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Boulder Creek Redwood Retreat #2 | 18 Days

It was great being back in the woods. There’s just something so relaxing about seeing nothing but trees outside your window. After so much time on the road this year, 18 days alone (with my feline friend) in this cozy cabin was just what I needed.

 Last time I was here it was winter and I spent most days by the fire or out foraging for mushrooms. This time the temperatures reached the mid-80s most days and I found myself wishing the rains would come back. It was just so dry and hot!

However, the warm weather did encourage me to get out, do lots of hiking, and explore the area a bit more. I spent a night out at a local watering hole to see how the locals “roll”, another night out listening to amazing music at a private home concert, and an afternoon lounging on the beach in nearby Santa Cruz. I even travelled over the hill into nearby San Jose for a comedy show.

My cat companion was just as sweet as she was last time, but she seemed happier this time around; not sure if it was because she remembered me or because she was enjoying lounging in the sun all day (maybe both :)).

Duties:
– Care for 1 cat
– Water outdoor potted plants and landscaping
– Check Mail

Unexpected Benefits and/or Realizations:

– During this second sit, I realized that Boulder Creek is much more accessible than I previously thought. It was fairly easy to get over to the city as well as to the ocean. I just might have to consider moving here…

Unexpected PROBLEMS and/or Challenges:

– The weather was so dry and hot that the homeowner suggested I keep an eye on local alerts from the fire department in case of a wildfire. As the house was located at the end of a one lane private road, I admit I felt a little nervous as there was only one direction to which I could escape if needed.

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North Napa Neighborhood | 5 Days

Ahhh… back in Napa. It was good to be “home” after so many months away. This sit was the perfect opportunity not only to get some kitty cuddles (which I really needed), but also have a chance to visit with friends I hadn’t seen in over 6 months!

The cat was fairly independent and spent most the day outside. Per the owner’s instructions, I left the back slider door partially open all the time so he could come and go as he pleased. In the evenings, he would come inside, play with his toys, let me brush him, and would lounge next to me while I watched TV. He was a very chill, happy cat. He even visited me while I was in the tub 🙂

I was slightly concerned that he was allowed outside all day as I was worried he would get run over by a car and definitely did NOT want that happening while on my watch. But thankfully, he survived the sit.

Duties:
– Care for 1 cat
– Water plants
– Check mail

Unexpected Benefits and/or Realizations:

– This wasn’t so much unexpected as I knew the cat was an indoor/outdoor cat, but the fact that he didn’t use his litter box once when I was there was SO nice. I love cats but am not terribly fond of dealing with the litter box 🙂

Unexpected PROBLEMS and/or Challenges:

– Just as a couple other male cats had done during previous sits, this cat decided to mark his territory. Sadly “his territory” was my bedside table. It was easy enough to clean up but if I am being honest, I am seriously starting to rethink pet-sitting male cats.
– The cat liked to be fed at 6am (due to the owner’s early schedule) which was not ideal for a night owl like me. But we made it work just fine; I would simply feed him while I was half asleep and then head back to bed. He seemed just fine with that  🙂