We have a guest living with us for four months. Do you
remember last year we went to Guatemala for our godson’s wedding? Well we
talked his sister, Karina, into coming to California for a visit. She’s turned
it into a semi-business trip by studying English while here.
A trip to California wouldn’t be complete without San
Francisco! So, this morning we left Sacramento with an ice chest full of
sandwiches and goodies. It saves so much time, money, and decision-making drama
to bring your own food. We came down I-80 and crossed the new Bay Bridge. It’s
really pretty, but I didn’t feel very safe because the side rail is only about
3 feet high. Today was a perfectly clear warm day in SF. Alcatraz and Angel
Islands were easy to see, as was the Golden Gate Bridge. We took the first exit
and made our way down to Embarcadero St. It wasn’t overly busy because it was a
Friday.
The rest of the day was spent wandering around the Ferry
Building and the different piers. Karina took about 50 photos.
I just can’t get
over how warm it was! It felt like it was 90 degrees, and for SF that is very,
very warm.
We finally decided to head over the Golden Gate Bridge on HWY 101 to
our hotel in Novato. You know I think I’ve only been over that bridge a couple
of times in my life. It’s a spectacular view of the bay on the east side and
the open ocean on the west.
We found our cheap little hotel thanks to smart phones. I
must digress for a moment. Booking a night in a hotel in the Bay Area is a
nightmare. First of all, the websites drove me bonkers. I typed in ‘3 people’
and ‘1 room’. It would give me a room with a king size bed, charge me extra for
the 3
rd person, and not provide any place for her to sleep. I called
the 800 number (big mistake because it’s just a call center and they know
nothing about the hotel they represent, I highly recommend finding the local
number for real prices and info) and the new quote would be as much as $100.00
more per night. One place said they had a king bed, charged $12.50 more per
night for Karina, but didn’t actually have any place for to sleep. I questioned
this and he said “Oh, they have a rolling bed they can bring in for her.” “Oh
so that’s what the $12.50 is for?” “No the bed is $15.00 more.” “Really? What’s
the $12.50 for?” “For the third person,” was the reply. Talk about crazy!
So for your reference, Novato is an adorable little town in
Marin County between San Francisco and Napa Valley. The hotel we got is small
and simple, but most importantly it’s dirt cheap. We even have two queen-size
beds . . . Yay! American Best Value Inn, only 89 bucks a night, with no extra
fees. The desk clerk, Gary was incredibly helpful. We went straight to the pool
and cooled off.
We ate at Mi Pueblo on Grant St. Great family atmosphere and
good food. We wolfed down a massive platter of chicken nachos. Tomorrow we plan
to go to Muir Woods redwood forest and Stinson Beach.
Day Two: Muir Woods and Napa
There is a saying that Joe and I live by; “Go with the flow.”
When traveling one never knows what will actually happen, it’s best to just
adjust. We set off on our little day trip this morning to Muir Woods Redwood
Forest with the plan to go to Stinson
Beach afterwards. As we approached the HWY 1 exit we saw the sign saying; “Muir
Woods parking lot was full—take the shuttle bus.” We found the shuttle bus and
hopped on as it was pulling away and off we went. Problem is that Muir Woods is
halfway to Stinson Beach, so we’d have to retrace our path after we got back to
our truck. The decision was clinched when we saw 2 miles of stop-and-go traffic
at the beginning of HWY 1. Stinson would have to wait.
Karina loved the massive redwood trees and the ferns. It was
a warm day, which is why it was so crowded. The trail makes a series of loops
going from baby-stroller-easy to hiking boots. We went for the middle one. Our luck
was with us because we got to see a doe and her baby. They were separated by the
trail crowded with whispering tourists. The fawn began crying for its mommy by
making little sounds almost like a cat’s meow. The doe ignored it and kept
eating. We moved on.
This tranquility was interrupted by the sounds of war. Two little
boys came running around the corner shouting, “The dinosaurs are coming!” They
both turned and shot their imaginary machine guns at their attackers, and dashed
past us. I was only slightly nervous about what would be around the corner. Dad
was strolling along calmly. Shortly after this came Mom with a little girl in a
pink tutu talking nonstop.
After we saw the traffic jam on the way back to the shuttle
parking lot we decided to head over to Napa. I love it when random choices pay
off. Napa was roped off for the New Orleans Marti Gras festival. They had bands
playing jazz with a Cajun flare.
It was great! They even had a little parade. We finished the night by sharing
a platter of BBQ meat at Bounty Hunters. They have a great wine and beer
selection. On the way home I asked Karina which she would prefer; Stinson Beach
or going back to Napa. She chose Napa! I was a little surprised because she
actually prefers dark beer. So tomorrow we will experience Napa.
Day Three: Napa
Slept in, then headed over to Starbuck’s in downtown Napa
for breakfast. As we drove away from our little dumpy hotel, that Joe made fun
of, I felt compelled to comment on hotels in general. As you all know, we’ve
stayed in a lot of different types of places. Some expensive, fancy places that
were dirty and some immaculate cheap little places. So let me make a general
statement. If you pay a regionally low price there’s a reason. The owners have
less expenses than the fancy places . . . ie, the décor is ancient, the quality
is horrible, the staff is inadequate, or the location is bad. This place is
right next to the highway and a wood yard, but that’s why I bring ear plugs. The
décor was old and worn. The towels threadbare, sheets too small for the bed, and
the shower curtain tattered. BUT, it was all clean, the beds were super comfy, had
a flat screen TV, free WiFi, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, and they didn't
skimp on staffing. So I’d probably go back, if in the area.
I digress, we went to Silenus first because one of our best
buddies is an investor in one of the wineries they feature in their tasting
room; Modus Operandi. Hannah in the tasting room was very helpful.
We went to
Yountville next and wandered through the shops, said hello to the sleepy cat,
and shared a glass of wine. Next we drove up through the beautiful Napa Valley
and ooh’d and awe’d at the gorgeous wineries.
We circled the parking lot of
Castello di Amorosa. We were too cheap to go in, but I’ve been there before and
it’s worth it once. We cut across the valley and stopped at Rombuaer Winery. The
lady at the counter was so nice. Afterward we wandered through their gardens.
When we got home we watched Bottle Shock J
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