Devouring life, one bite at a time
We’re getting ready for spring around here and I thought I’d share an idea the hubby came up with a few years back for an easy, clean composter. First, take an old water drum. This one is 55 gallons and has a screwtop lid. Drill …
Behold a sassy jalapeño margarita, padrone peppers with pancetta, and an heirloom tomato salad with figs, arugula and feta. Thanks, Healdsburg Bar and Grill! What are your favorite foods to eat during Indian summer?
Here’s a closer look.
The cypress trees around are enormous!
And the meadows are absolutely breathtaking.
Our reward after 7+ miles was a martini by the lake. Or two or three.
We set out early on our last day for a progressive drive home (we had multiple stops scheduled). On a back road off hwy 89, we took in this view.
My dad and I took a picture where we both look great. It’s kind of a big deal. (I usually only publish the ones where I look good, so this is a rare one for him.)
We hiked around Echo Lake.
This was my favorite house- I always pick the littlest one.
Will be back, Tahoe!
A couple weeks ago I went to Tahoe with my dad and his friend, Maddy. It’s a three hour drive from the East Bay, which means that you still get the better part of a day after you get there. Our first stop was the …
Believe it or not, this lonely old sunhat was sitting in a pile of free stuff, ready to be kicked to the curb. Until I snatched it up. I found a cheery ribbon, a little glue, and voila! Thank goodness we still have a couple …
We took a short hike at Pinnacle Gulch in Bodega Bay. I love this place if you have a dog and are short on time, but look out! Parking is super pricey, though I like to think it’s for a good cause.
Here I’m helping Mitch identify kelp from jellyfish.
We stopped to say hello to Hitchcock in my beloved Bodega, put on the map with the filming of The Birds.
Wine tasting! But not just yet …
The next day we went for a tour and tasting at Korbel.
Then when we couldn’t get enough champagne, we headed to Iron Horse for more. (With a little lunch break, of course.) This is a local’s favorite I hadn’t been to yet, and it has one of the most breathtaking views of vineyards framed by mountains.
Don’t worry, I also gave Mitch a taste of Dry Creek (Unti) and Alexander Valley (Hawkes) wines, not just Russian River.
On our last day, we met up with the colony of harbor seals at Goat Rock.
Aren’t they cute?
Look out, Mitch found a taffy shop! How is this the one candy I’ve yet to understand? Flavors like vanilla cake? Apple pie? Is taffy the new jelly bean?
All I cared about was that she send some home to her amazing taffy-loving husband, who cashed in some miles so she could have a spontaneous trip with her kooky bestie in California.
Last day in Yosemite! I made the decision to exit via the south so we could see the other side of the park and delay our departure by a few miles. But first, one last look before leaving the valley. When we reached Wawona and …
For the last day camping and hiking in Yosemite, my dad and I had our biggest hike yet up to the top of upper Yosemite Falls. It’s a good 7.6 miles, nothing we can’t handle. And lucky timing, too, since in a couple weeks this …
Our first big day of hiking- we started with Vernal Falls, an easier 3 mile loop, though lots of climbing.
I was surprised by how full the falls are for this time of year, especially with little snow in the sierras.
Lots of people go off the trail into the water, but this quiet little pool is less than a hundred meters from the falls. Yikes! Too chancy for me.
Next, we took a bus up to Glacier Point to take the 4 mile hike down. This is one of the steepest trails in the park- so much respect for those who take it all the way up! We learned that just climbing down the 4 miles of endless switchbacks was challenge enough.
Saw a bear right off the trail. Was happy to see it through glass and not in the open air.
Glacier Point. Enjoy the photos!
I just got back from camping in Yosemite. What an inspiring four days! I’m not a savvy camper, so this was the chance to put my skills to the test, and my dad was happy to buddy up on the adventure. We are big time …