8th June
Departure Day. Kerry arrived as arranged, spot on 7.15, we were ready to leave, so luggage stowed in the boot and we were off to the airport. A good run in with no traffic jams. On arrival at airport and to the check in, we were advised of the very good news that economy was full and therefore we had to be upgraded. Perhaps the fact that we had paid for extra leg room on our economy ticket put us to the top of the queue for upgrades, other than that the check in clerk just liked the look of us. Whatever the weather, we weren't complaining. After the rest of the formalities were completed we located Qantas Club, made ourselves comfortable and helped ourselves to breakfast. I had a wander through the duty free as I wanted to buy makeup. Fortunately they didn't have my colour in stock, you'll see why it was fortunate later in the diary.
Before long we were boarding, we had a very comfortable flight with excellent service and plenty of room to stretch out and snooze, read, play scrabble, chat, eat, do crosswords, watch a movie or two and that passed the 12 hours away very easily. We touched down in LA on time. Although we had two and a half hours before boarding the next flight, it was pretty well taken up by waiting for luggage, joining a very long queue for security check and then rechecking bags in once again, going through the fairy rigid passport control where photographs and fingerprints are taken. Felt like we were off to gaol! Then more queues for more security checks with carry on baggage. Eventually we were done and just time for a quick cuppa in the Admiral Club before going to the gate for boarding our domestic flight to San Francisco. No such luxury on this flight with upgrades, it was chockers. We sat on the runway for some time before take off, flight was delayed because of rain in SF but just an hour in the air. I slept the journey away and we were landing in a rainy San Francisco before very long. It never rains in summer in SF apparently but there was definitely wet stuff falling from the skies. Our host, Susan, met us and just a 20 minute drive away and we were being acquainted with our home in West Portal/St Francis for the next month – and a very beautiful home at that. We have a large area downstairs, lounge with TV, bathroom etc so all very comfortable. The afternoon was spent chatting, unpacking, a wander down to the local shopping area, just a five minute walk away, a street lined with the usual kind of shops one finds in a shopping street. We started with coffee at Starbucks. I had a low fat cappuccino (not a skinny cap). We located the Muni at the end of the shopping street, we are using it tomorrow to go into the city. Then it was home for a late afternoon nap to take the edge off of the fact that we only had a couple of cat naps on the journey and then dinner with Susan. John was not home for dinner tonight as he was at a business function. We toddled off to bed and had a good sleep.
29th June
Up early(ish). We are leaving home with Susan who will acquaint us with how the Muni works, tickets and what train we need for the city. We all got the same train although she got off at an earlier stop than we for her appointment. We have been recommended to go to Sears for breakfast. It is SF's famous pancake parlour, a large restaurant where we joined a queue to be seated. The place has terrific old school atmosphere and has been a San Francisco institution since 1938. There are photographs of famous folks who have eaten here are displayed on the walls. People arriving after us had to form another queue outside. After a short wait a spot for two became available at the bar. Every type of pancake you can imagine is available, sweet or savoury. I opted for a short stack with blueberries, Richard a tall stack. Quite delicious. Richard's plate was so large he couldn't manage them all. (That has to be a first).
We decided we should walk off breakfast in the direction of the famous Fisherman’s Wharf which included walking a very steep hill. There are heaps of cable cars, the traditional mode of transport to the wharf but we have calories to burn and will take the cable car back downtown after a look around. Always good to walk in new areas, you see so much more. We walked through the edge of China Town – that's earmarked for another day. A guided tour through Chinatown and up and down the alleyways and to learn a little of the history of the area happens every Saturday so we'll do that and finish off with yum cha. Our walk continued and we eventually arrived at the wharf, found Pier 39, saw sea lions laying on large wooden platforms, the island of Alcatraz, of course, the Golden Gate Bridge. Fog had cleared so everything was visible. We passed many stalls, cafes and restaurants selling clam chowder and many other fish dishes and we'll try them before we leave. After a leisurely wander, a cup of coffee while watching a great singer/guitarist (far too good to be a busker), we went to the cable car stop and joined a long queue. It took four cars before we could board and then we went back downtown for a spot of shopping.
Richard got some bargains in Foot Locker, gym shoes, two shirts, socks at extremely good prices – we would say about half the price they'd retail for in Oz. I bought some cosmetics I had run low on, very pleased that Duty Free in Brisbane didn't have the shade I wanted as my lipstick, for example, cost $14.50 as opposed to $39 back home. A sit down in Union Square with another coffee and it was time to wander along to the Muni and board a train for home. Trains are very regular they come in every couple of minutes so no waiting around and the journey takes around 15 minutes.
We made four new friends this evening, the next door neighbours, Robert and Alvin and another couple, Timothy (Tim) and Martha came for appetisers. So a pleasant hour spent chatting, nibbling and drinking. We needed no rocking off to sleep tonight. A really nice day.
30th June
We slept in late this morning, still recovering from some jet lag, I guess. Armed with a map, we walked to the local shopping centre, Stonetown, a pretty 20 minute walk away. Has lots of shops including two departmental stores, Maceys and Nostrum. I bought a couple of tops, new shorts and a pair of sandals, Richard bought yet more shoes. If he buys any more I am going to change his name to Imelda. We are leaving today for the Napa Valley. John is working this morning, our ETD is going to be at around 3. We walked home and arrived at the same time as John at 2 p.m. So packed a bag and loaded up two cars and we were off at around 3. We crossed town including the great structure and icon of the city, the Golden Gate Bridge, passed Sausalita, got involved in a traffic pile up, it's the long weekend, 4th July on Monday, so we diverted and drove through very pretty scenery and lots of wineries (naturally) and many wine groves. Weather is perfect, blue skies and sunshine. We eventually arrived at Calistoga Ranch. I cannot begin to describe this place. This is the website if you'd like to have a look.
Go to www.calistogaranch.com
The accommodation is so beautiful – an outside lounge/dining room, a very well equipped kitchen large enough to eat in, a lounge room, two bedrooms with king size beds, bathroom, each in their own “pod”. There is a beautiful pool area, jacuzzi, work out room, restaurants. And the views are perfect, green hills and valleys wherever the eye travels. Hmm, I think I died and went to Heaven, I must have led an exemplary life because I think I entered Paradise.
Before dinner we went for a short hike on one of the trails, sat at a picnic table and had some nibblies and drinks while chatting and taking in the beautiful views of hills and valleys.
1st July
The plan today is to go by bike into the town of Calistoga and then to do a big loop around, visit a winery, have a picnic in the grounds and do some tastings which means we will be doing a good exercise stint as well as some site seeing. After a leisurely breakfast we went to reception to pick up our pre-booked bikes that were waiting for us. The ride started by going downhill, fairly quiet and a designated bike path inside the white line markings of the road. We passed through the little town of Calistoga and then onto some very quiet lanes populated by vines with many wineries along our route. We rode for a fair while, Susan and John pointing out to us the various points of interest along the way
The plan was to stop for a picnic lunch in the garden of Vincent Arroio a small winery that sells its produce only from the winery and is not distributed elsewhere. On arrival, we were greeted by the proprietor. We set up at a picnic table and he delivered some glasses of white/red wines for us to drink with lunch. We were joined by two dogs, Bodega and his mate. They looked at us very pleadingly but we had received strict instructions not to feed them as they were dieting. I know the feeling! Then it was off inside to taste the produce. All rather nice. We bought the Bodega, a nice red named after the dog. We rather liked the label that is decorated with a few paw prints.
Also the words of this French proverb:
“In water one sees one's own face; but in wine one beholds the heart of another.”
We are hoping we won't wobble too much on the route home. Bottle safely stowed and we are off again. We stop at the town of Calistoga, there is a new ice creamery in town. So that's a must in order that Richard fulfils his craving. The rest of us indulged too. We have a wander down the street, have a look around a fantastic gallery, great paintings, sculptures and unusual nicknacks. I could spend very, very serious money here. There are some great murals in town displayed on the walls of buildings painted by this artist, so realistic, you would swear that you could walk right in and be part of the scene. We had passed the artists's house earlier which has various interesting sculptures in the garden, gates and gables. We are told that tours of his home are available and very intriguing. Would like to look around but we won't be in town on the opening day.
We cycle on home to the ranch, it is after five, so time for a shower and freshen up. There is a wine tasting on tonight between 5 and 7 featuring Brown Estate Vineyard and best known as one of the most well-regarded zinfandel producers in the Napa Valley. The vineyard owners (the only African American winemakers in the Napa Valley) were present and greeted us on arrival. I have never heard of zinfandel wine before. It is soft with subtle flavours and very drinkable. A variety of cheeses, breads and biscuits were served with the wine, the cheese maker also present. In addition to the Zinfandel, I tasted Cabernet Sauvigon, and the Syrah. Shiraz is known as Syrah here. A very pleasant hour spent chatting and tasting.
Back home for dinner. We are enjoying a variety of vegetarian meals since being here, Susan and John are vegetarian and we have not missed being carnivores. I think I speak for Richard as well as myself. A very pleasant evening following a very pleasant day.
2nd July
A hike after breakfast is on this morning's agenda. Predictions are for a hot day (up to 100 F) so we have planned the hike and then to vegetate around the pool for the rest of the day. So off to them thar hills we go. Terrain was pretty hilly in places, very peaceful and scenic, views of the valley here and there. We stopped a couple of times at strategically placed picnic tables for some r. and r. and onward and upward we went, heart working well. The hike took about two hours, good to take off boots when we finished. The rest of the afternoon was spent lazing around the pool and dipping when we needed a cool down, the highlight being the steel drum band playing and a young female singer whose rendition of the Star Spangled Banner was superb.
We talked to her later. We were introduced to more of S & J's friends. Everybody is so friendly. John and Richard had been trying to organise baseball tickets via computer, many games booked out, some seats available were not the best. So it was put on hold for another day. We were introduced to Marsha who just happens to be coming to Australia next year and so she was interested in anything we could tell her. During the conversation the ball game tickets came up. Marsha told us that most likely she could get us free tickets via her firm. There was a reason we couldn't book on line!!!
Susan and John's friends Scott and Sheila are coming to dinner tonight and overnighting. They arrived at 5-ish and met us around the pool. A lovely couple. We had a really nice evening, nice dinner, nice company. Everything is nice. Scott is a musician (as well as being a lawyer) and he entertained us by singing a great rendition of a popular Irish ballad, the name of which escapes me. He has a great voice as well as being able to play the guitar, the fiddle and the mandarin.
We fell into bed at about midnight and slept well not waking until 9 a.m. After breakfast Scott and Sheila left.
This morning a very important ceremony took pace. John has been planning this event for the last couple of days. In order to pass muster as Temporary Citizens of the USA, one has to partake of the National Cuisine. You would all know that that is a PBJ sandwich or for those of you who are wondering what a PBJ is – it is, of course, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. John, Master Chef of this auspicious occasion, served our sandwiches accompanied by a cup of tea. We had to be truthful regarding our tastes. John had prepared them half and half - equal flavours of the jelly (jam) and peanut butter. Connoisseurs have their own individual tastes regarding the amount of each substance. Some folks like more jelly, some more peanut butter. Richard decided his taste would favour towards more jelly. He adapted his sandwich to fit. I thought I would prefer more peanut butter but as I had almost finished my sandwich I decided to adjust the proportions the next time I have one. We were proclaimed to have passed the test for Temporary Citizens of the United States of America.
The next activity for the afternoon was a game of Bocce. Girls versus Boys. Although it looked a little tight at one stage, the Girls were victorious. Go Girls Get 'Em.
After energy expended on Bocce, it was time to unwind at the pool, have a swim and cool off. It's hot again today, notching up to 100F (in old money) and that's how temps are recorded here. The Youngsters (J&S) went off to the gym for a work out. Whilst the Seniors (R&S) found a shady spot for some r. and r.
Tonight we are going out to dinner in the little township of St Helena. We drove into town and had a walk along the main street, some nice shops here but in the main they are shut at after 6 p.m on Sunday. Dinner was booked at Tra Vigne, we were seated outside and enjoyed the cuisine and the magical views of the trees lit up with fairy lights. A lovely evening to end our stay at Calistoga Ranch.
At the risk of sounding boring – but I have to say it – another great day
4th July
American Independence Day
My plan to get up for early exercise eventuated, I was first up and got coffee/chocolate drink en route to the work out room and pool. I spent some time on the treadmill (you can tune into TV, movies etc via a screen on exercise equipment). And then finished off with some laps of the pool.
We are leaving today so after packing up and breakfasting we took one car down to the township of Calistoga where there is a 4th of July parade at 11 a.m. We were there in good time and found a shady spot on the pavement. The parade was excellent with many decorated floats, horses, fire engines decked out with the American flag and red, white and blue ribbons and decorations.. The patriotic crowd cheered and waved small American flags (as did we). It was well worth seeing and how fortunate are we that we happened to be in the USA on their National Day.
Back to the ranch to pick up the other car. Richard is driving home today to get a feel of the Jaguar and to become accustomed to driving on the right-hand side of the road. He did well. He only had one small demerit point when he engaged the wind screen wipers instead of the indicators. So that deserved a Pass. We stopped half way for a picnic lunch in the gardens of a winery. No time for tastings today, as we want to get back home before the traffic builds up after the holiday weekend.
A good run home, we were lucky and avoided any traffic snarls. The temperature gradually dropped and by the time we reached home, we were about 30 degrees below those at Napa, normal for San Francisco. Settled back in, unpacked and I spent the rest of the afternoon fiddling with the Blog. Richard imported the photographs, 283 since we left home. We are going to have a very big photo album at the end of the trip. Susan educated us in the workings of all things of a household nature this afternoon, showed us where things are kept that we may need including the Earthquake Survival Kit. The fact that San Francisco has not had a major earthquake since 1990 coupled with the fact that we narrowly missed the Christchurch one makes me very nervous.
Last supper with our friends tonight. We have had a great time with them and we'll be sorry to say goodbye tomorrow when they start their travels but we will very much look forward to them visiting us in Australia next year.
5th July
Tonight we are going to watch the San Francisco Giants play the San Diego Padres at AT&T Park, home of The Giants. We left home at about 1 p.m and got the Muni to Embarcadero. A beautiful sunny day today, we have a back pack with extra layers of clothing for tonight's game. We have to go to Marcia's office to pick up the tickets. Located office and tickets were waiting for us at the reception. Had a wander through the Ferry Building where there are many food outlets. We opted for the Market Bar, outside seating in the sunshine, for a light lunch. Popped back to the office to see Marcia to thank her for getting us the tickets. We then took a leisurely walk down towards the game venue alongside the waterfront passing the Bay Bridge. We stopped in the recommended Red's Java House which is a 1920s era little shack with loads of old photos decorating the walls of movie stars from a bygone era and some amusing present day pix eg Obama and Sara Palin partnering each other in Dancing with the Stars. You can take your food and drinks out to the pier, loads of Giants fans were doing just that. We weren't ready for anything more to eat at this stage so we had coffee and took in the atmosphere. We had a look around the Gordon Biersch Brewery which was also along our walk. There were big screens televising a live game so we watched in order to pick up some more rules. Looked to be nice lunches served here. May come back another day.
Continued our walk to the stadium, we were offered a ride in a pedi-bike (for tips only) so we thought we'd arrive at the stadium in style. We walked around the outside, saw lot of memorabilia, statues of previous Greats, watched a TV interview going on, lined up for free gifts, a Giants pull string bag, bag of peanuts and an Authentic Giants Fan Poster. We then wandered around inside the huge stadium, many, many food outlets, stores selling everything imaginable that a Giants Fan would wear or adorn themselves with from orange and black shoes, socks, shirts, pants, jackets, hats, scarves, gloves, earrings, necklaces, badges etc. We found our seats, great position just above first base with a great view of the pitcher and batter. Thanks so much, Marcia.
There is a fantastic atmosphere, seats gradually filled until there were thousands of excited orange and black clad fans ready for a great night of entertainment. The Giants Mascot, Lou Seal, entertained the crowd pre-match and at various times throughout the game, obviously a much loved character who gets up to lots of antics throughout the evening. There is a big screen that informs who is batting with the batter's stats, rousing music, instructions to the crowd for more noise, everyone stood and sang to:
"Take me out to the ball game,
Take me out with the crowd.
Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack,
I don't care if I never get back,
Let me root, root, root for the home team,
If they don't win it's a shame.
For it's one, two, three strikes, you're out,
At the old ball game.”
We were glad of our layers that Susan had impressed upon us to take with us. By the time we left , I was wearing a T-shirt, fleecy top, padded jacket, a thick scarf and gloves, not forgetting our Giants Hats which we had worn from the off. Unfortunately, our team, the Giants, didn't win although they led in the early part of the game. The final score was 5-3 to the Padres
A shuffle out of the stadium across the road to a tram that would take us to Embarcadero, took quite a while for the queue to reach us as thousands of fans were doing exactly the same as us. Somebody has pushed the emergency button and so we were delayed for over half an hour while that was sorted out. The driver was not amused and berated the offender and let him/her know how they had inconvenienced everybody. Expect it was a Padre Fan!
We eventually arrived at West Portal to be greeted by a fairly dense fog so we stumbled our way home and shortly after that stumbled into bed at around midnight.
A great day.
Great blog - I look forward to hearing more of your adventures. Trevor
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