I got really lucky this holiday season. But, it was also my birthday on the 21st. So I’ve always gotten the “here’s your b-day/Christmas present” thing that happens. It never has bothered me though. I just kind of find it amusing, as if people are making up for themselves. To me, having your birthday around the holidays means endless festivities and joyfulness and parties and feel-good times. I like my holiday birthday.

But this time I was totally astonished. I have a “bestie” from when we were 25 years younger that wanted to treat me, Charley, AND Stella to something that I will not forget.

This friend rented an AirBNB in Sequim, WA that ACCEPTED NOT ONLY DOGS, BUT CATS AS WELL. For five full days. Five full days. It happened to be on 5 acres of land in the middle of seemingly nowhere. I can not explain how happy Charley was, and how Stella came out of her shell. We were in a two bedroom place with a patio that opened up to this total bird sanctuary. We were seeing hummingbirds come up to the feeders, sometimes 4 at a time. Actually stopped their wings and kicked it on the feeder. The whole time Stella kept looking out the glass door doing these little “chattering” noises that I can only stock up to her wanting to get a chance at them. It was adorable. 

Charley had full reign of this huge backyard. The only stipulation was to not let your dog potty around the flower beds. That was cool enough. Charley has great manners and one little stern warning was all it took to keep her from doing her thing where it was not wanted. She’s a great dog.

We had this access to the Dungeness trail that kept going on a straight, flat line (it used to be a railroad) for miles. We ended up walking a total of 5 miles, saw amazing trees, was able to listen to silence, and pass by friendly people. Charley was having the time of her life. When we got back “home” she ended up passing out right in the middle of the floor, with her face planted straight into the carpet. 

Stella did not miss us at all. She had full reign of the AirBNB house. It was her day as well. She didn’t have to deal with Charley’s playfulness. 

We also went to the HOH rain forest. Stella had to stay at base camp, but Charley came along in the truck ride there. However, pets (dogs) weren’t allowed on the trail due to the wildlife and their inclination of not taking kind to domestic creatures. We did happen to be within 6 feet of some baby elk on the way there, which was amazing. 

I was okay with Charley not being able to go, because I didn’t want to anger any wildlife. Plus, they had these signs out that said there had been recent reports of mountain lions in the area, and to keep your children close. That was a bit unsettling. So we just went about 1/2 a mile up the trail and turned around.

If anybody gets a chance to go to the HOH rain forest, I highly recommend it. It had these huge trees just dripping with moss from trunk to the top. It’s also Big Foot territory. Just being in the forest I totally could imagine coming into contact with one of them. We swore we heard a knocking in the trees which is a common trait of people claiming to be in close vicinity of one. 

On our way out, at dusk, it was really creepy cool. We literally were deep in the forest on a two way road with trees on both sides of us that were dense. I kept getting paranoid that we would break down on the way back and tried to imagine what we would do. That’s just how my mind thinks.

When we got back to the AirBNB Stella happened to be missing, only to find her behind the washer and the dryer in the little cottage. She was fine and not freaked out at all. She was just kicking it in her new found spot. 

All three of us also went on our first ferry ride! I’ve never been before so it was very exciting for me. Poor Charley and Stella had to wait in the car while my friend and I took advantage of the outside deck.

But the one thing that I realized from being gone from our place for five days is that both Charley and Stella knew they were on vacation. They both enjoyed themselves and I’m sure they wish they were back there again. I think that pets know when you are going to go on vacation, and when they are on vacation. Charley was so excited the whole time, while Stella was excited Charley wasn’t paying as much attention to her. 

I think that it is just equally important to include pets in vacation plans. I know that after that little excursion that we all came back relaxed, and a little bit closer to each other. It was the most amazing birthday present I’ve had in a long time. Charley and Stella are coming along on any other plans in the future. 

Oh, we also went to the Strait of San Juan De Fuca. It was absolutely beautiful. I can’t seem to be able to download some pictures to this post but I will as soon as I figure this out.