house sitting

Housesitting in St. George Utah and visit to Snow Canyon state park.

November 30, 2018November 30, 2018 by Sue, posted in Utah

I recently had a 10 day house sit in St. George , Utah. Well, actually the house was about 20 – 25 miles out of St. George closer to a town called Vejo. Vejo is very small and known for its pie store !

The house that I house sat at was out in the country and in a very beautiful location. The setting was so nice with a big back yard complete with lounge chairs and a hot tub overlooking the river. I took care of 3 very quirky dogs. Why do I say quirky?? All elderly and deaf. 4 cats live here as well although I did not see much of one who is feral. The dogs are Scooter who is lying next to the cats, Reese the herding mix and Mr Bean , the little black one. Mr Bean was very demanding and would bark when he wanted something such as outside, inside, on couch , off couch, on bed, off bed and especially when he wanted his breakfast at around 5:00 a.m !!! If he weren’t so incredibly cute, he could be a royal pain. However, his cuteness won me over. Reese was the only one who I could take on walks. He and I walked several times to the reservoir which was a 3 mile round trip walk and around the neighborhood . The setting here was so lovely, I never felt the need to go into town (St. George) except for once to pick up my groceries for the stay. I did however, go to Snow Canyon State park twice and what a treat that place is !!!

Image 11-29-18 at 5.52 PM — Scooter with 2 of the 4 cats , Reese, Mr Bean

Image 11-29-18 at 5.37 PM — Beautiful home in the country

P1050206 — wild turkeys come thru the yard most every day.

Photo Editor-20181104_205157 — walking to the reservoir with Reese

Snow Canyon State Park is a state park of Utah, USA, featuring a canyon carved from the red and white Navajo sandstone in the Red Mountains. The park is located near Ivins, Utah and St. George in Washington.

Snow canyon state park was just a few miles from the house and a beautiful place to hike. I went there twice and spent all day wandering around its colorful rocks.

P1050126 — one hike I went on in a canyon was tough walking due to a sand floor much like walking on the beach only not firm from the water.

P1050104 — Lots of lava rocks as well as sandstone.

All in all , I really enjoyed this house sit , the area, the house and the quirky pets.

House sitting. San Miguel de Allende.

April 13, 2018April 12, 2018 by Sue, posted in San Miguel de allende, Mexico

I had been house sitting for about a year when some Ladies named Andrea and Marianne, who I knew thru a friend in Truckee reached out to me about coming to house sit in Mexico. They had moved to San Miguel De Allende , Mexico, a couple years back. They said, Do you want to come here for 2 months and watch our dogs and house? Well, I had just read that San Miguel De Allende was voted in Travel and Leisure magazine as best city to travel to. Here is that article. http://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/city-vacations/san-miguel-de-allende-photos .

So, I said sure thing !!

Lovely house at Malanquin golf club about 2.8 miles from el Centro which is the heart of San Miguel De Allende. I would be taking care of a little Doxie named Enrique and little white fluffy Mexico poodle named Miguel. Here are some photos of where I stayed for most of the 2 months. And my little dogs. Enrique a sweet , cuddly little long haired Dachshund who was rescued from a early life of abuse and Miguel a little San Miguel De Allende street dog who lucked out and was taken off the street. There is an innteresting story about the Rebellious nuns who used to raise poodles to make money. Here is an excerpt from the book called “The Rebellious nuns”

Today the nuns make their money (every order, cloistered or not, must support itself as money doesn’t come from the Church) with their tamales (yummy) and cookies (dry). At one point the order raised white purebred poodles to make money. (There is an order of friars in New England well compensated for raising German Sheppards.) One day a new bishop came to town and demanded the nuns stop raising poodles so they opened the doors and let them free. That’s why San Miguel’s street dog population has that unique white poodle mix running through them.

The reason I posted this is because Miguel must be an offspring of these dogs. And because around every corner you see them in SMA , these white fluffy dogs. They are all over but of course mostly owned by people. In fact I saw very few street dogs in SMA.

The house sit.

The doggies.

View from Bedroom and back deck .

Miguel

Enrique.

I did not have a car in SMA however it was easy enough to get around. Once in awhile I would walk to El Centro and take the bus back. In fact I spent a lot of time walking as there are so many little neighborhoods to see. The bus cost 7 pesos to go as far as you want . 7 pesos is about 30 cents . Calling for a ride from Malanquin to town cost about 70 pesos. $3.00. There was a large store about a quarter mile down the road from the house and a couple restaurants across from that. I actually enjoyed just walking to the center of town a lot as then I would pass all the shops, restaurants, etc.. and see something new each time. Taking a taxi or bus back.

Over all I very much enjoyed the house sit and hope to go back. The dogs are both sweet, the house lovely, and so much to see and do in and around SMA . There is talk of me coming back next winter. The girls I house sat for travel a lot each year.

Here is my first view of El Centro and the Parroquia which is the famous Church of San Miguel de Allende and happens to look like a pink cake. The Parroquia as one article says is a Grand, neo-Gothic 17th-century church known for its soaring pink spires & lofty, ornate sanctuary.

San Miguel De Allende has a lot going on . Music, plays, art, amazing architecture, Mariachis nightly in El Centro. And did you know it is an Unesco world heritage site

San Miguel de Allende, UNESCO World Heritage Site

On July 8, 2008, San Miguel de Allende was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. A remarkable example of 16th-century Spanish Colonial Baroque architecture, as well as a place of vital importance during the Mexican War of Independence, San Miguel de Allende was added to the UNESCO Cultural Heritage list under the Historical City category. The city’s colonial authenticity and cultural integrity, and the excellent condition of its historic downtown (Centro Historico,) were key elements that contributed to the UNESCO designation.

It is also one of Mexico’s “Magic towns”. Read about that here:

It is also one of Mexicos “Magic towns “

When I first go to SMA I thought wow, it is crowded and it is on weekends. Many Mexicans from Mexico City and Guadalajara come to town. But it all just adds to the excitement of the whole place . Lots of mariachis, music, weddings, parades, celebrations going on all the time Never boring. In fact I am going to do a whole post about all the activity in El Centro.

SMA is made up of many beautiful little neighborhoods, such as Guadalupe with the Murals I wrote about it here , Guadalupe Murals , a neighborhood in San Miguel de allende, Mexico. botanical gardens that I posted about here El Charco del Ingenio Botanical gardens in San Miguel de allende at night. and here El Charco del ingenio , A botanical gardens in San Miguel de allende, Mexico.

There are hot springs, and ruins to go to as well as other towns of interest within an hour or 2 drive. A few I made it to but still some I did not see. Which is reason to go back.

I only made it to one of the several hotsprings called “La Gruta “. I really enjoyed it. Nice place to relax for the day. Complete with lounge chairs, shade, restaurant and bar and the cave.

Here are some photos of La Gruta.

Beautiful grounds

Entrance to the cave

I have already written a few posts on San Miguel De Allende but I experienced so much while there that I will be writing a few more in the future as well. Still have a lot to share from this beautiful city.

Here is an earlier post I did San Miguel de Allende ,Mexico.

Another about our trip to see the Monarchs. Right here Monarchs el Rosario, Mexico

I had some time off from the house sit ( 10days ) and had friends who came to visit so did a lot of things when they where there.

Here are some parting shots for now

San Miguel de allende

I will re visit SMA in some future posts but my next post will be about the beautiful Northern California coast where I am just ending a 2 week house sit with 2 sweet border collies. Had great weather so it was truly lovely.

Coming soon. Fort Bragg, California.

Carson City , Nevada

January 23, 2018January 23, 2018 by Sue, posted in Uncategorized

I am staying in a cute little Air BNB in Carson city for a few nights on my way to the Reno airport to fly out to San Miguel de Allende , Mexico which is where my next house sit is . It will be for 2 months and taking care of 2 dogs. I am excited. Have never been to SMA although have been to other parts of Mexico many times.

So, just wanted to post about Carson city. Another one of those towns that was not that far from my hometown of Truckee, California.

I have come to Carson city before for a day here and there but have to say I really enjoyed my 3 night stay. It is winter so kind of quite however I do know there are a lot of events and music going on here in the summer months.

Carson city is the capitol of Nevada. Here is a little something from the Carson city visitor site.

“Carson City, Nevada boasts an array of outdoor adventures, fine restaurants, challenging golf courses, historical attractions, museums, gaming opportunities and a plethora of events and entertainment. Visitors will find plenty of exciting activities and experiences to choose from. The heart of the action–Carson City is nestled just minutes from world famous Lake Tahoe, electrifying Reno, historic Virginia City and the majestic Sierra Nevada mountain range.”

I stayed in the nicest little AirBNB for a super reasonable price and just around the corner from the downtown. Very comfy little place. Photo Editor-20180120_160730 one of my favorite things about Carson city, besides the mountainous views, is the Carson Hot springs. Wow ! I love this place. You can soak outside in a large pool and 2 jacuzzi tubs or you can get a private room. The think I like about the rooms is that you get super hot water !! The temps in the rooms range from 102 to 109. I chose 107 for the last two nights. I have been fighting off a cold or flu bug so wanted to sweat it out of me. You can also wander outside to use the Hammer ( a very strong fast moving jet of hot water that comes out of a pipe above the pool and pounds your achy muscles). All this for only $15 for a room for 2 hours (senior price ! Yup, I am a senior !) or $20 for younger folks. If you only want to use the outside it is $10 or $15. The place was packed on the weekend. They have a fire pit outside and families come and bring all kinds of food and hang out all day. But, today , Monday was very quite. Photo Editor-20180121_191431.jpg

Carson is a cute little town with some nice restaurants , breweries, wine shops, antique stores, coffee shops, funky bars and even a couple casinos. Lake Tahoe is not far away with hiking trails all around . A bit laid back this time of year. But, fun stuff happening here in summer. Free outdoor music once a week, Bluegrass festival, Mountain man event, and much more.

I plan to spend a couple nights again on my way back from Mexico in the same AirBNB cause it was such a bargain !!! And I love the Hot springs.

Photo Editor-20180122_214111.jpg

Meanwhile , Adios and see you in Mexico !!

Nevada city , California.

January 3, 2018 by Sue, posted in Uncategorized

I had the pleasure of doing a 2 week house sit in Nevada city , Ca. in Oct. taking care of a sweet kitty named Mala .

20171026_170343 — House in Nevada city that I house sat at was in a nice country setting.

20171026_224156 — Mala was an adorable 1 year old kitty.

I really enjoyed that house sit. So much to see and do in and around Nevada city .

Nevada City is among the most interesting of California Gold Rush towns, attracting visitors from far and wide. The entire downtown district is a national historic landmark where guests enjoy quality dining, lodging, and shops, all flavored with old-fashioned Nevada City hospitality. And there is the Yuba River !

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The Beautiful Yuba River. Originating in a bowl-shaped valley in Moscove Meadow, the 55.4-mile-long (89.2 km) Middle Yuba River flows north into Jackson Meadows Reservoir, then turns west, descending steeply into a gorge, defining over almost its entire length the boundary of Sierra County in the north and Nevada County in the south. I did quite a few walks along the Yuba while I was there. Here are a few shots.

Nevada city

I also went to Malakoff Diggings state park which is not far from Nevada city. Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park is the site of California’s largest “hydraulic” mine. Visitors can see huge cliffs carved by mighty streams of water, results of the gold mining technique of washing away entire mountains to find the precious metal. Legal battles between mine owners and downstream farmers ended this method. The park also contains a 7,847 foot bedrock tunnel that served as a drain. The visitor center offers a short video on hydraulic mining and exhibits on life in the old mining town of North Bloomfield. North Bloomfield experienced its heyday from the late 1860’s to 1884, with nearly 1,500 inhabitants. Here are some photos.

Some scenes from driving around in the hills of Nevada city area below.

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Nevada city is a town for music lovers too !! There is live music every night of the week in one of the many bars or restaurants. Coopers ale works, Crazy Horse saloon, The Golden Era , Friar Tucks, Mateos public, Crazy how much music there is in such a small town. One of the other reasons I loved it so much. I am a huge music lover . Saw Reggae one night. Bluegrass one night. Old Jazz Harlem style one night. 70’s one night. yes, I went out a bit for music while there. Why not? It was all in the small town and easy to walk from place to place. I did happen to be there on Halloween weekend too which was quite an event in Nevada city. Here are some photos of that.

Another thing I did which was a highlight was going to the Pickers get together at the Grange Hall in Rough and Ready. Rough and Ready is another small town a few miles from Nevada city and every Sunday the pickers get together at the grange hall to do a little socializing and picking. Here is what that looks like. So fun. Nice folks too.

Another stop I made while driving the country roads around Nevada city was in a speck of a town called North San Juan. North San Juan is a town of about 300 people and I would say most of them are involved in the growing and distribution of Marijuana. It was a super hot day when I was passing thru North San Juan and I saw this bar. I thought how nice a cold beer would taste and might be fun to meet some of the locals. I was right about both. Great icy cold beer and colorful locals . I even had my future read by the local phsycic fortune teller.

Nevada city is only about 60 miles from my hometown Truckee, CA. But I never really got to know it till I did this 2 week house sit. I sure enjoyed it and would go back again to house sit if the opportunity arrises.

December 4, 2017April 16, 2018 by Sue, posted in house sitting

When I started this journey in June I had thought about getting an RV and traveling that way. Then I got on Trusted house sitters.com Sorry, But I am trying to learn to add links with no success. If you want info on this site message me. I can send you a link. In fact if you want to sign up then please do let me send you a link as I get some free months if you sign up.

I had already been taking care of people’s pets in my own hometown and I added these references onto my profile on Trusted housesitters and immediately I secured 2 house sits in Washington. While there I picked up 2 more. Most of the house sits I do here in my local community are paid sits. But, to travel and house sit there are several websites with listings that are based on trade. The listings on some are worldwide so nice way to find a house sit in a new local. You watch the house and you get to travel to a new area and have a place to stay for free. Of course the price for that is usually watching some pets.

I must say I enjoyed all the house sits I got from Trusted House sitters. And , now I am back in Truckee for awhile doing some house sits here. You see, I need to also make some money so can not do all year round free sits. But, it is a nice way to see a new area once in awhile.

My first sit was in Edmonds , Washington for 3 weeks. Lovely family , beautiful location and sweet pets. I took care of 2 cats, 2 rabbits, and 9 chickens. Realy enjoyed it there. Edmonds although a suburb of Seattle is quite quaint and lovely. Walking along the shoreline and watching the boats and ferries is great. From there , after a week camping at Olympic National park Olympic National park. Washington I had a week long sit in Monroe , Washington. This was with Shift the 4 month old cat who looked like an adult cat. Maine coon. This sit was interesting in that it was in an RV . Very nice RV about 40 feet in length. Parked in a nice park along a river with pool and hot tub. Not bad at all.

From there I took a bit over 3 weeks off and went camping in Montana Glacier National park. Loved it ! Also went to Polson Montana is my kind of town. Loved that area as well. The problem I had a lot this last summer was that so many places where smokey due to the terrible amount of forest fires in the Western United States.

So, after getting tired of camping in smokey areas I decided to see if I could pick up a short sit on my way to a 5 week house sit in Vancouver , Washington with Hermione. I got a 4 night sit in Portland with 2 dogs, a cat and 2 chickens.

From there I went to my longest sit of the summer which was 5 weeks in Vancouver , Washington with Hermione , a little Corgi dog. I loved it here. Close to Portland which is a fantastic city , yet far enough away to be a bit quieter. The house was an old , large house with a fantastic garden !!! So much food in the garden. A perk of that job. Hermione was little corgi girl and such a doll. Really enjoyed taking care of her.

All in all it was a great summer. I saw a lot . I stayed in some lovely homes. Took care of some awesome pets. All of which I become attached to !! At the end of each house sit I would feel kind of sad to be leaving my new little furry friends.

Now I am in Truckee, California ( my hometown !) doing various house and pet sitting jobs . Have been here since mid October and will stay till January 24th.

I did go to Nevada city , California for a 2 week sit. Another lovely area !! Realy liked it , the house and the kitty ! In fact I may do my next post about it.

January 24th I take off to do a 2 month house sit in San Miguel De Allende, Mexico ! Yea!!! I got this one thru a friend. So, excited to see that part of the world.

Over all , I really like this house sitting business. I do still think about getting a small RV or camper van so that when I just want time on my own I have a home. Tenting is okay but a camper would be preferable. And allthough house sitting is a nice way to travel , you are taking care of pets and so it is not all free time. I want the camper or RV so that I can take free time when I want . Overall , I think it would be a great mix to house sit some and RV travel some.

Below are some photos of my various pets I took care of and places I stayed from this last year . Hover your mouse on any photo for a description. If you want to see any photo larger then click on it.