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Solo Traveling Part 2, Dog-Friendly Beaches on the Pacific North Coast.

California and Oregon Beaches and where you can bring your fur babies.

First feature, McVay Rock State Park. Dog- friendly beaches for the solo female traveler.

photo of solo female travel ideas with a dutch shepherd pacific coast highway wellness ideas — McVay State Beach, Oregon.

As you know, Caoihme goes literally everywhere with me.

She is my protector. She is my travel partner. She is everything to me, and I never leave her behind.

Having said that, when we hit the road in our Forest River R-Pod, discovering new campsites and beaches was a priority.

Since Caoihme is a certified service dog, we have full access both locally and nationally. But we are not the norm.

I have met so many full-time travelers along the way, and 9 times out of 10 they have their dogs!

One of the goals of this road trip was to discover dog-friendly beaches.

I was taught an incredible tip from a Forest Ranger we befriended at Castle Crag.

You see, California and Oregon Coast beaches rarely allow dogs ON the beach. However, a mile south or north of a state park does. When she told me I was so shocked!

So if a State Park includes a beach, you are allowed on the outskirts of that park with your pup!

This is not something widely shared.

We tested the theory when we cut across to the Oregon Coast.

I looked up state parks that included beaches and McVay Rock was on the map.

Even better there was a parking lot, few people, and a gorgeous black sand/rock-ish beach.

It was perfect for stretching out Caoihme’s legs. Even more perfect was how quiet it was, clearly not a place people knew much about.

Make sure you have shoes that grip!

A simple trail down the hill dropped you to the beach. However, it was steep and unsteady so be sure to wear good shoes. For some reason, I was wearing my chucks.

And yes, I paid for it, OUCH!

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/n66QZx_eAnk

The crashing of the waves is forever my favorite sound.

Also decided to start a youtube channel to bring you more to-life sounds and inspiration. I will do my best to upload as much as possible!

I highly recommend you visit on your travels.

Helpful Information:

📍McVay Rock State Park

98600 Seahorse Ln
Brookings, OR 97415
United States

Day Fee: FREE

Frisbee and Golf Area; 9 Holes.

Enclosed Dog Park

Parking Area (Free)

Lodging: 2021 Rpod 190 Camper

Equipment Used: RYOBI 2300 Blutooth Gas Generator

Nearby State Park for Camping: Alfred Loeb State Park

The journey continues…

Cheers!

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TRAVEL

WANDERLUSTING – CASTLE CRAG

After packing up the RPod and my pup, I hit the road with no plan.

I knew I wanted to finally explore some of California’s beautiful offerings and finish the last few chapters of my book. First stop, Castle Crag.

When Caiohme and I left home, one of the goals was to escape the blistering heat. The Sacramento Valley as been insanely uncomfortable.

Unfortunately, that didn’t happen our first couple of nights.

As we trekked North up Interstate 5 I realized I had made my first mistake.

I had not checked the weather.

Yep! Castella, California, was in the upper 90’s℉ and climbing. “Damnitjim!”

Another goal was to hike Castle Crag Dome via Craigs Trail.

Despite the heat, I knew it was going to be worth it.

Photo of Rpod 190 bedroom Solo Traveling California and Oregon Coast — Night one, blistering hot!

Castle Crag had been on my Travel Listography for years!

Ten miles south of the insanely popular Mount Shasta lies the stunning granite formations. Castle Crag is over 170 million years old.

We arrived after a 6 or so hour drive. I made my way around the entire campground and chose a site on the Upper Loop. Nice and quiet.

The first thing I noticed was the grounds are very clean. The host is incredibly friendly. The location is fantastic.

Each site had a fire ring, picnic table, and asphalt pad.

The crags themselves reminded me of Scotland. Other than the obvious difference in temperature, these crests before me had a Man of Storr spirit about them.

As I stared at the beauty, I reminisced about that intense climb. Crazy it was just a few short months ago on the Isle of Skye.

(Quick Tip: when you check into a site, ask the Ranger where they would stay if they were a visitor!)

Caoihme and I settled in and waited for the temp to drop.

I fired up my generator (thanks AW!) and cooled down the Rpod.

Caoihme and I took off on our first walkabout to Vista Point to stretch our legs. I also wanted to check out the terrain at the bottom of the Castle Dome.

After a much-needed night’s rest, we hit the trail right before dawn.

If you believe AllTrails, an app I love to find hikes, Craigs Trail to Castle Dome is rated as “hard.”

This particular trail was a solid 6 miles round trip, truthfully, due to extra wandering.

However, I did not find it strenuous at all. The final mile to the dome was a bit slippery due to the crushed rock. That was definitely noted.

I would guess the rating is due to the elevation climb. Living in Lake Tahoe elevation definitely has my lungs healthy!

The trail climbs 2,000ft in elevation during the 2.5 miles. Definitely not for everyone.

For me, it was absolutely worth it.

The 360 views were breathtaking. Even more so was the experience of staying at Castle Crag State Park.

(Quick Tip: Avoid a congested trail and heat, leave at dawn. Don’t forget the bug spray!)

48 Hours later, we headed north. Still no plan.

After a ton of “adventuring,” as my bonus son would say, I packed up and headed back up on Interstate 5 North towards the Oregon border.

Had no idea where we were going, but that has been the best part!

No itinerary and no plan.

Interested in staying at a State Park?

Use this link: RESERVE CALIFORNIA if you are booking more than 48 hours out.

(Quick Tip: If you are booking “day of,” the Reserve California website will say they are fully booked. Call the park number; they are incredibly helpful)

Helpful Information:

Castle Crag Campground is only dry camping (no water or electrical hook-ups.) Full bathrooms and showers are available for overnight campers.

Camping Fee: $36.00 per night

Day Fee: $8.00

Lodging: 2021 Rpod 190 Camper

Equipment Used: RYOBI 2300 Blutooth Gas Generator

Nearby State Park: McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial SP

The journey continues….

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SOLO TRAVELING – The Pacific North Coast

Solo Traveling; The Pacific North Coast

I will definitely document my trip details and share my new favorite discoveries.

But so far, my new favorite discovery is how far I have come.

I love to wander with no plan.

I love to solo travel, with Caoihme. The ocean specifically has always been my calming place.

Having no plan, no timeline, and no itinerary has been insanely empowering. I turn 49 years young this month, and I have never felt more alive.

5 years ago, I was struggling with the reality that my life was never going to look the same.

While that’s true, this now life, this version of me, and the life I have created, is so damn glorious.

I realized I had done it by myself. This is my upgraded and beautiful new canvas.

5 years ago I could never have done this. This was not a reality available to me. I never put myself first in the past.

But now? So in love with this life.

I love that I am hooking up my R-Pod by myself. And the “oh shit!” mistakes that I make.

I love hiking, spelunking, and sleeping inside my camper, not knowing where the next location will be.

My legs are sore from setting up and breaking down camp. And my fingernails are usually broken, my hair in knots. I love that too.

I love that I don’t wear makeup.

I love that I married a man who understands this insatiable desire to keep growing in self. A marriage that thrives on independence, not codependency.

I love that my family understands I need this solitude for my wellness.

Lastly, I love that I’m becoming someone who was always a part of me but wasn’t in the right environment to bloom.

I love that my past life has no room in the current one.

Be well, my beautiful friends, and Happy Labor Day.

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SELF-CARE SUNDAY

Self Care Sunday

“When the past calls do not answer! I promise you there is nothing new to hear or be said.”

I reflected today about the woman in that first post (me.) Damn, I am so proud of her.

As early as last year, I was allowing the past to resurface. That’s on me. Reflection time.

And though I do not collect pound puppies anymore (regardless of their matted fur and fleas), it was absolutely a process with the people in my life.

So today, on this absolutely beautiful Sunday I hope you find the courage not to answer the phone.

To have a conversation with someone that has disrespected you. Only they benefit. You validate them by doing so.

They have nothing new to say. I promise you.

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“BE BRAVE, TAKE RISKS. NOTHING CAN SUBSTITUTE EXPERIENCES.“– Paulo Coelho

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Be Brave and Take Risks; Nothing will ever substitute your experiences.

My journey continues, and it’s so beautiful and full of new adventures. Also one of the many reasons it’s been crickets here on my blog.

Remember me encouraging those solo travels? You can read that HERE if you wish!

I pulled the trigger and bought my dream camper!

So, traveling has been often and vast.

A.W. and I had been looking for what felt like forever.

Back and forth from a Toy Hauler 5th Wheel to my dream camper, the R-Pod 190, which has illuded my grasp for years!

As luck would have it, while on a late winter Harley ride…boom!

There she was, being dropped off at a dealer we were passing (insert yelling via Bluetooth through my helmet.)

Within days I had finished decorating in my favorite styles, textures, and colors.

After loading up my amazing camper with all my gear, Caoihme and I were on our way.

We began by trekking down the Pacific Coast Hwy. The following week, down the I-5 to Southern California. Then Lake Tahoe, and so many new finds I hope to share.

Thank God A.W. walked me through the endless gadgets, hoses, etc, because it’s A LOT! I am still making rookie moves (yikes!)

This girl can never get enough of the ocean. Relaxing and watching my bonus daughter surf in Pacifica, California.

Solo Traveling, I honestly cannot get enough.

I get asked fairly often how I am so comfortable solo traveling. People do think I’m crazy!

First, Caoihme is a trained service dog and protects me with her life. She and I train with Dustin Winn in Southern California as much as possible. So I am not “fearful,” being she is so alert and observant when I am not!

Second, I cannot live in fear. It’s just not in my DNA.

Traveling alone is how I continue to explore my thoughts, dig a little deeper, and sit in self.

Pushing myself to do things alone is something I had to master truly. There have only been positive outcomes!

And when Caoihme and I miss AW he seems to track us down just fine❤️.

So get out and just go. I promise you won’t regret it.

Cheers!

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A MUCH DELAYED UPDATE

This a much-delayed update, indeed.

It’s been a while! For so many reasons: One being I have been gleefully traveling the world again!

Two, The Lost Itinerary Clothing Co. is going bonkers! More below.

Three, finishing up my book while at my second home in Scotland was always the plan. When I arrived back home to the UK I realized I much preferred to be PRESENT with A.W. and my amazing bonus son 🤎!

Book update coming this coming week! SO excited!

Sold out of our WANDERLUSTING T in just a few short days and finally restocked: You can PURCHASE HERE ➡ Wanderlusting T-Shirt

Our Travel Inspired Clothing Line – The Lost Itinerary Clothing Co.

My daughter and I began this sweet, simple, yet very personal travel-inspired clothing line. Our target consumer? The wanderlust crowd, of course!

Classic White T’s, Crew, and Hooded Sweatshirts, we are so in love with all we have created!

Obsessive Wanderlust Disorder

It is real, is it not?

I am definitely obsessive about wandering the planet, and I am so incredibly blessed to be able to.

Sitting on the beaches of the Pacific Coast Highway, hiking the Sierra Nevada Mountains, or simply bumming it around a bonfire, we hope you are cozy while doing so.

So much more to come! I promise it is so good 📍

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Eckhart Tolle knows what he’s taking about.

This could be no more true than it is today. And I am so grateful.

“THE PAST HAS NO POWER OVER THE PRESENT MOMENT.”

But it was definitely not always how I felt.

Like most of you that read this site, at one point EVERYTHING felt “present.”

I felt stuck in myself, only living in the past. Because it was the only way I felt I could understand it.

When you are dealing with loss, trauma, betrayal, death…any major unexpected change, it feels as if life will never start moving forward.

The “past” felt as if it would always be my “present.”

Pacific coast highway traveling photo — As always, traveling is my healing space. I remember this moment so clearly. I took the deepest breath.

I know how hard it is to have a heavy heart. To feel like the tightrope you’re walking is going to snap beneath you, that you will be walking that rope forever trying to not fall off of it.

When I stopped trying to understand, when I stopped trying to make sense of it when I finally CLEANED HOUSE of toxic people, I began to live in my present and my past no longer mattered.

One day it will all make sense. I am living in the “why.”

There may not be a “why,” but there will be a “this is why.”

One day it will all make sense. Your heart will not only heal it will soar higher than you ever thought possible.

You are stronger than you think. You’re closer than you think. You’re healing. The past does not control you. It does not identify you. It does not have permission to keep you.

You will love and be loved greater, healthier, and more intensely like you never believed possible.

AW is my why. This incredible life is my why. You won’t know your why until it wraps its arms around you with so much security, passion, and integrity. Then I implore you to lean into it. You deserve it.

“The past has no power over the present.” Say it, over and over and over again if you have to.

Happy Beautiful Saturday to you all. You got this. I am proof.

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RE·SIL·IENT | \ RI-ˈZIL-YƏNT

Building an even better life after my divorce, it was time to be selfish.

photo of a woman hiking in the Sierra Nevadas with a yellow labrador

“Aliee you are so strong.”

“How do you do it?”

“I wouldn’t be able to survive as you have.”

Compliments right? Everything happens for a reason I’ve robotically said on repeat.

Definition of resilient:

characterized or marked by resilience: such a

a: capable of withstanding shock without permanent deformation or rupture

b: tending to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change

For the longest time, I really thought all of the crap life has thrown at me was just normal.

From the trauma (it’s not a dirty word FYI) of my parent’s 15 + years of “on and off,” to hearing my grandmother’s gut-wrenching sobs and denials down the hallway learning my cousin David was dead, he was 18, I was 16.

Also; married then divorced and a single mother of 2 babies by 21 years old. Desperately trying to navigate a chronically ill daughter, a son with mental illness, at the time a broken tumultuous relationship with both of my parents. Yep, it was a blur.

I will never deny that a therapist in my life has served their purpose.

However, I also had a therapist that cause more damage than good. Accepting my handwritten check and rotating their next “client” in during the worst time of my 40’s. Thanks, asshole.

But, thank the heavens in 2018 I found a $180/hr box of Kleenex and a leather couch that rivals my F-Bombs; he threw a bucket of verbal ice cold water on me.

Him: “Alison why hell do you think your life has been ‘normal’?”

Me: (insert smart-ass deflecting response that I will keep to myself)

Him: “No.”

I have always believed that I was resilient.

I mean we all have chaos, right? I was not resilient.

Let’s recap: as per Webster’s Dictionary: “capable of withstanding shock without permanent deformation or rupture.” I mean sounds lovely to say you’re resilient, but life check that’s bullshit.

Everything in life is permanent. It’s massive. It’s powerful. The power (also not a dirty word) is recognizing it.

I am resilient in my convictions.

Resilient in my drive to do better, be better and not intentionally inflict pain on anyone and that includes me. I am resilient in my conviction that I will never again be taken advantage of again via friends, families, and men…the list is vast and wide.

To this day, say to my dearest friends constantly:

“Be kind to yourself!”

“Love yourself above everyone.”

“Sit in grace and breathe.”

I say this to myself now.

I practice what I preach. I don’t accept anything in life that doesn’t serve my happiness. Selfish? Maybe.

I will never apologize for it again.

Keep climbing. Keep pushing. Get uncomfortable with yourself; if that means asking those you truly trust to put you in check. Or do what I do. Take a walk.

Cheers,

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I’ve spent the first month of 2022 simply enjoying the prospects of the New Year!

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Happy Thursday!

I’ve indeed spent the first month of 2022 simply enjoying the prospects of the New Year!

As I look back and reflect on 2021, more specifically the creation of this website, I sit in so much gratitude.

Guiding and helping you navigate your own journey has continued to inspire me. I can’t quite articulate how intensely it has helped ME in my dedication to wellness.

I began this website for all of us.

When I went live with my site in 2021 I was determined to open up about my traumas. I was so damn scared. But it has helped me triumph. This website is for all of us and has become something so much bigger than me. Turning my trauma into triumph…I like how that sounds!

Finding love again, finding honesty and integrity in both love and friendship is quite truthfully something I feared would not happen. I feared that the betrayals I experienced left me so scarred I would simply settle on a solo life surrounded by people I could never trust. I was resigned to it frankly. But here I sit surrounded by devotion and that fills my heart and soul daily.

Clearing out 2021 and making room for 2022 personally and professionally.

I am also grateful for all that 2021 brought to my personal and professional life.

Creating this site, signing a book deal as well as starting a business with my daughter, wow, so much has happened.

Finding the strength to get out of my own way and clear out the “ick” in my life.

Last year I changed mental daily habits. I changed diet and exercise. I live a healthier life both physically and emotionally, I now have the power to clean house of what does not serve my happiness.

Caoihme came into my life like a tornado! Going down to Southern California for her to train with Dustin Winn, well it doesn’t get much better than that.

She has become my protective side kick, travel buddy and loves adventure probably more than I do. This girl will do absolutely anything I ask of her, including multiple plane rides.

And of course the fun stuff, it was a pretty amazing year! Multiple trips to the Hawaiian Islands, Lake Tahoe, Mexico, and of course the ocean both with AW and alone.

Though I miss my U.K. home and life there terribly, I know in just a few short weeks I’ll be crossing the pond with Caoihme ✈️

My hope is you reflect on life’s teachings over the past 12 months and implement them into your wellness path. I know I will be. Sometimes it takes months or years to truly see things clearly.

I welcome new lessons with open mind, eyes and a very open heart to accept what comes my way. It’s going to be a huge year for myself and my family.

A huge THANK YOU to all of my readers, clients and subscribers. Happy New Year! ✨

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Self Care Sunday – Travel Alone

Dreaming and planning my 2022 travels, which will, of course, include the ocean.

Oh, 2021, how intense you have been, but that didn’t temper my wanderlust.

I’ve talked a ton about my obsession with travel. So for this Self Care Sunday entry, I thought I’d merge the two!

Traveling solo (now with Caoihme) is my greatest gift to myself.

My wanderlust has not faded, in the least.

The first solo trip during my journey to wellness was an international jaunt across the pond.

I was reminded today of the glorious, freeing, educational experience it was.

Self Care for me is sometimes being alone.

Have you tried traveling for wellness? Of course, there are simple yet fantastic local travels at my fingertips in the US and UK; I don’t take that for granted.

Currently, here in Northern California, I am so fortunate to throw the pup in the Jeep, grab a book & snacks in a bag, and we’re off.

I can’t count how many trips she and I have taken, just the two of us.

What has been consistent is how freeing it is. I have fueled my brain through silence. And fueled my body through activities I must do alone, like setting up and breaking down camp.

I have also fueled my desire to continue sitting in silence. Exploring what this life still has to offer. I cannot do that surrounded by noise.

Book that flight or jump in that car.

Dutch Shepherd traveling solo travel for women self care travel — Caoihme’s most recent flight to Southern California.

Think about getting out of your comfort zone and taking a flight. Go for it.

Jump in your car. Don’t be codependent on your partner, and do everything with them.

Yes, it’s so very beautiful to experience traveling this world with those you love. It’s equally glorious (for me at least) to head on out and just land somewhere….preferably with an ocean view!

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SELF CARE SUNDAY – BE BRAVE

Do you believe in manifesting? Are you brave enough to imagine and then receive change?

A couple of years back when I was learning to come to terms with the hi-jacking of my life, I began to visualize what I wanted it to look like going forward. And whoa was I all over the place!

I mean where do you really begin after such a major life change?

So true to form when my mind gets flooded, I busted out my journal and wrote down everything that wanted to be placed in my life going forward.

I knew it was time to get out again and keep on exploring the world, but more importantly to begin the painting process.

What I now know to be as manifesting.

There I was dreaming of my own place in the United Kingdom (✔️) praying for signs, for some type of outlet that filled my creative mind (✔️) get into the best shape of life (✔️) someday falling madly into love again, also (✔️.)

The list was large and vast. I still look at it from time to time on page 11 of my 2018 journal.

If you want to make positive changes in your life be brave!

The thought of trying to achieve all I had written down was overwhelming. And it was overwhelming because I didn’t have the courage to put myself first yet.

When I did find that inner power to change my life the riches were abundant. Both emotionally, spiritually, and physically.

The greatest investment you can make is in yourself.

Visualize what that looks like, close your eyes, breathe deeply, and focus. Then write it down.

Affirm your choices by doing something about them.

Don’t wait around for changes. Be positive. Stay positive.

Remind yourself every morning when you wake up and every evening when you lay your head on the pillow of the beautiful life you want.

Then go get it.

And don’t settle for anything less.

Happy Sunday friends.

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New Series – Self Care Sunday

Self Care Sunday

I love Sundays. There are multiple reasons why but I have had the thought of doing a self-care Sunday for quite some time.

There are multiple topics I have written down that I will touch on. This is the first one I want to discuss, as it has been on my mind while writing my book.

So this last Sunday of November, I have this to ask – Are you waiting for someone to change? Is it preventing your growth?

I’ve discussed previously the need we have for an apology from the ones we love or loved.

When we wait for someone to change a behavior, we lose our self-control and power. So let us start there. To apologize is to self-reflect, no?

Don’t misunderstand. A true apology from someone is often all it takes. When it comes from a genuine place, of course, that’s important and can be a beautiful learning-in-love moment.

We all screw up; we all do and say things out of passion, anger, frustration, and fear.

It’s owning it, recognizing the hurt you may have inflicted, and then changing that behavior that truly matters.

Quit waiting on someone else’s inability to change or provide you with something for your life to improve.

When someone we love hurts us, and they don’t rectify the behavior or attempt to change it, we get stuck in self.

We often fall into an unhealthy headspace waiting for them to fix it because we love them.

But that is their job to the self-reflection on their behaviors. That is their job to make changes should they want to. Not yours.

Waiting for someone to self-reflect on their actions is not serving you. It is holding you back.

Stay on your journey and stay on your path.

Your life will not improve if you cannot explore what in your history has prevented you from growing. Are you growing if you’re repeating history? Are you living in a revolving door of insecurities that you are allowing yourself to be mistreated? Do you see how this all ties together?

My hope for you is to keep working on self-awareness and self-respect. Ask yourself if the people in your life have the ability to grow with you.

If not, should they be in your present and future? Take accountability for your own life and realize it’s not about what they have done. It’s what you are allowing them to do.

Care for yourself. Love yourself.

Sit in self this Sunday, and let me remind you that you deserve an absolutely beautiful life. Continue to build it, my friends, unapologetically.

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