Another day at the beach

Stephen and I have Tuesdays off, which is pretty random but also amazing. I love having a week day off because it means we don’t have to deal with crowds at public places (shudder) or long wait times at restaurants (nothing is more upsetting to me). So last Tuesday we took Charlie to the dog beach in Ventura. I have talked about this beach once before, and how it’s not publicized as a dog beach but there seems to be an understanding amongst the locals that this is where you can bring your dog and let them off leash. Weekdays are the best because it is exceptionally quiet with only a few people around. We had half of the beach to ourselves.

Charlie is fantastic off leash. He doesn't go up to random strangers, or pee on people’s chairs and beach towels which is a win in our book of dog training. He stays close to Stephen and I, usually opting to just lay down with us and sun-bath or dig holes near our feet. We are trying really hard to get him to swim in the ocean, but he is like WHAT IS HAPPENING still. Instead of paddling out he leaps like a frog through the water as though the bottom is made of hot lava. I know if I went in he would follow me because we are co-dependent like that, but that water is cold, so no. We really just need a pool and all problems would be solved forever.

I have to say, it is nice being near the ocean again. I think I speak for most people when I say that if you grew up in Southern California you end up taking the ocean for granted and maybe go to the beach a few times a year? I grew up being a 15 minute drive from the ocean, and rarely went. But being away from it for so long has given me a new appreciation for it.