Day One – Driven to the Pour House

Our intent was to leave at 8am. We left at 9:15. We’re on vacation, not on a schedule. Our unintentional timing served us well today on multiple occasions.

We took I80 to Davis and then got off on Russell Road which used to be a fun road. Now it’s in need of repair but still fun to weave through the orchards.

We progressed through Winters toward Berryessa where the drought is evident; nothing but parched landscape. We saw a lot of burn areas from prior years’ wildfires. The Lake Berryessa area often experiences wildfires but so far this year, has been spared.

We rose into the mountains above Napa and dropped down to the Silverado Trail.

We stopped in Calistoga for lunch and enjoyed some halibut tacos at our favorite restaurant in town. We parked near several other motorcycles, one was the BMW Adventure we’re considering. Tom got the download from the rider and filed away more facts for consideration of the next bike.

As we rolled into Calistoga it was beginning to get misty. After lunch it seemed to lift a bit. Once we hit the road again, it was cloudy but not raining. Great timing!

The Napa and Sonoma wine country is a beautiful area no matter what time of year. This is the start of the harvest and many vines were still laden with grapes. As we rode through the vineyards, the pungent, sweet aroma of an early crush filled our helmets. We both commented that we love that smell.

We were about ten miles from our hotel and about an hour ahead of check-in so we decided to look for a winery where could kill some time enjoying the fruits of the area. We saw the sign for the Pour House. We thought, that sounds like us, so turned in.

What a delightful place! We purchased a bottle of wine, enjoyed a glass, enjoyed the view, and killed an hour taking it all in.

As we geared up to hit the road for the last ten miles, Tom said “I think we avoided the rain!” He spoke too soon. But it was just a drizzle and we didn’t get too wet.

We pulled into Cloverdale around 3:30, unloaded, and finished the delicious bottle of Zinfandel.

Tomorrow we go to Eureka. We’re going to the Avenue of the Giants to see some enormous redwoods and we’ll see what else we can find along the way.

It’s supposed to rain tonight and has started as we write this post. Hopefully we will be able to wait it out tomorrow and enjoy the ride through the Anderson Valley.

Today’s barn pic: