Napa Valley

I am back from my much needed vacation.  Bond and I had an amazing time, especially with the two couples that traveled with us.  We spent one day in San Francisco.  We drove Lombard Street which is a steep block that has 8 tight turns surrounded by beautiful gardens.  We took these amazing pictures there…

Then we parked near Fisherman’s Wharf, pier 39 and walked down to pier 33 for our adventure to Alcatraz.  A short, thank goodness because I get sea sick, ferry ride later and we were on the island exploring.  We did the audio tour of the cell house and explored a bit too.  I especially liked the rec yard…

Below was where the prisoners had a baseball diamond once upon a time...

This one is the steps leading up to the dining hall and entrance to the main cell area.

And the view from the top of the steps, that must of taunted the prisoners…

We of course stood in the cells.  They were so small, even at my 5'3" my arms were long enough that I could touch both walls at the same time.  

After the tour we went back to the mainland and picked up a family friend who took us to an amazing Indian restaurant, Chutney in the Tenderloin.  After that it was off to the Giants game.  We were really lucky, the weather in San Francisco was so mild, it even got into the 80’s during the day.  The game was a bit cooler, but with the great new sweatshirt and hat I bought, there were no problems.

We spend the rest of the time up in the wine country.  We stayed at a time share in Windsor, which is between the Russian river valley and Alexander valley.  Napa Valley vineyards were about a 45 minute drive.  On the days we went over to Napa Valley we packed snacks and picnic lunches so no one went on an empty stomach.  In total we visited 9 wineries in Napa Valley and 1 brewery.  Then we went to 5 in the Alexander and Russian river valleys.  My favorites were Duckhorn, Jessup Cellars, Frank Family Vinyard, Trentadue, Ferrari Carano, and Kendall Jackson.  But they were all so beautiful.  Check out these views…

I decided for souvenirs I would collect stone coasters on this trip from San Francisco and the wineries I liked. 

I guess I liked a lot of them!

The group also spent a morning hiking the Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve.  It was beautiful.  We got there early to take pictures and it was so quiet. 

Then we hiked two of the steep trails and got some great views…

Overall it was a wonderful vacation!

Where did you go on vacation this summer?

Preparing for a Trip

Being the type A personality that I am, I make lists and plans for everything, especially travel.  Bond and I have a trip planned to Napa Valley and it is rapidly approaching.  We are going with two other couples for 6 days.  I am starting my packing list and to do list today.  Over last weekend I was running errands for our trip and had the idea to buy water bottles so we all stay hydrated.  Only 4 of us needed them, so I got us and one of the other couples these cute water bottles from Bed Bath & Beyond. 

They are aluminum, fit into cup holders, clip on to bags, plus they are really cute! 

I also got this...

It’s a wine tasting journal!  On the inside each page has a location to write down likes dislikes, flavor, and more.

I am so excited for this trip!!  Can you tell??

Weekend Getaway

I haven't posted since last weeks what I'm loving Wednesday because Bond and I took a weekend getaway to Hot Springs, Arkansas.  It was my first trip to Hot Springs or any spa based destination.

The night we arrived we just walked around the downtown area and grabbed a drink at a local bar.  The people were so nice.  The owner told us about several other places we should try while in town, including a German restaurant/bar that we loved!

The next day Bond had a meeting to attend for most of the day so I headed out to explore.  I started by getting dropped off at the mountain view tower.  Here are some views...

Afterwards I headed to a trail and started down the mountain.

At the base of the mountain there is a park area and walking trail that runs behind bathhouse row with stairs leading up to the hiking trails.

There are hot springs dotting this area.  Much like this one...

After my hike I went to the visitor center.  The visitor center is actually in the Fordyce Bathhouse which was a working bathhouse from 1915 to 1962.  When I got there they were starting a free tour of the first and third floors.  The guide explained all the basics of the bathhouse, but also went into some specifics about the "cutting edge medical" treatments and equipment used at the time.

The Fordyce bathhouse also had all the original stain glass (except one small window that was broken and replaced during neighboring construction).  The men's bathing room has the most exquisite ceiling...

Below the stain glass window was this fountain which represents a native attempting to give Coronado water from the Hot Springs.  

After the tour I walked down to the Buckstaff Bathhouse.  This is the only bathhouse on bathhouse row that has been in continuous operation since 1912.  At the front desk I asked to have a mineral whirlpool bath and a swedish massage.  No reservations are taken, but I was able to walk right in without a wait.  

First you get a 20 minute soak in a bath of hot mineral water.  During this the attendant brings you glasses of mineral water to sip.  Then you do a sitz bath for 10 minutes, which is a bath you sit just your lower back in.  This targets your lower back muscles.  After that you are laid down wrapped in hot towels.  This is called "packing" and it continues to loosen and relax your muscles.  You spend about 10 minutes in the packing room too.  Then in to the steam cabinet.  This is a primitive version of the sauna and the steam is directly from the hot spring water so it is really hot!  You can only spend a maximum of about 4 minutes in this.  The last part of the traditional mineral bath is the needle shower.  Her is a picture of the needle shower from the Fordyce bathhouse...

It has shower heads all around the shower stall.  The shower heads shoot small "needle" like sprays of water with various levels of pressure.  Then I had my swedish massage to stimulate the muscles.  It was wonderful!  

Have you ever been to a natural hot spring?  Where?

Biltmore Chardonnay

On of my favorite wines is now for sale in Oklahoma! It is the Biltmore Chardonnay.






It is on of my favorites for two reasons. One, it taste good. Two, Bond and I took our honeymoon to the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina! It was so beautiful and interesting.  In addition to seeing the estate itself, we stayed at the inn built on the property, dined at several of the on site restaurants, toured and tasted at the winery.  I love historical homes and we did every tour of the house, including the roof top tour. Check out the view...






In case your not familiar with the Biltmore Estate, which has been featured in quite a few movies, here it is...






It currently sits on approximately 8,000 acres of what what originally 100,000 acres.  The house itself is 4 acres square foot!  It is full of amazing art and furniture and so worth the hike.  You have to make time for the grounds too, they are amazing...

It was wonderful to relax with a glass of wine and just enjoy the view (from our balcony)...

Every Biltmore wine we tasted was great, but I am enjoying Chardonnay's this time of year.  Stay tuned for more wine news as I prepare and plan for my trip to Napa Valley at the end of the summer.

Where is your favorite wine from?  Have you made a visit to the winery?

- Posted using my iPad 2