My favorite place to walk Henry in the Bay Area is the Bulb. Somehow this place never gets crowded. On weekends it can be a bit harder to park, but this doesn’t mean you and your dog will be surrounded by tons of dogs and their people. Many people are afraid to walk there due to the homeless population and drug users who inhabit or frequent the place. However, I have found all those living in “Bum’s Paradise” (a.k.a. the Bulb) to be friendly or at the very least, non confrontational about us tramping through their backyard.
It is a great place for a hound because they can dart in and out of bushes, searching for dog only knows, while the land is surrounded by a body of water on three sides, so their hunting will be contained to a space where you can find them again. Or, perhaps, they will find you.
As for the walk, it is a beautiful place that you can enjoy the best view of the Bay. Enjoy a view of the Bay Bridge, San Francisco skyline clear across the Golden Gate to the Marin Headlands and get a peek of the sleeping princess. You can watch sailboats, catch a glimpse of seals or otters or an array of birds. I have not yet seen the otters, but hear of sightings.
Although I am not interested in the birds, my senior dog, Henry, has recently picked up birding. I am finding my interest in the birds growing, at least to the extent that I find myself trying to figure out what birds interest Henry and why. So far, I am a failed observer. Size doesn’t seem to matter to Henry, color doesn’t seem to matter and whether they are on land or water or diving to catch fish doesn’t matter. It doesn’t even seem to matter if they are moving or standing still. Something is catching his eye and I haven’t a clue what it is. I find myself as fascinated watching him, as he is watching them.
The art exhibits at the Bulb are also what makes it so special. There is always something new. One of the best known pieces would be the statue of the woman in a blue dress holding her arms out to you, as you descend down a path to the north side of the bulb. This sculpture has recently been replaced with a metal and wooden version of a woman. My mother met the sculpture/lawyer and his wife and is sure that the sculpture of the woman is his wife. There are many other incredible sculptures, as well as some weathered paintings. Luckily new art always pops up around the Bulb, like shoe trees and tennis ball flowers, particularly frustrating to the ball loving dogs.
Whether you have a ball dog, hunting dog, swimming dog, beach dog etc., there is a place for you and your dog. I have a girlfriend who has a baby and dog. The open savannah part of the Bulb, near the parking, works great for her-no dog getting wet and easy to push a stroller around. Another friend allows her dog in the water, but doesn’t want her dog in the sand. She hikes to an area to the far end of the bulb where the rocks lead up to the Bay’s edge. Has your dog just had Advantage or an ear infection? Take your dog walking along one of the many interior paths, away from the water and wind. Is it too hot outside? Walk the perimeter of the Bulb and stay cool, just mind your step on some slippery rocks.
