Bay Area Hiking: Redwood Regional

Tucked between Oakland, Moraga, and Lake Chabot, and a short drive for East Bay residents, lies an oft-forgotten getaway - Redwood Regional Park.  While it lacks the immediate gratification of Muir Woods (redwoods are the first thing you see there), the hike to the canyon bottom as well as the drive to the park are an experience all their own.

To get a true sense for the lay of the land  and the beauty of the park's surroundings, enter Redwood Regional from Grizzly Peak/Skyline Blvd. Though winding and a bit less direct, this drive puts even Highway 1 to shame. Multi-million dollar homes, which get progressively bigger as the elevation increases, are tucked neatly into the roadside hills. Picture windows front nearly every house and soon you know why...like the homes, the views are million-dollar, too. On a clear day, you can look down on Oakland, across at San Francisco, and get full views of the Bay and Golden Gate bridges. All this mere miles from a redwood sanctuary.

The park itself is different things to different people. The well-travelled East and West Ridge trails invite hikers, bikers, and runners. With fairly even terrain and wide trails you'll see many close-by residents out for their daily excercise of choice. Others bring their dogs out for some wilderness fun without the restrictions required of neighborhoods and communities (leashes are optional).  Still others are looking for peace and tranquility (we ran into one group on a spiritual hike). For us, the redwood trees were the draw.

Once off the beaten path, the Tres Sendas and Stream trails take you down to the canyon bed where redwoods find their home. Growing in tight huddles, as is typical of redwoods, the trees here reach over 100 feet tall. At one time, prior to the influx of loggers, this park's trees were landmarks for boats entering the San Francisco Bay...16 miles away!

In true redwood fashion, tthe trees at Redwood Regional dwarf the visitors, provide respite from the sun, and offer an awe-inspiring ambiance to all those who visit.

Bay Area Hiking: Eugene O'Neill

It has taken some getting used to, residing in California. Not only do LOTS of people live here (more than 10% of U.S. population) but lots of famous people, too. In particular, Joe Montana, Kristi Yamaguchi, and Sully (the famed pilot that landed his plane in the Hudson River) live or have lived mere miles from my house. But perhaps most famous, at least from the literary perspective, is Eugene O'Neill.

You may be wondering what hiking has to do with one of the most reknowned American playwrights of the 20th century. Well, Las Trampas Regional Wilderness is the site of his former ranch home. Now a museum which commemorates his life and works, the ranch is as easily accessible by trail as it is by road. A moderate, 30-minute hike from Camille Road brings the curious up-close-and-personal with northern California's beloved Nobel laureate.

The ranch house, know as Tao House, is where O'Neill wrote his Pulitzer Prize winning masterpiece: A Long Day's Journey into Night. Simple yet elegant in true taoist fashion, O'Neill's former home was inspired by his interest in Eastern thought. With arguably the best view in all of Las Trampas, it is easy to see how O'Neill found inspiration here where some of his best plays were written. 

Open to the public every summer Saturday and offering play readings on-site, Eugene O'Neill's former home is worth a visit for fans of work, those curious about his life, or hikers simply looking for the picture-perfect view.

Bay Area Hiking: Las Trampas

Photos by Laura Seewoester

In the shadow (literally) of its eastward neighbor Mt. Diablo and just west of the well-traveled Iron Horse Trail lie hiking trails that do not get the attention they deserve. With high potential for seclusion, varied terrain, and ease of access, Las Trampas Regional Wilderness offers some of the best hikes in the Bay Area.

Despite its proximity to well-populated East Bay communities like San Ramon and Walnut Creek, the trails are practically deserted...even on weekends. I've been on many 2-hour hikes and have not encountered a soul. With serene, contemplative, and aesthetic surroundings, Las Trampas not only entices but inspires.

Its trails combine steep climbs with flat footpaths making every turn something special. The tree-covered pathways and trickling creek along Ringtail Cat Trail offer coolness and shade from the 100-degree summers. The up-close-and-personal vegetation of the Corduroy Hills Trail makes one almost feel like a pioneer. And the numerous ridge trails, while not offering shelter from the sun, get the cool, strong breezes off the bay.

With a little effort, one can quickly reach the Madrone Trail vista where Mt. Diablo and the San Ramon Valley are in full panorama. Summiting is easy, too. Vail Peak is a quick, well-maintained upward hike off the Las Trampas Ridge Trail and peaks at 1,787 feet. But the best for both view and seclusion is the lower-lying Eagle Peak. A narrow, overgrown footpath brings you to one secluded bench (with no room for much else) looking over the undulating hills and vegetation.

For those wanting inspiration, perspiration, or just a little insulation from city-life, you'll find it all at Las Trampas.

Bay Area Hiking: Muir Woods

Just down the road from Point Reyes past Stinson Beach, you go from unknown to most known. And when you arrive you'll know why. Muir Woods is home to the famed redwood trees of the northwest. Towering high above heads, the trees offer not only grandiose sights but also shelter from sun and rain.

A must-see for first-time Bay Area visitors, Muir Woods is accessible to just about anyone. Shuttles easily bus city folk who don't own wheels (the shuttle lot is just over the Golden Gate Bridge); and for those who rely on wheels for getting everywhere, Muir Woods is wheelchair accessible. While the trailhead at the main entrance is what most people come for (paved or boardwalked and easy to hike) try going off the beaten path for a more "authentic" hiking experience.

For those hiking more for leisure, take the Fern Creek Trail. Trickling water, stony creek beds, and log bridges that take you over both make for a peaceful hiking experience. Those erring more toward the hard-core, take the Dipsea and Sun trails through varied terrain. While inclines are steep and there are areas of no tree cover, the end of the trails rewards. The Tourist Club nestled within the redwoods offers members and hikers (for a fee) access to its German-style beer garden.

While Muir Woods offers a nice break from the bustle of its southward city neighbor, the city in all its liberal glory is never too far away (notice the convenient location of the First Amendment Area):

Bay Area Hiking: Point Reyes

Just up the road from the Golden Gate Bridge and famed Marin County is one of the best kept secrets of the Bay Area – Point Reyes. While the park itself boasts almost 150 miles of hiking trails, the crowned jewel sits at the Palomarin trail head. If the drive to Point Reyes doesn't awe you (winding along historic Highway 1 inches from hundred-foot coastal drop offs), this trail surely will. 

The Coast Trail starts on the southern end of the park, and immediately the trail pleases. Just a couple hundred yards through effervescent eucalyptus groves you see the coast....from about 200 feet up! Wide pathways make the hiking easy, but be careful; the view entices even the most cautious close to the edge, and vegetated cliffs lead eyes (and hopefully that's all) down to rocky black sand beaches below.

From the cliff side views, the trail leads hikers through varied terrain that keeps the eyes occupied for miles. Dry golden hillsides familiar to East Bayers and short bushes of varied flora line the trails. Evergreens speckling the surrounding hills, some forming covered archways for hikers to pass through. Finally, green leafy vegetation growing high and thick leads to the trail's most popular feature: the Alamere Falls.

Three waterfalls in sequence form a pond-like body of water at the bottom, and views from the still high-up terrain show off the jagged coast. For the more adventurous, climb down crumbling shale cliffs to the beach below. Here, the runoff from the 3 waterfalls culminate into a 4th falling straight to the beach. While the climb down is not difficult cardio-wise, it is not for the faint of heart.  The steep descent requires feet, knees, and hands as the path crumbles with each footfall. Once down you view the 4th waterfall in all its glory, the Pacific Ocean in its vast expanse, and the winding rocky coastline both north and south.

For those who don't hike, try a swim. An estuary has formed between the hills and is accessible by trail or rope swing. Yep, you read right. Adventure seekers can swing by rope from a cliff above into the frigid water of the Pacific. It packs a shock for both observers and participants alike!

The best part about the Coast Trail? Even on a Saturday it is not too crowded. Perhaps it's because Point Reyes falls in the shadow of other close-by attractions; or maybe it's the street signs that local residents take down deterring visitors from finding their neighborhood treasure. But these deterrents should not deter you: Point Reyes and the Alamere Falls is a no miss! (Thanks, Alan, for organizing this unforgettable hiking excursion!):

Bay Area Hiking: Point Pinole

Lying in between the craziness of Berkeley and the pretentiousness of Napa is regional shoreline that offers beautiful bay views (San Pablo Bay that is). Point Pinole is home to 12 miles of trails that even the most athletically challenged can enjoy. Head west to the Bay View Trail for hiking that puts you inches from coastline, and at its end places you in perfect position to walk the quarter-mile long fishing pier. Then roam your way back further inland through grassland trails and tree covered paths.

Though the trails at Point Pinole aren't as extensive as other parks, its history is. The hiking trials, grasslands, and eucalyptus forest were once the home of Giant Powder Company – a dynamite manufacturer. At the time, it was the only company in the U.S. allowed to use Alfred Nobel's patent for dynamite. From 1880 to 1960 – during which a company town complete with a dance hall, saloon, and bocce ball court were built and the company was acquire by Atlas Powder Company– 2 billion pounds of dynamite were produced.

Today, little is left of the once thriving industry that helped fuel war machines and made construction safer. But a few sites of interest invite hikers to remember what once was. Off the beaten path lies a dynamite blast and burning bunker. While its high embankments and circular form give clue to its former use, grass has since overgrown it and a picnic table lies at its center...a quaint place for a picnic though a little unsettling if you ask me! And for the more mechanically curious, an original powder press is on display.

The once bustling, busy, and booming peninsula is now a peaceful and quiet hiking retreat.  But there is still potential for some bang-up jobs on-site...congrats on your 3rd place standing at the Nitro Trail Run, Brian!

Bay Area Hiking: Del Valle

While many visit Northern California for its wine, city tourist attractions, or the famous Hwy 1 drive, often left out of of the mix is the hiking which is second to none. Despite the thousands (yes, you heard me, thousands) of trails tucked in-between communities throughout the Bay Area, locals and tourists alike often overlook this past time opting for more "tourist worthy" activities. My next couple of posts in-series will highlight some of the Bay Area's "hike worthy" destinations.

Del Valle Regional Park is most known for its water sports.  On any given weekend, trucks with boats in tow and SUVs with kayaks atop can be seen heading toward the Del Valle Reservoir entrance on Mines Road. But while the dammed Arroyo del Valle river provides ample area for boating, 28 miles of hiking trails are also found here.  For hikers, avoid the watersport fanatics and find a more peaceful hiking experience at the Arroyo Road entrance.

Del Valle's East Shore Trail wins the award for immediate gratification. A short (yet steep) 15 minute uphill hike brings you to views that will blow you away. A picturesque panorama of both the Livermore and San Ramon valleys causes even the most earnest hiker to stop and pause. Rolling hills dominated by Mount Diablo, green trellised vines waiting for harvest, and one of the most beautiful golf courses in the country are just some of what you'll see. Turn around from this view and another awaits: the Del Valle Reservoir, lush with green trees and placid water which looks best as the sun sets.

After being blown away by the view, continue along the moderate 4-mile loop winding through hills of golden hay. Then catch the Heron Bay Trail to bring you close to the water. Fenceline blocks shoreline in most places, but look for the sporadic gates which allow foot access to rocky beaches and the reservoir itself.

While Del Valle hiking sits in the shadow its watersports arena, the hikers know better! Del Valle is a view-worthy hiking destination.

Visiting the Google Campus

After blogging about Apple and Craigslist, it seems only appropriate to continue with my technology topic trend. And what better way than to feature Silicon Valley's Internet giant – Google. (Thanks for hosting me Eva and Alex!)

Unlike other company campuses, Google's errs more toward the university type. Just walking around Google grounds, you can't help but be transported back to college days yourself. Buildings surround open public areas where jean-and-T-shirt–clad employees can mingle, read, play volleyball, or just waste away the lunch hour. Walking and biking are the preferred forms of inter-building transit...Google even provides community bikes to do so! Even the cubicles reminded me a bit of dorm rooms, each expressing their share of individuality as well as college-style clutter. (I'm a firm believer that clutter breeds creativity...or vice versa.)

And then there's the food...college cafeteria style it is, but college cafeteria quality it is not. Self-serving and self-bussing is still the norm, but the selection of food is a far cry from college cuisine. From Asian soup–noodle bar to sushi to Indian and even vegan cuisine, there is something for everyone's tastes and tendencies. And for those who are cafeteria-food traditionalists, burgers and pizza are still to be found (though the burgers today were buffalo and my pizza had more cauliflower than cheese).

But more than nostalgic, Google is revolutionary. From its start in 1998 to its searching-made-simple claim to fame, Google has set the bar high for competitors from the beginning. And for employees Google has continued to be a pioneer, breaking the rules of corporate America. Twenty percent of employees' time is allotted for their own personal projects, encouraging not only creativity but self-controlled variety in the workplace. In addition, it's not the subordinates (if you can even use that term here) vying for the top positions. Bosses are the ones working to impress in an effort to attract a successful team. And if you don't like your boss, you can fire him or her and find a new one.

For those of us not lucky enough to wear PJs at work or bring our cocker spaniel to the office, we can still reap the technological benefits of what the Googleplex phenomenon has nurtured – Gmail, Google Maps, and of course my favorite:

Craigslist Crack-Ups: Part 2

And here are some more favorites. The treasures just keep on coming:

Do you need a suit  I have a decent Olive green suit. Comes with a green shirt and tie.

• Calling all incredible hulk look alikes...this offer won't last long!

Wedding/Party supplies, includ. fresh unopened 1/2-&-1/2 Left over from a wedding, we will happily give away about $50 worth of party supplies:

- 3 pints HALF 'N' HALF for coffee, unopenened; never taken even out of the fridge!, dated Aug. 3 so it's still just fine!

- 1 large roll of white paper STREAMERS, still rolled up (unused)

- approx. 35 "deluxe" plastic WINE GLASSES (need washing)

- approx. 35 "deluxe" plastic FORKS that look like silverware (need washing)

- 5-10 each "deluxe" plastic SPOONS & KNIVES that look like silverware (need washing)

- 1 pkg. of 8 disposable ASHTRAYS

-2 antique-look aluminum VASES, about 14" tall

•  Looks like they pulled out all the stops for this celebration. Truly, a wedding is not complete without disposable ashtrays.

veggie oil I've got two 5 gallon jugs of used oil to give away. I haven't been driving my car as much as normal due to injury. This is good quality oil for making biodiesel or filtering for straight vegetable oil cars. First to respond gets it.

•  Again, only in the Bay Area...

Mannequin Legs great for an artist or someone who likes legs!

Free Mannequin Legs! Pair of mannequin legs from a vintage mannequin. My mannequin Lola is pretty, tall and vintage. She's a part of my life now so I can't part with her head/torso, however, her legs are taking up a lot of room in my small apartment. The legs are connected at the pelvis by a bar, but can be used as two separate legs as well. Lola stood around 6' tall as a full mannequin, so the legs are full size. The feet are cute, they remind me of gelfling feet from The Dark Crystal. There's a gap between the big toe and the rest of the toes to allow for sandal or thong display.

• Thanks god they included a close up pic of the toes. That could make or break the deal.

Craigslist Crack-Ups: Part 1

For those who are not privy to the craigslist phenomenon, it's truly a wonderful thing. Started right here in the Bay Area in 1995 and since expanding to over 700 cities worldwide, craigslist is the ultimate online garage sale. People can post their trash and their treasures online for free in hopes of finding a home, making some cash, or just getting rid of some of their junk.  And while I use craigslist myself for personal shopping, it also provides me with hours of entertainment.  Check out some of the most recent craigslist posts:

broken concrete "clean"  free broken concrete peices for you come and take one and all i dont care no emails just come and get it

• Alright, now I'm sure there are plenty of good uses for broken concrete. I just can't think of any right now. And apparently the fact that the concrete is clean is REALLY important, too. I mean, did this guy miss the third grade punctuation test or something? he needs to retake the third grade really "bad" maybe he was too busy giving away clean concrete to pay attention in class.

YOU take it to the recycle place I am remodeling my house. I've tried to save what I can from the landfill but just don't have the energy to take it to the recycle place. I have various scrap metals and two window panels from the sliding glass door I replaced. If you want it, please come get it, but please take it all.

• Only in the Bay Area would this fly. Getting someone else to do your dirty recycling. Within an hour I bet he had all sorts of Go-Greeners begging to help him recycle. Seriously, if you have the energy to remodel your house, you can take your own trash to the recycle center.

Free horse manure (Sebastopol) FREE Horse manure. We can load. Please call to set-up a pick-up time. We would appreciate a little money for the cost of diesel for the tractor but not requied. By appoitment ONLY!!

Free Wool Free wool from 7 just shorn sheep - great for crafts; spinning or what have you! Just call to make arrangements to pick it up in S. Sebastopol.

• I think someone needs help cleaning up their farm.

Free Wood from Closet - damaged Our Closet fell down and broke. Have the wood if you need it. You will need to pcik it up.

• What the....

The Apple Revolution

I have always been an advocate for Apple products, even during pre-iMac days when everything was PC. For me, it has always been Apple all the way. So you'd think now that we live near Apple headquarters my loyalties would have taken off. Well, let's just say I've been going through a technology dry spell, and my hiatus from the I-world became all too apparent last week.

A friend in Singapore asked if we could pick up his new iPad and send it to him (it won't be available there for another couple of months). Upon its arrival, I made my first trip to an Apple Store since returning home from Singapore myself. Among the counters of curious consumers playing with MacBooks and iPods, I began to scan the store for the sales counter...hmmm. Nowhere to be found.

So I head to the only logical place, the Genius Bar, where other consumers had formed a line. This must be the counter where I pick up the iPad, I thought to myself. But as I stood in line, I noticed everyone in front of me had used products in hand...hmmm. No new products being handed out here.

Finally I stop a pleasant fellow in a blue Apple T-shirt, tight jeans, red espadrilles, and wild curly brown hair that was a little too long. His look and his layed-back easy going attitude (as well as his dress) epitomized the Apple-tude. "Can I help you?" he asked and I explained that I couldn't find the counter to pick up my iPad. He led me to one of the display computers, asked for my e-mail address, clicked a couple of buttons and said he'd meet me back there in 3 minutes. OK? So where do I check out, I wondered, but I didn't say anything.

Three minutes later he arrives with iPad in hand. I hadn't paid for it yet so I asked where I could process my order. Right here, he said...we were standing in the middle of the Apple Store, no cashiers to be seen. I trusted he knew what he was doing so I handed him my credit card. At that point he grabbed what I think was his iPhone, swiped my card down the side, then asked me to sign on his iPhone screen. Viola! Transacation complete.

Seriously, I feel a bit un-California to be surprised by this.

***Thank you Apple for letting me "borrow" your logo image.

Heavenly Highway 1

The term God's country had little relevance to me...until we drove the historic Highway 1. From Cambria to Monterey, this stretch of highway truly feels a bit like heaven.

We started our trek from Paso Robles, heading west to the coast. While the crown jewel is the coastal drive, the "getting there" wasn't bad either! Winding roads through hills that keep the cool sea air from blasting Paso; vineyards and wineries leading the way; and morning fog making for an eerie
approach to the quaint town of Cambria. Could it really get any better than this?

Whether starting in Cambria (as we did) or elsewhere along Highway 1, this lazy vacation town is a must-stop. The main strip of downtown boasts quaint shops and bistro-gourmet dining. Try Indigo Moon for a bountiful brunch experience. Live music every Sunday, outdoor garden seating, and copious cuisine make this stop more than worthwhile. And the food is fresh and affordable! Eggs Benedict served atop crab cakes instead of muffins; fish and chips that put its competitors to shame (I think they fried the entire fish for this dish!); and thick, juicy, gourmet burgers served with a side of sweet potato fries...there is a little something for everyone here.

Continuing north back toward home, the road takes you down, up, and up-close-and-personal with the beautiful Pacific Ocean. Winding along mere feet from sea level and climbing up for beautiful views are what this drive is all about. Try accessing the fireroad across from Ragged Point for some killer panoramas and a good hike (4 miles gaining 1,700 feet gives even the in-shape a workout). Or for the tourist in all of us, visit the Hearst Castle (media mogul William Hearst's picturesque mansion) in San Simeon.

From Ragged Point (a good pit stop along the way), Big Sur starts to dominate the east side of Highway 1. All along the way, hiking trails invite the adventurous, and viewpoints invite the rest. But for hikers and non-hikers alike, one trail is a must for everyone...the McWay Waterfall Trail. A mere .6 mile stroll along boardwalk takes you to Big Sur's most distinctive photo-op – an 80 foot waterfall cascading into the ocean.

Continuing north takes you to the heart of Big Sur and toward Carmel and Monterey. But for a quick dinner stop away from Carmel crowds or Monterey mayhem, try Big Sur Roadhouse. Though the happy hour was what led us in, the California-Latin cuisine kept us there. Some of the freshest tortilla soup I've ever had – chunks of veggies and delicate broth served with homemade tortilla chips.

With outstanding food, outstanding views, outstanding hikes, and fewer crowds than you'd expect, Highway 1 is truly a bit of heaven right here in California.

Paso Robles: The West Loop

While the East side offers hours of entertainment, Paso’s West side story is just as tasty. Might I suggest our West loop for a delectable day of wining.

Wild Coyote: Approached by a winding road and nestled among the hills, this winery is a Santa Fe-styled surprise. Complete with adobe-walled tasting room, pottery peppered hills, and even a teepee out front, the tasting experience here is hard to beat. And while the wines were a bit disappointing the views were not. Wild Coyote wins for the best Paso
panorama.

Halter Ranch: A ranch style farmhome houses the Halter Ranch tasting room, and tours of the vineyards and restored 19th-century barn are available. Don’t leave without trying their Sauvignon Blanc. Aged in stainless steel, it still has creamy characteristics from being aged sur lie.

Le Cuvier: The service in this winery is top-notch. Each wine is paired with tasty tapas-styled treats in a casual barrel room atmosphere. If you like oak, this is the place for you. Some of their wines have laid in oak for over 3 years!

Tolo: The wine industry certainly is one big happy family. And you’ll know this the minute you walk into Tolo's red farmhouse. Set in the winemaker’s kitchen, you’ll be poured wines from behind his kitchen counter. Not only that, his next door neighbor at Tablas actually trained him in all he knows. Yep, one big happy family.

Justin: The biggest presence in Paso also gives the biggest first impression. Beautiful grounds, nice views, isolated atmosphere, and a grandiose tasting room all add to the wine tasting experience here. Specializing in Bordeauxs but making a little of everything, this region-wide wine distributor still manages to keep quality high.

Four Vines: Did I just walk into an 80s bar? With wine pourers punked out in torn black T’s, you can’t help but feel a bit like a rock star yourself. And the red Chihuly-esque chandeliers oddly complement the wine room decor. The best part though? You get to keep the glass. (I chose the “Zin Bitch” glass.)

Rotta: Touted as the oldest family owned winery in San Luis Obispo County, Rotta has produced wine since 1908. While their reds and whites are good, the dessert wines are the real winners. Try Black Monukka for a sweet treat. Rotta is the exclusive producer of this rare, cognac-esque dessert wine.

Paso Robles: The East Loop

Highway 101 conveniently divides Paso Robles into two side – East and West. Though I found both to be separate but equal, many visitors claim allegiance to one or the other. For a day of tasteful entertainment, might I suggest our East side loop. Make the Highway 46 drive to Tobin James first. The drive out, a bit urban to say the least, puts you in perfect position to mosey your way back through more appealing scenery.

Tobin James: Is this really a winery? From the outside it looks like a fancy truck stop; from the inside, a Texas honky tonk with wood floors, long bar, and beer taps (I think they're just for show). This tasting room gets an A+ for atmosphere, making everyone feel relaxed and right at home. Try their Late Harvest Zinfandel for something hard-to-find elsewhere.

Rockin' R: One of Paso's newer wineries, it is quality not quantity here. Only offering 3 wines for tasting this stop is still well worth your while. Rockin' R offers excellent blends...with a catch! While the wines bear names like "Pink Freud," the varietals used remain a secret. Join the wine club and try your luck at guessing. Dinner for 2 and two bottles of wine await the winner.

Cass: A truly elegant experience. White table clothes coupled with French-Reggae music complement the wines beautifully. Though prices are a bit above Paso cost standards, they are well worth a splurge. Try their Syrah (one of the best I've had!) or their creamy Sauvignon Blanc. Both are sure to please.

Clautiere: Rhone blends for everyday drinking...and wigs. Yep, you read right. Wigs in psychedelic colors (including a Marge Simpson mock-up) are just waiting to fuel the wine-tasting fire. What could be better than wine tasting with wigs?!

Sculpterra: While the wines aren't my palate's preference, the tasting room is a no-miss. Beautiful landscaping, an iron gate, and huge animal sculptures welcome visitors to the tasting room grounds. As an added bonus, pistachios are grown on property and can be purchased in the tasting room.

Pear Valley: Beautiful views! Did I mention Pear Valley has beautiful views? Try some of their Rhones for a pleasant surprise at a pleasant price.

Bianchi: Here, we found a little bit of home in Paso. The winemaker is a former employee of Livermore's Concannon Vineyard (right across the street from where I currently work). A beautiful tasting room, friendly staff, and Livermore-style wine. Their Sangiovese is a must try!

Falcon Nest: While the tasting room is a bit shabby and the owners a bit unconventional (the winemaker-owner walked in with a rifle!), if you like big, oaky wines Falcon Nest is the place for you. These wines are how I imagine the Old World wines once were.

Passing Through Paso

For those making a trip along historic Highway 1, Paso Robles is worth a pass through. Located almost equidistant from the Bay Area, Los Angeles, and Bakersfield (and just 20 miles east of the coast), Paso Robles is an ideal long weekend destination for California residents and visitors.

Yuppies from L.A.; hikers from the East Bay; computer geeks from Silicon Valley; blue collar Bakersfield residents; and of course a bit of redneck from the surrounding smaller towns, Paso is a crossroads for the eclectic. Even the locals – farmers, winemakers, and migrant workers among other populations – add to the unlikely mix. But regardless of population and visitor diversity, they all come for one thing – WINE!

One of the lesser known wine regions nationwide (but touted and revered by locals), wining and dining is what folks come here for. Zinfandels and Rhone varietals are must tries, as well as Sauvignon Blanc (some of the best I've tasted in California!). You'll pay reasonable prices for outstanding wines, and with over 100 wineries to choose from you are bound to find something that titillates your palate.

While I like to give credit where credit is due (Napa's Cabs are hard to beat), Paso Robles kicks the pants off of Napa's culinary options. Unlike Napa's options which include break-the-budget high ends, less-than-spectacular low ends, and Rutherford Grill (yep, that about sums it up), Paso's restaurants and bars frame the main square and offer quality cuisine that anyone could afford. Like the diversity of Paso's residents and visitors, happy hour honky tonks and bistro-gourmets neighbor high-end french restaurants and "exclusive" uppity clubs. For every palate (and every budget) there is a little something for everyone in Paso.

A Truly Zinful Day

For those willing to venture from the safe confines of the tourist track, hop on the 128 past Calistoga and your venturing will be rewarded. Though the destination is the treat itself, this drive will awe the unsuspecting and suspecting alike. Running only two lanes, CA-128 takes you through some of the best scenery I've seen in Northern California.

Twisting and turning for almost 20 miles, the road is tree-lined the entire way. Hills on one side, grapes on another, and moss eerily drooping down between gnarled branches of the surrounding trees gives a Wizard of Oz-type entrance to Napa's lesser-regarded neighbor. And the road's final destination is truly Zinful. Healdsburg, though a bit less desireable than Napa both in distance and reputation, to me is the crowned jewel of wine country.

With gazebo in town square, boutique shops on the periphery, and cute restaurants speckled in between, shoppers, wanderers, winers, and diners will arrive feeling welcomed and leave feeling satisfied. Unlike Napa, where it can be hard to get away from the beaten track, a quick five-minute drive out of town square takes you to dozens of wineries nestled in the hills.

Old and new vine Zinfandel is what the area is known for, and with the famous Rockpile AVA close by the wines are delectable to say the least. Fruity and big yet not overpowering in tannin, you can't go wrong with Sonoma Valley Zin. My personal favorites: Rosenblum in the square, Sausal for something smaller, and Mauritias for sheer quality. The experience at Jordan can't be beat (check out our picture with the wine maker!). And although Ridge didn't meet my over-hyped expectations, the wines were still good and the view of the vineyard is not to be missed.

An out-of-town guest is a good excuse to go (thanks Suzanne for coming along!). But locals really have not excuse for skipping out. After all, a trip to wine country is not complete without a little Zinning.

Knowing Napa

People come from far and wide to visit California's most renown wine region. So how long has it been around, what's the big hype, and why has Napa gained the reputation it has?

Like most of the wineries in the United States, Napa's wine industry started in the 1800s. With Charles Krug, Shramsburg, Chateau Montelena, and Beringer leading the pack, these pioneers helped start a tradition in Napa that still thrives today. Though it wasn't without its setbacks. Prohibition, industry-threatening stalk-root mites, earthquakes, and a less-than-stellar reputation in the eyes of French wine connoisseurs all jeopardized the success of California-based wines.

After surviving legal restrictions, pestilence, and natural disaster, reputation was all that stood in its way. Finally, in 1976 Napa flexed its fruit against the big bad Bordeauxs of France and finally put themselves on the map. In a France vs. California blind taste test (Paris Wine Tasting of 1976), Stag's Leap (Cabernet Sauvignon) and Chateau Montelena (Chardonnay) bested long-time stalwarts know for being top in France. Among the other California wineries appearing in the top ten were: Ridge, Heitz, Clos Du Val, Mayacamas, Freemark Abbey, Chalone, Spring Mountain, Veedercrest, and David Bruce. Since then, tourists and locals have come by car, bus, plane, and train to taste for themselves why Napa is, well, Napa.

But how does Napa get the variety and quality of grapes that it does? Running almost 10-times as long as it is wide, the area we call Napa Valley actually consists of a number of sub-regions (Yountville, St. Helena, Oakville, and Calistoga just to name a few). Each of the sub-regions (and even regions within each sub-region) all have differing climates, differing elevations, and differing soil. In fact, Napa Valley boasts over half of all soil types found in the entire world! Hence, the sheer number of grapes types that can grow here is vast, and even the same varietals yield very different characteristics based on where in Napa they grow.

So you see, like wine connoisseurs themselves who place great value on the balance of complexity in their wines, Napa grapes come from a vast array of complex environmental conditions that make them superior.

Navigating Napa

I have admittedly and purposely avoided visiting Napa Valley. Perhaps it was the hype, perhaps it was Napa's "connoisseur" reputation, or maybe it was a bit of both. But after standing my ground for nearly a year, and with our recent move that puts me 15 miles closer, I finally paid a visit to California's most renowned wine region.

Having gained worldwide popularity in the 1970s by beating out several French stalwarts in a blind tasting, Napa wines have since been known as the best in the U.S. And for the most part, Napa lived up to its long-held reputation. But a couple words of warning for the newbies who may be navigating through the Napa Valley.

1. Do your research before you go. With limited capacity for true and unbiased tasting (5 wineries in one day is pushing it), you don't want to waste your tastes. Even with recommendations from reliable and well-honed tasters, we still hit a couple of duds. Ask fellow wine tasters for their Napa "no misses," and make sure to let them know your varietal tendencies.

2. Get off the beaten track. While the Silverado Trail is a good bet, boasting more than 40 of the valley's wineries, don't forget the wineries you can't see from the road. Winding roads that climb and traverse the surrounding hills branch out in all directions and offer a quite seclusion that the "over-infrastructured" main thoroughfares cannot.

3. Bigger is not necessarily better. Often, the bigger wineries will sell their distributed wines at inflated costs (check Safeway for the real deals), while the undistributed wines are hardly worth the $75+ price mark. Hit a couple smaller wineries. They most likely don't have distribution contracts, have owners that are motivated by quality over production numbers, and often are run as a hobby funded by fortunes made in other industries.

4. Don't let the name "Napa" fool you. Ask how much acreage each winery actually has in Napa. As we discovered, many of the wineries buy their grapes from elsewhere or have less acreage in Napa than the winery I work at in Livermore. Putting your winery in Napa does not a Napa wine make.

And finally, our list of enjoyers and avoiders. Don't miss Pina, Fontanella, or O'Brien. And unless you enjoy $35 tasting fees, Opus is worth a pass.

Shopping for the Exotic

If you are like me, any visit to a semi-exotic place includes an obligatory visit to the local market. From live squirmy things that we don't even keep as pets, to beautifully rich and colorful vegetation, to local tchotchkes taunting tourists to purchase, markets are often where we go for a bite-size glimpse into a foreign culture and land.

But as I headed out today to run my own local errands, it occurred to me just how exotic the unexotic may seem. For many, farmer's markets are summertime novelties, and visiting them is considered an "outing" rather than an errand. In Northern California, however, marketing is a way of life for both the farmers and consumers.

Northern California's climate is not just desirable for its residents, but its resident vegetation as well. And the variety of local produce and numerous farmer's markets attest to this. Offering both fresher products, a more eco-friendly infrastructure (it is "local" after all), and more reasonable prices than the grocery store, it's not a surprise how many Bay Area residents rely on them and their products. With our own WindMill Farms closed only from mid-December to mid-February, fresh, local, and organic products of top-notch quality are available practically year-round.

And even though our local market doesn't sell tchotchkes, I'm sure any foreign visitor would find a bit of the exotic right here in California.

Testimonial of a Californian

Yes...it is official. After my uneventful visit to the DMV (shouldn't there have been some sort of ceremony as I changed ranks), I am now a bona fide, legally bound Californian. Though I'm not yet sure exactly what that means, I do know it comes with certain, eh hem, entitlements:

1. Our housing prices make two-income households struggle.
2. The state government is entitled to 10% of my income.
3. What the government does with that money is beyond me.
4. Among other educational cutbacks, highschool extracurricular sporting activities are down by half from last year (I wonder what students do in their spare time now).
5. Our governor (or should I say governator) is a former actor.
6. Our future governor could quite possible be a dot-commer-turned-millionaire (or is it billionaire now; how well is eBay doing these days?).
7. Gas prices make me think twice about driving down the street, much less driving across town. We have one of the highest averages in the nation!
8. I am now a drop in the population bucket, joining the 10% of the country's total who live here.

But despite all the drawbacks that come with residing in the Golden State, there is one good thing I still can say (and I say it with my utmost humbleness): I now live where others vacation!