Just spend a great five days in CA and wanted to write a trip report as we had such a great time!
We had a great flight on AirTran from Atlanta to SF on my 59th birthday August 14th. Made the drive up to Santa Rosa and the Hyatt Vineyard Creek for our 3rd stay there since last June. Made a run to the local Safeway for wine and snacks and then checked into our room overlooking the pool/grounds at this beautiful property. Had birthday reservations at John Ash at the Vintners Inn at 8PM. Arrived early and were seated immediately at the same table we celebrated our Anniversary at in April! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" /> The table was right at the huge “window wall” looking out at a full trellis of grapevines and flowers – gorgeous! Had an outstanding coffee encrusted rib eye that was to die for. While we were there we overheard a table behind us singing Happy Birthday and I turned and asked who’s it was. They pointed to a very dapper older gentleman and said “his”. I walked over, said it was my birthday as well and was told it was his 90th!! We congratulated each other and shook hands after he said that we birthday boys are good people. As the group left later, one of the ladies came over to us and said how much it meant to them for us to have come over and wish their dad a happy birthday. Makes for a very warm feeling.
The next morning was our day for exploring. We decided to re-create some of the same day trip we did in April so we drove out Hwy 12 West to Bodega Bay. Incredibly beautiful countryside! Once there, we drove around the point to Bodega Point, parked at the park site and got out to take countless pictures of this rugged coastline overlooking the Pacific. Got funny looks as I’m out taking pictures in shorts and a short sleeve shirt while everyone else was in parkas and hoodies. Felt good to me.
From there we drove back around to a little wine shop, Gourmet au Bay, where we met the owners Sissy & Bob last visit. Ironically Sissy is from GA! Belinda and I got a glass of wine and cheese tray and sat on the back deck overlooking the bay. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" /> Great warm sun and watched sea lions playing in the water just a hundred feet away or so. Mesmerizing! If you’re ever in that area make it a point to stop at Gourmet au Bay as it’s well worth your time. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />
Next stop was to go to the marina on the bay and get some outstanding clam chowder from the Spud Point Crab Company. We took that and a bottle of wine, parked just up the road at a dock on the bay. Didn’t see Otis but had a very relaxing time just eating chowder and sipping wine looking over the water. Finished that and while driving back to Hwy. 1 we saw three deer in the front yard of one of the small homes on this same bayside road (Westside Road?). Took pictures of that then saw a beautiful white Egret in the shallows among some brush so took some great pictures of that as well.
Drove up the coast on Hwy. 1 and made numerous stops for taking in the view and more pictures until we came to Hwy 116 which runs east along the Russian River. Yet more incredible beauty! Made a very wise stop at Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve just north of 116/River Road. While the redwoods aren’t as big as Muir Woods we enjoyed this much more as it wasn’t crowded at all and it was actually quiet as you walked among these majestic redwoods. Their tallest one is estimated to be over 1,300 years old and 310 feet tall. By now it was late in the afternoon so back to the Hyatt to freshen up then dinner at Jack & Tony’s in Santa Rosa.
The rest of our Santa Rosa stay was more driving in wine country in the Russian River Valley, Dry Creek Valley and a stop at the Dry Creek General Store for lunch & more wine, a stop at Coppola’s winery more for the movie “stuff” than wine but did get a bottle of Archimedes that I’ll probably open this weekend with a nice steak. Dinner at LoCoco’s in Santa Rosa which was probably the best pasta we’ve ever had or it could just have been our great mood. Atmosphere was very “homey” in this little place on 4th Street. Breakfast two mornings at The Brasserie at the Hyatt. Outstanding food and service every time.
Wednesday after breakfast we drove back down to SF and stayed at the Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf so as to be close to the airport and not try to get there from Santa Rosa on our actual departure day. Finally took in Chinatown and sucked it up and tried CHICKEN FEET! Had to be adventurous. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" /> They looked just like you’d imagine.- YUCK! Left for home the next day and had a great flight back.
Can’t wait to go back. Who knows, maybe next year for my 60th??? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Groovin.gif" alt="" />
