Life on the Road

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Off the Beaten Path

February 16, 2009 in Life on the Road by kristi

Highway 152 out of the Monterey Peninsula and Pajaro Valley winds upward into the low lying mist and rain clouds.  Behind us ran the deep loamy earth of artichoke fields and raspberry canes near Watsonville, stretching to the horizon of the Pacific Ocean.  This was unchartered territory for us, an adventure of twists and turns, topped with a lush forest of California Redwoods and charming family wineries.

The unexpected beauty of Hecker Pass provided a delightful addendum to a weekend jaunt to the coast.  The award winning Fortino Winery offers their 2005 Carignan and several other choice offerings at their tasting room Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10am-5pm and Sundays, 11am-5pm.  Stop in and enjoy the family friendly atmosphere and expertise of local vinters Gino and Teri Fortino, who have been in the wine industry since 1970.

Established in 1989, Solis Winery continues the award winning tradition of the region serving Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Sangiovese, Chardonnay, and Muscat Canelli. They recently won four awards at the 2009 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. Tasting rooms are open daily with picnic areas available.

In search of a bountiful white wine? Look no further than Sarah’s Vineyard located near Watsonville Road.  Featuring  lovely Pinot Noir and Chardonneys, the tasting room is open daily 11am-5pm.  A previous winner of the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and Appellation America, owner Tim Slater has created a delightfully quaint winery, nestled amongst the Santa Cruz mountains.

Highway 152 holds delights around each corner, views of the majestic Pacific Ocean, dense California Redwoods and distinguished wines for even the most epicurean palates.

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Top of the World

January 29, 2009 in Life on the Road, Travel Reflections by kristi

Duntulm Castle. Isle of Skye, Scotland.

The sun was still quite high in the sky, even as the hour approached 7pm.  The Highlands in summer are sunlit virtually all the time, making travel and sightseeing easier.  The road before us curved around the island cliff walls and the windswept white caps of the Atlantic churned below us.   The Highlands had already treated us to so many unknown beauties - off the beaten path, and away from the distractions of the hop-on/hop-off bus tours, kilts and tourists of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile.   We were not expecting what greeted us around the next bend.

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Walk Softly

January 27, 2009 in Life on the Road, Travel Reflections by kristi

Kootenai Falls.  Libby, Montana.

We could hear the falls in the distance.  Somewhere, down the deeply shaded path, was a river.  The signs at the trailhead warned of rapid water below and the intoxicating sound of water rushing over rocks was more than we could resist.  I wasn’t particularly prepared for a hike, wearing only sandals, but we figured it would be a short walk.

We continued downward - never a good sign - and then suddenly were met with railroad tracks.  In the middle of nowhere, just off the interstate, near roaring rapids.  An odd combination.  We climbed up several flights of stairs of a pedestrian bridge to safely cross over the tracks.  We questioned whether we wanted to keep going.  The falls sounded just around the next bend but as we approached, all we saw were more trees and the continuing trail. But eventually, the path widened and we entered a clearing.  The Kootenai Falls opened up before us in a breath-taking display of roaring strength.

Road trips have the beauty of the open road and the freedom to stop at the small, tucked away locations that travel guides fail to mention.  The rustic wooden signs dotting state highways beckon the curious and encourage the unprepared for the unexpected views of a lifetime.

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