A Ride Along

Driving north on Geysers Road/101 headed to Napa Valley. Beautiful rolling hill with grass and sheep and trees and a river alongside, the Russian River.  First time we have driven more than a couple of miles without seeing a vineyard. This is a pretty drive. Like other roads we have driven, this one shows signs of mud/rock slides from the December rains. Oh here are the vineyards again. And the wineries and the tasting rooms. These people are making a living selling wine, one sip at a time. Just saw a new bridge on private property across a stream that had obviously gotten out of its banks. Reminds me of our troubles a few years ago when the hurricanes took out our bridge.  I see workers in the vineyards, cutting back the vines. Some have six or eight workers, some are just a couple of old men taking care of their small vineyard.  Just passed a casino. Those just pop up in the strangest places. Wow, we have hit the mountain. Just passed measuring lines on the road and a warning of nothing longer than 39 feet. And, yes it is for good reason. The road is very windy and narrow in some places. “These are ass-kissing cliffs,” says my driver. And only periodic guard rails. In North Carolina there would be guardrails the entire length. That is something we have noticed all over California. I guess if you are stupid enough to drive fast and go off the edge, you've only improved the gene pool. There are signs about snow tires and chains and we signs of the road having been sanded. Thank goodness it is warm and sunny today, but apparently this area gets some ice and snow. Another thing my chauffeur notices is the lack of animals. Oh, man, we just crested the mountain, about 2500 feet up and saw a beautiful lake, Clear Lake.  On the other side in the distance are snow-covered mountains. Another day when we were just driving around and found an amazing vista. I sure hope I can get these pics to load.

  And now there is evidence of a forest fire in the not too distant past. We have seen evidence of fires in other places, particularly in redwood areas, but because the trees here are mainly just big bushes , this area was cleared. 

Sometimes we drive through magical forests. We will spot a bear or deer or buffalo or sheep or elk. It is really exciting until they magically turn into a rock or stump.

We just passed an orchard of some description. That is one frustrating thing about this area. I see an orchard of some kind and don’t know what they are growing. These were grafted trees, bigger than apple trees and smaller than pecan trees. Cashews, almonds??? Who knows? I don’t think they are pistachios because I looked into those when we were in San Benito, and they are smaller.

Wow, another big burned area. There’s a fire tower on a nearby mountain. Guess they had a good view of the fire.And horses on the other side of the road, big beautiful horses. Now big, beautiful, black cows.  Passing Beckstoffer vineyard, probably the biggest vineyard we have seen. Sorry, no time for a pic.  Behind us  is  one of those California drivers with his ass on fire and no place for us to pull off the road. Forget laid back Californians. It is not true on the highway. Even in the middle of nowhere, they cannot stand to see back bumpers.  

Just saw a bumper sticker that said, “Body piercings by S & W.” Yes, we are now in Northern California.

Lots of sheep in this area. Just saw one of largest flocks I've seen. Cows on one side of the road and sheep on the other…neat. And now a few horses.

Well, here we go through Middletown complete with Beulah’s Kitchen, a barbershop and Nobles Saloon. No Hollywood here. It looks more like a small Texas town. And just outside of town, Beaver Creek Vineyards and Twin Pine Casino and Hotel. 

Well, we found the scenic drive again, through tall pines and redwoods and another winding road with 20 mph curves.  We crested the mountain at 2300 feet. In California 2300 feet seems very high, but our home is at 3700 feet. I guess it’s because sea level is about 70 miles from here and at home it’s more like 400 miles. I sure am glad I have a strong stomach. There would be a serious mess. These curves are something.

Again I will ask, if you are reading this, I hope you will find a way to respond.