California

Low and Slow: A Cat-Friendly, Soulful Road Trip to the California Coast



Summer 2025 — With Pit Stops for Yoga, Surfing, Volunteering, and the Dead

Overview

Launching in early June, I’ll be meandering westward with my cat, my tent, and a spirit of curiosity. This low-altitude, slow-travel route avoids major mountain passes, prioritizes cooler mornings and shaded, scenic campsites. The goal? Arrive in San Francisco by August 1 for the Dead & Company 60th Anniversary shows—then continue north toward Ocean Shores, Washington.

🧭 Priorities

  • Low-Altitude & Heat-Aware: Beat desert heat with early departures and flexible pacing.

  • Cat Comfort First: Shaded trails, secure camp setups, cool-down routines.

  • Free or Low-Cost: Dispersed camping, BLM land, and affordable rest stops.

  • Spiritual Recharge: Visiting Kundalini Yoga centers for meditation, reflection, or short seva stays.

  • Wave Time: Surfing along the route—because I can teach anywhere, but I can’t surf anywhere.

  • Volunteering Along the Way: Trail cleanups, food banks, and local nonprofits.

  • West Coast Transition: Exploring education jobs in coastal towns post-show.

🚗 Route Plan

Ohio Launch: A Gentle Lift-Off Before Heading West

Before fully turning westward, a few intentional Ohio stops help ground the journey—with forest, still water, and a reminder of what I’m carrying forward.

  • Mohican State Park (Near Loudonville)
    → Shaded trails, paddleboard rentals, Hemlock Gorge.
    → Campground or walk-in sites; cat-friendly.

  • John Bryan State Park + Clifton Gorge (Yellow Springs)
    → Limestone formations, leash-friendly paths, local charm.
    → Optional: Class at Yellow Springs Kundalini Collective.

  • Cowan Lake State Park (Southwest OH)
    → Calm lake, breezy evenings, quiet campsites.
    → Sunset paddle = therapy.

Optional Volunteering:

  • Mid-Ohio Foodbank (Columbus)

  • Clifton Gorge Nature Preserve (weekend cleanups)

1. Ohio → Shawnee National Forest, IL → St. Louis, MO

  • Camp: Garden of the Gods → 37.5465° N, 88.3856° W (free, dispersed)

  • Cat Stop: Rim Rock Trail (shaded, leash-friendly)

  • Volunteer: Food pantry (Carbondale or St. Louis)

  • Kundalini: Shakti River Yoga (Carbondale)

2. St. Louis → Springfield, MO → Tulsa, OK

  • Stay: Will Rogers Park (Tulsa)

  • Camp: Lake Keystone → 36.1723° N, 96.3320° W

  • Volunteer: Habitat ReStore / local literacy projects

  • Kundalini: Kundalini Yoga Tulsa

3. Tulsa → Palo Duro Canyon, TX → Amarillo

  • Camp: Palo Duro State Park ($10–$15)

  • Cat Tip: Walk at dawn; rock shelters = shade

  • Kundalini: Yoga Mat (Amarillo) – call ahead

  • Surf Option: Calypso Cove Wave Pool (OKC)

4. Amarillo → Gallup, NM → Flagstaff, AZ

  • Free Camp: Red Rock Park (Gallup) → 35.5282° N, 108.7039° W

  • Volunteer: McKinley County Cares (advance contact)

  • Cat Break: Flagstaff Arboretum

  • Kundalini: Optional detour to Española Ashram (call ahead)

5. Flagstaff → Montezuma Well → Oak Creek/Sedona → Mojave, CA

  • Camp: Dead Horse Ranch State Park ($15)

  • Cat Highlight: Montezuma Well (shady, water access)

  • Volunteer: “Trash Tag” with Coconino National Forest

  • Kundalini: Spirit of Yoga or outdoor vortex sessions

6. Mojave → Barstow → Central Valley (Fresno/Bakersfield)

  • Free Camp: Kelso Dunes → 34.9003° N, 115.7145° W

  • Timing: Depart by 5 AM to avoid heat

  • Stop Option: Harris Ranch (shade + grass)

  • Kundalini: Seva Yoga (Bakersfield, check schedule)

  • Surf Detour: Pismo Beach (2 hrs west)

7. Fresno → San Francisco via CA-152 or I-580

  • Cat Pause: Kearney Park (calm and open)

  • Surf Opportunity: Cowell’s Beach, Santa Cruz

  • Arrival Target: Golden Gate Park by July 31

🎉 Final Destination

Dead & Company 60th Anniversary Shows
🗓 August 1–3, 2025 • Golden Gate Park, San Francisco

🌊 After the Music: Head North

From San Francisco to Ocean Shores, WA—seeking coastal calm and career clarity.

Stops & Possibilities:

  • Santa Cruz: Waldorf School, Youth Now, Discovery Museum (+ surf)

  • Portland: Village Free School, Portland Learning Studio (+ Cannon Beach)

  • Olympia: GRuB Youth Farm, SideWalk, Olympia Community School (+ Westport surf)

🐱 Cat-Friendly Highlights

  • Shawnee National Forest, IL – Shaded trails

  • Montezuma Well, AZ – Short, cool loops

  • Flagstaff Arboretum – High elevation comfort

  • Kearney Park, CA – Pre-city decompression

🧘 Kundalini Waypoints

LocationCenterNotes
Carbondale, ILShakti River YogaMeditation-focused, low-key
Tulsa, OKKundalini Yoga TulsaBreathwork and mantra drop-ins
Española, NMHacienda de Guru Ram DasSeva stay possible with notice
Sedona, AZSpirit of Yoga / Vortex YogaGong + outdoor sessions
Bakersfield, CASeva YogaMixed-style, trauma-informed classes

Etiquette: White clothing encouraged, call ahead for seva stays, silence often observed pre/post practice.

🏄 Surf Primer Appendix

Why Surf?
Surfing, learned in Mexico, rewired my nervous system—part meditation, part humility. Waves are sacred. Teaching is portable; surf is not.

Wave Stops:

  • OKC: Calypso Cove Wave Pool – chill re-entry

  • Pismo Beach, CA: Gentle, forgiving

  • Santa Cruz, CA: Cowell’s or Pleasure Point

  • San Francisco: Ocean Beach (expert only)

  • Westport, WA: Consistent NorCal surf

  • Cannon Beach, OR: Mellow Portland excursions

Surf Kit:
Board bag, jug rinse kit, 3/2 or 4/3 wetsuit, wax, fin key, wide hat, sunscreen, towel, patience


📎 Appendix A: Cat Travel & Heat Stress Guide

Sample Daily Rhythm:

TimeActivity
5–8 AMDrive early, shaded walks, hydration breaks
8–11 AMCamp setup, cool-down zone, quiet time
11 AM–4 PMNap/rest, journaling, solo exploring
4–7 PMLeash walks or tent time
7–10 PMFood, water, cuddle, calming spray if needed

Heat Stress Signs:

SymptomWhat It MeansResponse
PantingHeat stressShade, water, cool paws
Hiding/lethargyOverstimulatedDark space, quiet, reduce input
Excess groomingAnxiety or heatCooling spray, fan, calm space
No appetiteHeat or stressOffer broth/wet food in cooler temps


📎 Appendix B: Kundalini Engagement Guide

(see table above under Kundalini Waypoints)

📎 Appendix C: Free Campsite Coordinates

StopCoordinatesNotes
Garden of the Gods, IL37.5465° N, 88.3856° WDispersed, vault toilet nearby
Lake Keystone, OK36.1723° N, 96.3320° WCOE site, lakeside, free/low cost
Red Rock Park, NM35.5282° N, 108.7039° WFree; ask rangers for overnight stay
Walnut Canyon, AZ35.1794° N, 111.4899° WDispersed forest roads, no permit needed
Kelso Dunes, CA34.9003° N, 115.7145° WHot but accessible at dawn/dusk only

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