Mendocino Coast and Usal

Western Trekker has been on the road, a lot, so it’s been a while since the last blog post. Let’s rectify that. Since the last post, destinations visited include the Mendocino Coast, Ano Nuevo, and of course, several locations in the Sierra including the Mammoth Lakes area and the Mono Basin. Look for more posts to come on each of these locations.

Let’s kick this post off with a bit about the Mendocino Coast from our July visit. We visit the Mendocino Coast as often as we can. Randy has life-long connections there and to this day we have family and friends who call it home. What’s nice about visiting an area frequently, is that you can really get to know it and there is always somewhere new to visit.

Did you know about the Enchanted Forest at Usal? It’s a challenge to get to, but not impossible. You definitely need a high-clearance vehicle for the first part of the trek. Keep that in mind and always check road conditions. Usal Beach was not our destination. Usal Beach is neither pristine, nor peaceful, but if you like trees, the Enchanted Forest is worth a visit.

Our goal was a short hike to see the Enchanted Forest. The Enchanted Forest was purchased by the Save the Redwoods League back in 2011. It is famous for it’s uniquely shaped, mult-armed trees. Check out a couple in this gallery. There are dozens more images if you do a Google search for the trees, but there are also tons of wildflowers like Foxglove, and lots of Banana Slugs.

We also dropped in on the Mendocino Botanical Garden. The garden is located in Fort Bragg, California on the south end of town. The Mendocino Coast is fantastic for growing lots of different types of plants. For now, have a look at these specimens. Note that not all are native of course, they just do well in this climate. The Dahlias seem to love it here!

The Mendocino Coast is a special spot. It’s one gorgeous view after another so if you are driving highway 1, pay attention to the road and pull over to take in the views. Sweet peas grow like crazy around Mendocino and you find them everywhere. The old barn, well, it’s just a favorite scene. I like to see what condition it is in each time I go by.

If you are thinking of visiting the Mendocino Coast, it’s an easy and scenic drive from the Bay Area. For recommendations, drop us a line and we’d be happy to give you some tips.

Western Trekker Goes East to NYC!

We just got back from World Pride 2019 which was held in New York City. It was also the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots which officially launched the LGBTQ civil rights movement. Here are some snaps from the city that never sleeps. They just keep building up, up, up. up…

Day one we walked the Brooklyn Bridge built by John A. Roebling. He first built a cable suspension bridge over the Ohio River joining Cincinnati, Ohio with Covington, Kentucky in 1866 to test his theory. This became the model for the Brooklyn Bridge built in 1883.

One area of focus is the World Trade Center. This neighborhood is being rebuilt and keeps rising higher. I’ve visited the 9/11 museum and Ground Zero several times. This trip I went up to 1 World Trade to enjoy the observation lounge on the 100th floor and visited the memorial site at night for a different view.

Here are few shots from around this area. I am still getting used to the power of my new camera. Thinking I needed to capture the details, I used a high-powered lens that really brought the subjects close. Unfortunately, you lose some of the scale indicating exactly how high up you really are!

New York has always built up. Now, they are building up and in a more interesting fashion. Lots of newer buildings are not your standard square blocks! This is a nice contrast to the older style, but it does tend to overshadow the classic buildings. Especially those like Grand Central Station, the Public Library, and even Empire State!

Grand Central Station is still in use and still an interesting stop. Pop-in for a look at all the trim and amazing lighting fixtures. You can also people watch, grab a bite to eat, or even buy an supplies for your smartphone!

The New York Public Library is a gorgeous Beaux-Arts building that also functions as a museum. While we were here, they had an exhibit for Stonewall 50 , Walt Whitman, and the handwritten Declaration of Independence by Thomas Jefferson. The library also houses permanent works of art throughout the building. You never know what you’ll find!

We also did a lot of walking around and just admiring the local street scenes and architecture. NYC has a lot to offer and is a fantastic destination. If you haven’t been, go! Seriously, everyone should visit and take advantage of all NYC has to offer. There truly is something for everyone!

OH, LORD, STUCK IN LODI AGAIN!

This blog post has been updated from a former blog post at tell10friends.com. 

John C. Fogerty wrote these words for the band Creedence Clearwater Revival’s song in 1969.  Apparently, Lodi, California was a very different place during that time.  Today, Lodi is quickly gaining steam as the “non-Napa” wine country, with lots of fantastic wine, upscale eateries, and olives!  Lodi used to be a drive-by town on highway 99 for the most part.  No longer! If you don’t stop in Lodi and explore the town and the region, it’s your fault and your loss. The wine is incredible, the food is tasty, and the people are really nice, open and welcoming – a big difference when compared to Napa’s crowded, rushed tasting rooms with over-priced Cabernet and formulaic Chardonnay.

The most notable export out of Lodi currently is wine; especially, Zinfandel.  The Lodi growing region is also one of the only appellations that spans two counties in California (Sacramento County to the north, and San Joaquin County to the south). The Lodi AVA contains roughly 551,000 acres approved, and is currently planted to some 100,000 acres, it is bordered on the west by I-5 and to the east by the borders of El Dorado, Amador, and Calaveras counties. It’s big!  With an average annual high temperature of 74 degrees and a low of 47 degrees Fahrenheit and about 18” of annual rainfall, Lodi has a Mediterranean climate.

The wine barrels at Jessie's Grove Winery

Lodi is producing some unique varietals in addition to Zinfandel (about 40% of California’s zin is grown in Lodi, I’ve been told).  Other great reds include Petite Sirah, Syrah, and Carignane (Jessie’s Grove makes a lovely Carignane from their 120 year old vines).  For whites and a nice change of pace, be sure to sip and study such luscious and interesting options as Albarino, Viognier, Vermentino and Roussanne.  For me, an avowed ABC (Anything But Chardonnay), visiting Lodi is a treat!  Lots of whites to choose from and enjoy.

Lodi is also a notable wildlife destination.  The Mokelumne River flows along the north side of town, and the Consumnes River and the Consumnes River Preserve is but a short drive north. Both are locations for wildlife viewing and perhaps the most famous visiting creature being the Sandhill Crane.  There is a statue of the famous Cranes downtown.  You can also see flocks of Snow Geese and boy, they are just as impressive and beautiful.

Here’s a brief list of things to do in Lodi:

Places to eat: Pietro's Trattoria (http://www.pietroslodi.com/) and Towne House Reataurant (http://winerose.com/towne-house-restaurant/) are both top choices! 

Cheese Central is a great cheese shop staffed by knowledgeable, friendly folks on N. School Street (www.cheesecentrallodi.com/)

Lodi’s Sandhill Crane Festival (http://www.cranefestival.com) celebrates return of the Cranes.

The Hill House Museum, a restored Queen Anne Victorian built around 1906.

Lodi Grape Festival and the Lodi Spring Wine Show, (http://www.grapefestival.com) a Grape Festival held which includes rides, food, and wine tasting. The Spring Wine Show is held in late March/early April, so as not to coincide with Easter.

Taste of Lodi, (http://www.tasteoflodi.com) usually in September; wine seminars, cooking demonstrations, live music and a Port, Cigar and Chocolate Pavilion.

Zinfest, (http://www.zinfest.com) originated in 2005 by the Lodi Winegrape Commission, features Lodi's finest Zinfandel wines, usually the third weekend of May, this event includes a Friday night dinner called "Vintner's Grille".

Did I mention that Lodi, California has two sister cities?  The first, is Kofu, Japan.  The second, is interestingly enough, Lodi, Italy.  Lots of people settled in Lodi from Italy and it's no surprise that Lodi has a large Italian-American population.

If you find yourself ‘stuck’ in Lodi, sit back, relax and sip the sunset away with one of the appellations great wines! Why don’t you crank up the iPod and enjoy some CCR while you are at it.