Wining again...NOT!

Tradewinds RV Resort. Vallejo, CA

March 31st, 2017

While in the San Francisco area we stayed 3 nights at Tradewinds RV Resort which is in Vallejo. A couple at Wilderness Lakes had given us the name of the place. While it was in a poorer part of the area it was very satisfactory for a few nights. A little pricey for someone who doesn't like to pay more than $10 night but at $36 a night and the fact that we were close to San Francisco, it was OK.

The office/washroom/laundry building

The sites were very narrow and there were only a few transient sites.

The weather looked great for our two days there and we decided to go to Napa Valley first, for a drive through.

Early start because the drive is very busy and we were off. First stop was at the Visitor Centre in Yountville and then we went north along Rte 29 stopping off at wineries along the way. We did not partake in any wine tasting because it is SOOOO expensive. Even in the best wine areas of France, tasting is free. For about $50 each you get to taste 5 wines and that is the cheap price. However, it is a beautiful area and we took a bunch of photos.

Robert Mondavi Winery

Statue in front of Robert Mondavi Winery

Robert Mondavi Winery

Robert Mondavi Winery

Robert Mondavi Winery

Robert Mondavi Winery

Robert Mondavi Winery

Antique grape press

We were told about the winery built as a castle. Some people have just too much money!!

Castello Di Amoroso

Chapel by the side of the road.

 After the castle we crossed over to East and took Silverado Trail back south to the campground.

On the way back I spotted a winery built in the style of the Cape Dutch buildings of the Stellenbosch area in South Africa. We drove into Chimney Rock Winery (check this link for better photos than mine) and I went in to ask if it was owned by a South African. I was told that it was founded by a South African but he had been bought out.

Frieze of Ganymede above the cellar entrance.  Ganymede was the Greek cup bearer to the gods.

That was our day in Napa Valley. Wine, wine everywhere and not a drop did we drink!

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Sardines, Seals, Surfers, Scenery, and a Sea Otter.

Monterey and beyond, CA

One of the things on my bucket list to drive HWY 1 through the Big Sur. Imagine my dismay that, due to some major storm damage, that a big chunk of that drive is closed. The bridge over Pfeiffer Canyon has had to be demolished and will be rebuilt over the next 6 months. Another reason to come back here to the West.

Our day started in Cannery Row of Monterey where we walked around for about 30 minutes looking at the waterfront and some of the old sardine canning factories that are now transformed into restaurants, hotels and boutiques

The ocean side of Cannery Row

Converted into Hotels and Condos. I wonder if you can still smell the sardines.

Cannery Row Monument

We carried on south down HWY1 stopping to take a few photos here and there. The ocean views are spectacular.

A part of the beach is closed off because of seals and calves who are protected.

We then went on to Lover's Point where we watched a sea otter fishing and some surfers.

Sea otter floating on his back. I think he was eating mussels or something because he kept diving  and coming up.

Lots of wild flowers

In Carmel

Carmel

I thought I had taken a lot more photos of Carmel, but if I did, I lost them.

Unfortunately we missed Point Lobos all because I did not do my homework before we came on this trip. Yet another excuse to come back.

But we did see some other very beautiful spots along the coast

Kelp

Bixby Bridge

Bixby Bridge from the other side

Too soon we had to turn back as gas was getting low and it was getting late. Another place to come back to!

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