It was grey in Sonoma County today, but we didn’t let that stop us from visiting some favorite places from our last visit with Aunt Gen. We started the day with a drive to Bodega Bay and hiking/photography on Bodega Head. It was cold and windy, but as beautiful as ever. The gulls, herons, and egrets soared against the cliffs.

Next we drove to Armstrong Redwoods, one of Herb and Gen’s favorite picnic spots. It was dark and foreboding there with raindrops punctuating the atmosphere. A few rays of sunshine broke through as we were leaving.

Our last stop was the Napa Valley and Sattui Vineyards. We didn’t stop at their castle vineyard, but went to the old original one. The wines didn’t taste as terrific as they have in the past. Perhaps we’ve been drinking too much of that $2 wine and have lost our taste buds? We didn’t buy any wine.

Lunch along the way consisted of a baguette, brie, and sun-dried tomato pesto. Aunt Gen would not have approved because we didn’t include a tablecloth, plates, silverware, and knapkins. We ate on paper towels in the car while looking out at the ocean.

The countryside is awakening to spring. Many flowers and trees are blooming. However, there is snow on the mountains/hills above Calistoga. We have had ice on our canopy the last two mornings. The forecasts for northern CA, OR, and WA don’t sound promising. It looks like we will get a small window of opportunity on the weekend to make a dash for Seattle before the next cold front descends.

A Great Blue Heron greets us to Bodega Head