getaways programs, animal trainer school, “Elephants of Africa Rescue Society” and B&B on the 51-acre ranch. His latest venture, “Pachyderms & Patriots,” offers wounded war veterans and their families a week of hands-on bonding with his team of African elephants and other animals. The vets and their families stay at the African-style tent cabins, which are otherwise used for the B&B. The eight cabins are comfortably furnished and equipped with TV, space heater and other amenities. Décor corresponds with cabin name — for example, bedspreads and pillow cases in “Monkey Manor” are adorned with monkeys, and toy monkeys hang above the beds’ canopy netting.
Naturally Comfortable
412 Ignacio Blvd. Novato
415.382.9133
Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau
Monday-Friday 9am-6pm • Saturday 9am-5pm
Vision Quest Ranch • Wild Things daily tour, 1 p.m.; adults $10, children 14 and under $8. Other tours (“Meet & Greet,” “Walk With the Animals,” the Pachyderm Package, etc.) available for additional fees • Bed & Breakfast, $175-$265 plus tax, double occupancy; children must be 4 and up; complimentary daily tour and breakfast (brought by animals and trainers); “Butch’s Bedtime” package available for a fee • visionquestranch.com or 800.228.7382 for details
Do feed the animals: At Vision Quest B&B, the elephants bring your breakfast and you feed them theirs.
78 • Scene • spring 2012