San Diego’s been unseasonably muggy and warm lately, so yesterday our little family went to my favorite place to cool off. My wife and I grabbed our dog Dudley, hopped in the car and headed to a hidden gem in the middle of the city.
Shelter Island was one of my favorite escapes when we lived nearby on the coast. Great views, nice breeze, and most importantly for us locals, no tourists, bar hoppers or beach crowds.
Luckily it’s just a quick 20 minute drive from our new neighborhood, with no traffic even on a gorgeous Saturday. You gotta love warm weather towns after summer break.
We all needed this. Dudley hasn’t been himself lately and these last few months have been an adjustment to his senior years. We were long overdue for a pick-me-up.
I used to love walking around Shelter Island with Dudley and we hadn’t done it in ages, so it was worth a shot to see if he’d perk up.
And it worked! Maybe he remembered our countless walks, or maybe he just enjoyed the short walk and fresh grass. Either way, it seemed to do the trick. His usual jittery nerves smoothed out and the whole gang settled on a blanket to relax.
When my little guy is happy, I’m happy. The old cliché “happy wife, happy life” is one of my mantras and now I’ve added “happy little dog, happy big dog.”
It’s funny to write a tribute about something as simple as sitting with a calm dog, watching harbor traffic.
This past year since we moved has been a whirlwind. I love the new hood and don’t regret the move. I’ve had a blast exploring new trails on my bike and there’s always at least one monthly group ride to look forward to.
But it’s felt like a hamster wheel at times and I forgot how vital it is to recharge with stillness, not just energy and motion. You have to mix up the usual routines sometimes with something chill and serene. Peaceful even.
I honestly can’t remember the last quiet outing like this, the kind where I remember to bring my small point and shoot camera. It feels fantastic to put the phone away, look up, and be present in the moment.
Boats drifting, a fresh sea breeze, my sweet dog chilling next to us… Yesterday was a nice day, a slow perfect afternoon before the season turns and it’s proper fall weather again.
And a good reminder to take a step back and enjoy the simple things.