In the van man...

Had a beautiful time running around Northern California... where we encountered ...castles, vineyards, camp grounds, forests, wild flowers, bottles of fine wine, rummage sales, seedy strangers, friendly ones too, redwood hikes, lots of cars old and new. Crashing on the side of random roads in the middle of no mans land, not knowing where our next stop would be since we had no plans. Cruisin the PCH, stopipin to watch the sun drop over the ocean where the Russian River meets the sea. And of course lets not forget the countless "pullover" stops to pee. Swingin into random towns like Monte Rio where there are river beaches stocked with bronzing humans BBQ'in and drinkin on river rocks groovin in boardies and bikinis. Swam there, a much needed cool down from the hot spring valley air. Towns with "Population 89" signs, gas station stops & coffee shops and we could have kept goin, there's still so much to see and do but we had to get back when our week began to turn into two.

We set out on this trip with no plan. We went from place to place on a whim or a recommendation from other lively travelers we met along the way.

Places:

Safari West, Sonoma
400 acres in the heart of wine country, Safari West is home to over 600 exotic mammals and birds from 85 different species. African wildlife is everywhere. Stay in one of their luxury tents that overlook the giraffes, and the lake.
If you can't make it to Africa, this is neato.
safariwest.com

Castello Di Amorosa, Napa Valley
An authentic 121,000 square foot 12th century Tuscan castle-winery. This castle was built as castles were back in the day, by hand and took 15 years to complete.
A fine winery, they have no distribution so the only way to acquire their wine is from the castle or by becoming a Castello Di Amorosa wine club member.

V. Sattui Winery, Napa Valley
Winery and Italian Deli. Buy some good Italian food from the deli and a bottle of their amazing wine and picnic out on their lovely tree shaded grounds.
A must, same dude that built the castle, gangster

Calistoga Roastery Coffee Shop, Calistoga
Where we did many a morning caffeine wifi sessions

Sterling Vineyards, Calistoga
Obviously.

Bothe-Napa Valley State Park
10 plus miles of hiking trails, 50 campsites. Absolutely beautiful forest everywhere and perfect if you want to camp and bbq. 5 minutes from the castle and Sterling Vineyards but you'll feel miles away from everything. ps. watch out for poison oak!
(707)942-4575 reserve a camp site

Jenner, where the Russian River meets the sea
On the coast. Stunning, raw, magical and tranquil. We camped but if you prefer a bed....
Jenner Inn and Cottages, JennerInn.com
Timber Cove (15 miles north on the PCH ) TimberCoveInn.com

Bodega Bay-Jenner via PCH
This drive is other worldly. Miles of raw untouched coastal rolling hills full of wildflowers sit on top of cliffs that drop off into a rugged cold angry ocean. All kinds of wildlife, hikes and empty fairy tale beaches. Lots of camp sites all along the coast. Dress warm, its definitely not So Cal.

Tides Wharf and Restaurant, Bodega Bay
The Tides Wharf & Restaurant was made famous in the early 1960's when it was used in many scenes of Alfred Hitchcock’s classic movie "The Birds." It was rebuilt in 1997 and is a must stop for good eats if your traveling the Sonoma County coastline.
There are no tables without a view of the bay. Locally caught, fresh seafood, pasta, steak and lobster grinds. Get into the extensive wine list at the beautiful bar which overlooks the bay.

The Russian River.
We made a bunch of different stops along the Russian River as we followed it up from the coast at Jenner inward towards the Armstrong Redwood Forest. Runs along or through these very small towns we visited... very small. Guerneville, Monte Rio, Forestville, Jenner.
There are all kinds of places to stay along the Russian River and lots of river activities and it is about a 5 minute drive to the Armstrong Redwood Forest from Guerneville.

Armstrong Redwood Forest.
One of my favorite places on the trip.
The ancient coast redwood is the tallest living thing on our planet. These trees live to be 500-1,000 years old, grow to a diameter of 12-16 feet, and stand from 200-250 feet tall. Some trees even survive over 2000 years and tower above 350 feet.
The reserve includes a visitor center, large outdoor amphitheater, self-guided nature trails, and a variety of picnic facilities. While you can drive into the park, the best way to experience the dramatic affect of the towering redwoods, is to park in the lot at the park entrance and walk in for free.
No camping is available in the redwood grove, there is a campground at Austin Creek State Recreation Area, which is adjacent to the park. Austin Creek is accessed through the same entrance as Armstrong Redwoods. Its rolling hills, open grasslands and oaks are a beautiful and dramatic contrast to the dense canopy of the redwood grove.

May your heart always be full and your spirit always be free. Live long and prosper.

love, Sanoe
aka The Road Rooster's