The sun was low and the tide was high when we finally trekked over the towering dunes and laid our eyes on the shore. Before us laid doggy Disneyland! Dogs were everywhere darting and dashing in and out of the waves, tumbling and rolling in the sand, running and chasing up and down the shore. Dakota and Lucy could hardly wait to be off leash. Once free, Dakota ran to meet new friends, and Lucy headed straight to the water. For hours these two ran full speed. Lucy’s love for the water is equally matched by Dakota’s aversion.
Fort Funston is in San Francisco – along Highway 35 west of Lake Merced. You can find the main entry just off Skyline Boulevard. The area is covered with a web of trails great for hiking. The trails, both sandy and concrete paths, criss-cross through trees and native flora. As you reach the top of the dunes you are treated to wonderful vistas of both the city and an endless ocean.
There were happy dogs everywhere! Little dogs mixed with big dogs – every imaginable breed sniffing, prancing, and playing together.
Our fellow trail mates were friendly and helped direct us to the trails we wanted. It was nice to meet and talk with other dog owners. We met a San Franciscian there with his large Berner and chatted with him about his experience owning a Bernese Mountain Dog.
Finally, the dogs started to tire out, and we were able to sit and nosh on the picnic that I had packed. On the hike back, we stopped at a water station with a passel of lapping dogs surrounding the many water bowls.
Dirty and exhausted our dogs climbed into the blanket covered back seat of the car, and we drove on home. This was a perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
