8-20-97
| The weather didn't improve any overnight. It was still raining when I headed for wine country. I went to the California Coast Wince Center in Santa Rosa to view the magnificent gardens and to see the different grapes growing. There are six wine growing appellations in the Russian River area. Dry Creek Valley, Alexander Valley, Knights Valley, Russian River Valley, Green Valley and Chalk Hill. The micro climates in these areas vary greatly. In general, warmer areas in the north are best for Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel and Petite Sirah. Cooler areas along the river are noted for Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Reisling, Chenin Blanc and Gewurztraminer. I wish the sun had been out because the country was truly beautiful. I want to say a special "Thanks" to Joan McLain, one of the California teachers that resides in Sonoma County, for suggesting this stop. |
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California Redwoods! Some of these trees get to be 300' tall and live over 2,000 years. I stopped at the Tree House (seen in Ripley's Believe It Or Not) and ran into a couple from North Carolina on a motorcycle trip as well as two teachers riding bicycles through the forest. The Tree House is hollow inside and has regular doors and windows. It houses a museum of working miniature models from the 1930's. There's a saw mill and blacksmith shop as well as others. The road wanders through the Avenue of Giants. I can't describe the scale of the trees I drove through. The trees came right to the edge of the road and there were giant ferns covering the forest floor under them. I'm really looking forward to visiting the Redwood National Park tomorrow. |
| Right on the coast is the seaside village of Trinidad. There's a picturesque bay with fishing boats anchored off shore. I wish I could have seen the sunset from here. I hope the clouds lift tomorrow. Even thought it's been overcast and wet, nothing can dampen my spirits as I head north. The scenery gets better every day. |
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