with the dogs, it's a matter of timing. Go out before too hot. Park in the shade, good ventilation in the van with screens on open doors and windows so they can't get out. I learned that the young one is very protective of the van so she scares off anyone coming to check it out. I tend not to leave them for more than a couple of hours. It's limited what I can do but so worth it.
The van's been great. It's taken me from the Southwest to Northeast, to the Northwest a few times, across to LA area, and now here. 50,000 miles in about 5 years. Very few problems although the front end had issues to start with and then this trip the radiator died. I'd asked my mechanic in NM to replace it last summer but he wouldn't, said it was fine. Ugh! The repairs weren't too bad but the stress of being towed with the two dogs in the van and me in the tow truck, plus hotel and eating out costs brought it up. Oh well.
If anyone has specific questions about places, I'll get back to you. Not online too often but I have a casita rental for a few weeks so internet is better now.
Onwards with more beach photos, and yes, less stuff bought means I can stay longer! The balance of time/money, right?