We were up in good time and after what the Goodnight Inn generously called a Continental Breakfast (muffins & coffee) we headed out of Rohnert Park for the last time toward Napa.
We took the time to go to downtown Napa as well as Yountville later in the day and were decidely disappointed. We didn't see any place to stop to shop for souvenirs for our fellas (sorry Kev) and realized that the focus is definitely in the vinyards.
After a drive north to the Stags Leap Winery we had our first tasting of the day. The wine was good but not exceptional and we continued on for a drive and eventually to Robert Mondavi Vineyards and Winery. This place is huge and very.... how would I say it, 'formal'. I felt a little underdressed as today started off much cooler than the past 2 days. It has been around 28 to 30 degrees here in the valley and we have been out in tank tops and shorts. Today we had to put on our long pants which consisted of jeans and 'nice' t-shirts... oh well. They still accepted our $25 USD for a tour and a tasting. I must say though that this was quite the tour. It lasted more than an hour and a half and I learned a lot about wine making. The tasting included 1 white, 2 reds and a limited edition dessert wine as well as an hors d'ouvres of a miniature lamb burger (yes, I got the recipe!) It was well worth the price.
Robert Mondavi Winery
Then we stopped in a small town as we left Napa for a little lunch. It was delicious but terribly expensive at $9.00 for a bowl of French Onion Soup. I made my own home-made Onion Soup this winter and I now realize that Kevin owes me $27.00 USD! Pay up big guy! LOL
We hit the road heading East across California and ended up at a stand still at the lift bridge across the enormous Sacramento River. Good news, as it was someone elses car that had a flat, but we still were stopped for over an hour. Cindy napped and I simply waited, getting restless to keep going to Yosemite.
Waiting on the bridge.
The terrain went from somewhat hilly in Napa to incredibly flat at Rio Vista to almost instant twists and turns as we approached our hotel in Sonora, just outside of Yosemite. One aside here is that the towns inland are beautiful. They have a western charm that is almost a wild west feeling with large squared frontages on them. The downtowns are littlered with Christian bookstores, hotels and more. I saw a sign for 'Bail Bonds' and then a shop that sold 'guns, fishing licenses, bait and boots'. Unfortunately, it was closed
We took the time to go to downtown Napa as well as Yountville later in the day and were decidely disappointed. We didn't see any place to stop to shop for souvenirs for our fellas (sorry Kev) and realized that the focus is definitely in the vinyards.
After a drive north to the Stags Leap Winery we had our first tasting of the day. The wine was good but not exceptional and we continued on for a drive and eventually to Robert Mondavi Vineyards and Winery. This place is huge and very.... how would I say it, 'formal'. I felt a little underdressed as today started off much cooler than the past 2 days. It has been around 28 to 30 degrees here in the valley and we have been out in tank tops and shorts. Today we had to put on our long pants which consisted of jeans and 'nice' t-shirts... oh well. They still accepted our $25 USD for a tour and a tasting. I must say though that this was quite the tour. It lasted more than an hour and a half and I learned a lot about wine making. The tasting included 1 white, 2 reds and a limited edition dessert wine as well as an hors d'ouvres of a miniature lamb burger (yes, I got the recipe!) It was well worth the price.
Robert Mondavi WineryThen we stopped in a small town as we left Napa for a little lunch. It was delicious but terribly expensive at $9.00 for a bowl of French Onion Soup. I made my own home-made Onion Soup this winter and I now realize that Kevin owes me $27.00 USD! Pay up big guy! LOL
We hit the road heading East across California and ended up at a stand still at the lift bridge across the enormous Sacramento River. Good news, as it was someone elses car that had a flat, but we still were stopped for over an hour. Cindy napped and I simply waited, getting restless to keep going to Yosemite.
Waiting on the bridge.The terrain went from somewhat hilly in Napa to incredibly flat at Rio Vista to almost instant twists and turns as we approached our hotel in Sonora, just outside of Yosemite. One aside here is that the towns inland are beautiful. They have a western charm that is almost a wild west feeling with large squared frontages on them. The downtowns are littlered with Christian bookstores, hotels and more. I saw a sign for 'Bail Bonds' and then a shop that sold 'guns, fishing licenses, bait and boots'. Unfortunately, it was closed
. 
Our 'corkscrew' in our room!
Tomorrow will take us into Yosemite Park and I am so excited! I plan to take a climbing course from the Yosemite Mountaineering School, while Cindy watches. And I have decided to put off the horseback riding until I get home so that I can enjoy this outdoor activity with family. We will definitely do lots of hiking. Steve and Sue, you would love it here. You can camp in the park! I'm bringing home lots of reading material, oh and a special hat for my Kev!
Good night Duncan and Ian!... I miss you.
Our 'corkscrew' in our room!Tomorrow will take us into Yosemite Park and I am so excited! I plan to take a climbing course from the Yosemite Mountaineering School, while Cindy watches. And I have decided to put off the horseback riding until I get home so that I can enjoy this outdoor activity with family. We will definitely do lots of hiking. Steve and Sue, you would love it here. You can camp in the park! I'm bringing home lots of reading material, oh and a special hat for my Kev!
Good night Duncan and Ian!... I miss you.
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