The lone horse watching his herd
When traveling I like to stay at unique, off the beaten path properties. It makes the trip more memorable. On TripAdvisor I see Chanslor Guest Ranch and decide to book a trip. I love horses and have been riding for over 40 years. The property is located on Route 1 on 378 acres of foothills overlooking the ocean. A long driveway flanked by horse pastures leads to the barn and main/guest/office. I’m greeted by a friendly soul who shows me my room which is called the Ranch View Room. A sliding patio glass door is the entrance which allows views of the ranch. Simple yet comfortable furnishings adorn the room which include a queen size bed, desk and a chair and a few pictures on white walls. It has its own bath for privacy. I’m here to enjoy the outdoors so the sparse furnishings is fine.
Regarding the horses: Horse N Around Trail Ride leases the land and has rides on the property and the beach. The proceeds for the beach ride go directly to Horse Rescue which is awesome. There are about 70 horses on the ranch and 95% are rescues. They are rehabilitated and sold to a good home or kept for trail horses. The horses are well taken care of and are well mannered. They have tons of space to roam.
Cold blustery day but great ride
The first day Tony, the horse guide takes me on the Eagle View trail which overlooks the ocean from the top of the foothills of the ranch. It’s a cold, blustery day and I’m wearing my windbreaker, but the views are wonderful. Since it is just the two of us and I’m an advanced rider we lope (canter is the English term) across the field. It’s heaven. After the ride the horses are allowed to drink water from the metal tub. As I look down into the water I see goldfish swimming about. Tony tells me that the fish keep the algae down. That is a first for me and a great idea.
Goldfish and not Pepperidge farm kind either in the water
The next day I book the beach ride with Sarah. It’s beautiful going through the dunes to the beach. Its cool, windy and foggy but peaceful. A deer pops out in the brush ahead of us. It startles me but not my horse, thankfully. We ride on the beach as the waves crash onto the shore. I love the ride and could ride for hours.
Riding on the weekday mornings are the quietest times. If you can, I advise it, because it gives you the most personable experience.
The location is perfect for those who love the outdoors and horses of course. Restaurants, shopping, beaches and trails are all within 5 minutes of the property.
I explore the area and head to Bodega Head to catch a glimpse of the migrating whales. The beach is about a mile plus off the beaten path past the Marina. I see the whales in the far distance and then walk the cliff trails. What a great place to take in the views.
Narrow paths follow the ocean cliffs
A sandy beach amongst the rocks
Is it a Sign?
Lucas Wharf Restaurant
My horse guide, Tony, tells me about Lucas Wharf Restaurant, so I try it. It’s right on the wharf overlooking the harbor. I sit at the bar and order a blond ale with a splash of OJ and the short rib slider from the friendly bartender, Nicole. Nice presentation, meaty and tasty. To top it off I have the chocolate mousse with raspberry sauce on a light chocolate cake with whip cream on top. It’s served in a wine glass-yum.
Chocolate Mousse-delicious
What a wonderful stop on my way to Oregon, I would come back again.
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