california dreamin'

Last week we went out to California to visit Robin's sister and brother-in-law, Heather & Ricky. They live in Davis, CA which is North-East of San Fran near Sacramento. On Thursday we went wine tasting in the Apple Hill region of the Sierra Nevada Foothills. We visited 5 vineyards all together. Unlike Napa and Sonoma which are now too cool for school, the vineyards in this region offer free tastings and are very friendly and laid back. We had a great time!!!

A view of the vineyards of Gold Hill Winery: Robin, David, Heather, Ricky:

The old homestead on the Boeger Winery:

David tasting in style (the vine growing up behind him is 135 years old!)

Sisters!

A view of the Madrona vineyard:

We also visited Jodar and Lava Cap, but I don't think my attention was very good as the day progressed, so I don't have any photos ;)

After a great visit in Davis, the 4 of us drove to San Jose where we met up with Robin's dad. (He had a business meeting in the area) So, then the 5 of us drove down the coast to Big Sur where we stayed 3 nights in the Big Sur Lodge and went hiking. We did a quick hike Friday afternoon when we arrived through the redwoods to a waterfall. Ahhh, it's great to get out of the city!

On Saturday we hiked in the Andrew Molera State Park. It was about 8-9 miles, partly through Redwood and Live Oak groves and mostly along the hills along the Pacific Ocean cliffs.

We had a picnic lunch overlooking the ocean:

After the hike we relaxed on the deck of our cabin

On Sunday we started off our hike in the fog

Eventually we climbed high enough to come out into a beautiful sunny day

We ate lunch overlooking the fog covered ocean below. And, yes, David, we're glad you added the sausages!

If you look carefully you can just make out the water through the fog

A big old Redwood tree (with evidence of the Cone Peak fire of 2002 on it's bark)

We ate dinner at Napenthe for dinner. We got a table on the deck overlooking the ocean.

A bitter sweet ending to a great weekend!