Gone RVing!: California

Friday, March 31, 2017

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

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!

Thanks for following along.

Monday, March 27, 2017

On a mission to a Mission

San Juan Bautista State Park

March 27th, 2017

A friend suggested we go and check out the Mission and State Park in San Juan Bautista. So a quick drive over there and we found free parking in the cute little historic town. We paid the $3 fee to go into the State Park area where there are several buildings. To quote from the State Park page

"The park includes several structures built in the 1800s. The four main historic museums are the Plaza Hotel, the House/Plaza Hall, the Plaza Stables, and the Castro-Breen Adobe. Many of the interiors are furnished vignettes or colorful and informative exhibits that help create a unique learning environment for people of all ages. The park also features a blacksmith shop, the historic jail, and an early American settler’s cabin."