay on the East side of Arnold Drive - the furthest away from these few houses with loose dogs.)

Not many pictures in this entry; I was too busy keeping my eye on the dogs.

Wildlife Sightings:
13 little brown jobs (LBJs)
1 hawk
3 farm dogs barking at me

Downtown Historic Sonoma - June 16, 2010

Walking Distance: .6 mile
Walking Time: 58 min. (8:00 - 8:58 p.m.)
Start and End Point: on street parking, near Sonona Historic square and theater, Sonoma, CA

Technically, the Bay Trail does not extend all the way up to the historic downtown portion of Sonoma, but I decided to make an extension trip. After my brush with farm dogs on Arnold Drive earlier this evening, I decided to treat myself to some relaxing time in downtown historic Sonoma.

It was a beautiful warm night, a perfect time to stroll around Sonoma Historic Plaza and through the Park, and to see Mission Sonoma. Although the Mission had closed for the evening, there was a very photogenic cactus in bloom in front.  

Wildlife Sightings:
Pretend cows at "The Chocolate Cow"; white ducks in the park and the pond; and a possible bat flying over at dusk.