The week I spent in San Francisco included two days of side trips to very special places, Sonoma and Stinson Beach. The last week of July temperatures reached record levels in northern California. Although San Francisco was hot compared to its normal temps we didn't experience the extremes so much until driving north to Sonoma where it topped out at a little over 100 degrees. Although it was a "dry heat," it was still very warm.
The time in Sonoma was short with only time for a couple of good wineries, a great restaurant, and the Tuesday evening market on the square. Fresh foods, fruits and vegetables abounded along with friendly people and music. The hot and dry weather had produced an abundant crop of rattlesnakes and there were signs posted along the trails at the wineries to be cautious. I guess I didn't take them as seriously as I should have until the following morning when I saw a fellow in high leather boots walking the grounds outside the Ravenswood Winery with an extension pole and a bag looking for errant rattlers. A brief conversation assured me that indeed one should be cautions. But by then we were headed back toward the ocean and cooler temps.
A careful walk through the vinyard was something I had to do, snakes or not. I got up close to some of the grape clusters and took a few pictures. This is one I like a lot.
And finally on to Stinson Beach, a small place that is almost unnoticed. There is a daunting 10 mile drive on some very "interesting" stretches of Highway 1 but I assure you that it was worth the drive. There was a spot or two where the road had washed away but we managed to avoid those spots and find our way to the Stinson Beach Motel. The cool temps and heavy fogs were a sharp contrast to the heat of the interior lands. I love this little town and hope to return someday.
