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Vacation on a Budget: Going to the Dogs - Page 2

© Mari Brodersen

The dogs, for whom the inn is named, are working dogs, friendly but not docile. Like wolves, they have a structured social order. Almost as soon as I arrived, I went to the chain link fence surrounding the kennels. Several dogs came over to say hello. One of them,red-coated and blue-eyed, decided I was her territory and growled at another that tried to befriend me. The next day, Jaime told me that the redhead, Astro, is the alpha dog. Indeed Astro reminded me of Gypsy though she looks nothing like my companion did. At one point Astro sat on my foot, something Gypsy did frequently.

At night and in the early mornings, we were blessed with the Siberian serenade. One voice would start out, perhaps a little tentatively, and then increase in confidence and volume. Other voices joined in until the whole kennel was alive with dog song.

The breakfasts,included in the room rate, were quite large - more than I can eat. I asked for granola and fresh fruit, and that was graciously provided.

We ate lunch and dinner in Flagstaff, which has a large number and variety of restaurants ranging from fast food to high-end fine dining.

The Forest Service had closed forest roads because of extreme fire danger, so Ron wasn't able to mountain-bike as he had hoped. But we did get to bird watch a little. Among the beauties we saw were mountain bluebird, western bluebird, and Steller jay.

The weekend hurried by, and we had to leave for home all too soon. It had been a relaxing weekend and I was in no hurry to return to the valley's heat and the city's hectic pace.

We visited Montezuma's Well on our way home. I hadn't seen this fascinating desert biosystem for many years and wanted to share it with Ron. Besides, as I've said, I wasn't ready to go home just yet. The well, an ancient sinkhole in the desert, always maintains a constant water level. The ancient peoples who lived nearby irrigated their fields with the well's waters, and one can see the ruins of their homes and irrigation ditches. I could almost sense that long-ago way of life, so in tune with the earth's cycles. Native Americans no longer live near the well, but this little oasis is home to many bird species.

Our total cost for the weekend was about $360, which included a two-night stay and some fine dining on my birthday! For those who like to travel with their dogs, the Sled Dog Inn accommodates pets.

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