Today we’re heading down to Pinnacles National Monument with Karen, Valri, and George’s family. I’ve ridden past this beautiful spot on the King City bike ride before, and I’ve always wanted to check it out more thoroughly. Time to load up the cars and head on out. It’s a great time of year to be making this road trip. Luckily we’ve arrived early and have no trouble finding a great spot by the trailhead. Everyone looks like they’re ready for fun. ...
The SVEF Mt. Charlie Challenge Ride is coming up soon, so it’s time to ratchet up the training rides a bit. We’ve got a pretty good turnout today and the weather is cooperating. All this posing is really for the Scotts Valley Banner, but Charlotte manages to get a few good shots standing next to the photographer. In a totally unrelated event, we’re over Val’s house for dinner with the family, including George and his crew. Gabe was showing off his inability to wink his right eye, and Monica was doing one of her weird tricks. Pretty entertaining. ...
I can’t believe we’ve never been to the Moon Rocks in Boony Doon before. I’ve ridden by this place on my bike before, but never really understood what I was flying by. Valri suggested we take Karen and the kids for fun, and it sounded good to me. What a place! Definitely one of the most fun local destinations I can think of, and the kids had a blast. ...
Another excellent day in San Francisco for the Hoyem girls and their dad. The Boudin Bakery is smelling fantastic. A great view of the Golden Gate bridge. Now I’m really jealous they stopped at Miller’s Deli. Thank goodness they brought back all kinds of goodies for me like kasha varnishkas, sour pickles, and knishes. I can’t believe I have yet to eat there. One last view from Twin Peaks and it’s back home to Santa Cruz. ...
Charlotte, Val, Karen, and Gordon are off to San Francisco for the night. Chinatown is a regular stop whenever they head up to San Francisco. Looks like the fog hasn’t totally cleared yet from this view at Coit Tower. George stops by for a visit at their hotel. Fisherman’s wharf is a favorite spot of Gordon’s. The group heads over to the Stinking Rose for dinner. Definitely a fun place for dinner. ...
On our way back home, we’ve decided to visit two places down in Napa. First it’s over to COPIA. We squeeze in a short tour of the place, and it’s immediately apparent to me that this is an all-day affair. Another one to put on my list for the next trip to Napa. What a cool place, with just tons of things to do. One last wine tasting over at Del Dotto. They have a great old cave system, and our tour guide was a very entertaining man that does the blending for the winery. It was a great chance to directly sample the effects of various barrels on many types of wine. ...
Today we’re doing some wine tasting. First it’s over to Joseph Phelps. I loved the relaxed atmosphere and style. Sitting on a deck quietly enjoying wine, while listening to the sheep in the vineyard was my idea of wine tasting. A very nice collection of wine, but with a hint of sheep. Next was lunch and a quick look around the CIA at Greystone. Lunch was really great, but I would have definitely enjoyed hanging out here for longer. Unfortunately our next wine tasting appointment is calling us. Just have to plan a bunch more time during our next visit to Napa. ...
Today we’re heading out from Meadowood to explore the area. First we drove up Spring Mountain Road and then back through Calistoga. We then drove up Highway 29 to Robert Louis Stevenson State Park. I was wearing my hiking sandals, so we opted for the short hike up to the small monument commemorating his honeymoon stay here so many years ago. Some very nice views, but the drive was very busy just like the bike trails map said. ...
Charlotte and I are off to Napa Valley for our 20th wedding anniversary. We decided to make kind of a big deal about it, while at the same time not going too far from home. We’ll be spending a few nights in St. Helena at Meadowood. It’s an incredibly beautiful place and our room was fantastic. After the long drive, we walked around the whole property for a little exercise and to check out the view. ...
After a tiring day of flying back from Bulgaria yesterday, it’s time to recharge with a nice hike through Pogonip and over to the UCSC Arboretum with Charlotte. They have such an awesome collection of flowers, I just couldn’t stop taking photos. I particularly liked this plant and it’s amazing flowers. There was no end to the amazing stuff in bloom today. It was getting late and we were both starving for lunch, so time to get back on the trail. ...