While the park only memorializes William Ide as the president of the short-lived California Bear Republic, it represents the life of early pioneers in the valley.
A way of life I would prefer to remain in history...everywhere I looked in the cabin I saw work from the spinning wheel to pots and pans to the bed which required keeping the rope tight and straw fresh.
As we bade the forest ranger farewell, he gifted the kids with a puzzle referred to playfully as the oxen yoke. The goal was to get both beads on the same side without untying the string ;) The next few miles were unbelievably quiet!
Of course on a road trip interesting discoveries are made...
When Ron deciphered our license plate as six Montanans (though the 251 eludes me), the kids were delighted.
Our next stop was Olive City (aka Corning, CA). Here Bell-Carter Foods is the largest producer of table olives in the United States and second largest in the world. Lunch at the Olive Pit was fun, but not near as fun as browsing the endless selectoon of olives and oils AND selecting a special variety of olives for Uncle Kevin to enjoy. He loves olives, so Kade was very fastidious in the selection process. The package is en route, as were we were to home.
However, I suggested a "quick" jog over to Highway 1. As we meandered down the mountain road enjoying the scenery and pace of life, it eventually became apparent that we had taken the "long" way home. We cruised along the edge of Clear Lake and through the little towns along its shores when Ron noticed a plume of smoke on the southern side of the lake (ever a fireman...) and Kade was next to express concern. Shortly helicopters responded.
In the meantime, we paused to explore a winery, Ceago (shee-ye-ho). We merely selected it by convenience and curiosity. The vineyards were intriguing and beckoned us from the road with signs.
The vineyard was beautiful...
as was the villa...(in sharp contrast to the earlier adobe home)
...and the waterfront.
The winery was buzzing with activity, as people enjoyed their holiday weekend, so we enjoyed our quick look and moseyed down the road where we found fresh peach sorbet bars at a local orchard fruit stand. Yummy in the hot California sun!
As we wound up the mountain road, the kids tried our fresh almonds.
Finally, we reached Mendocino. The Pacific ocean crashed against the rocky cliffs, and I cannot help but recall the the song that Willie Nelson and Le Ann Womack sing..."Mendocino County Line." The quaint town was overflowing with visitors with its enticing charm.
Though as dinner hour was eminent, we were soon distracted by our search for food. As we cruised further down the coast, we found a restaurant in Albion with a view of the ocean and a table for six. We dined as the sun went down and the piano played.
Before we departed for home, a lady volunteered to capture a photo with the entire family as the sun set across the Pacific.
Hours later we crawled into our beds at 616 Cornwallis.
Oh wow! Miss Kiahra really resembles you in that last pic.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait for that package! And to think at one time (one of our first dates) he tried one of my olives and practically spit it out! An acquired taste I guess.
Your hair is looking quite "normal"! I love that picture of all you, I want a copy, please email it to me!
ReplyDeleteMiss you,
Laurie