Sometimes I like to document my travels in the form of poetry - a rambling jumble of words documenting the sights, sounds, smells, tastes of an extraordinary experience. The love is in the details. The secrets and laughter nestled in the words.

Sisterhood

means a lot of things

but mostly means big love

warm acceptance

gracious understanding

similarities and the differences

bind us and

make us complementary pieces

of a bigger puzzle

first stop sky club

all the laughs

together again

way too long

forget the oj

just the bubbles please

board the plane

yay the upgrades

chatter chatter

first stop

buy the special pens

the energy the calm

where to park

Ferry building

not as bustling

as precovid

but wine store open

for a tasting

of big fat cabs

first meal of cheese and bread

one of many

getting dark

start the drive down the coast

glorious half moon rising above

fertile green cliffs

crashing waves

rolling hills of golf and play

was our opening act

my pleasure

graces our ears

with every request

all the water

all the chocolate

Brendan at your service

search for plates

not actually twice as nice

but wedged between the shovels and paint

Ace it is

three just waiting for us

its a sign

shower and primp

and trade and exchange until we feel lovely

and ready for the field

hats and boots and lipstick

vaccine cards at the ready

bubbly wine goes down like kombucha

not bad, not good

all the pictures

cows and sheep and dogs and horses

surround us

appreciating the dirt, the land, the soil

that brings us food - beast and plant

nurtured by humans creating

pleasure and sustenance for the world

breathtaking views

stunning landscapes

all the photos

posing smiling fake laughing real laughing

hats and boots and dresses and Jim

the gorgeous view ever changing

as the time passes

sun dipping, dipping, and shining on

our smiling faces

smells of farms and citrus

the long table sits wayyyyyy in the distance

making new friends

before and during

a dinner that was stunning

if bland

the light, the sea, the setting sun

delightful

the sky pink then orange then glowing

the earth embracing us

with all its wonder

dirt caking our boots

and filling our hearts

special delivery via red and white bus

OUTSTANDING

four wheeler back

bumpity bump

that half moon bright and light and

guiding us back

to the warm

sheets of luxury

solitary run over the hills

time alone to breathe and think

and soak in the gratitude

for this day

this life

so abundant

goin to California with an achin…

in my heart

breakfast delivered

room service twice

early coffee

late breakfast

the pack up the movement

the drive north

through the hilly city

roll down the window!

smell the eucalyptus

mixed with sea and fog

sun breaking through

temperatures temperate

brilliant blue sky

echoing joy back to us

Rams gate arrival

now the delicious food

lesson in pure creativity

beautiful views

glorious sun

pricey lunch

worth all the pennies

PUT IT IN THE APP

pleasant buzz of ok wine

fuels us on the journey north

where to next?

can’t decide

coastal drive

beautiful and brutal

hairpin curves

jaw dropping views

all the ocean below around in front of us

the cliffs dropping

to the crashing waves

keep the car steady

take all the photos (not the driver)

focus focus focus

on the road ahead

past Fort Ross

something about Russians

google later

no service

no directions

just keep going

all the way to Jenner

then beyond

Timber cove

fire pit and sea flowers

stretching to the rocks

as the giant orange orb

meets the sea

worth the drive

better go

sky is darkening

long drive back

playlist going

all the mellow tunes

feeling the wine

are we hungry?

not many options

onward to Monte Rio

over the hills

around the bend

between the trees and ocean

deer in the road

be careful around the curves

breathe in breathe out

finally deep deep into the trees

nestled between the redwoods

we find our sanctuary

packed too much

up the stairs

heave ho

settle in

where to eat must find food

Northwood Restaurant

French Laundry of Monte Rio

neon signs

local crowd

Chili and salad

eww the gas tummies ache

sit outside breathe the cool air

must sleep

morning views

foggy sleepy peaceful

walks and runs

movement is good

buy all the pastries

irish bread every flavor

coffee coffee coffee

get pretty

blow the breaker

too many hairs to dry

back in the giant ride

heading over the hills and through the woods

grapevines yellow and red and orange and gold

breathtaking beauty around every curve

better wine

all the tastes

more photo ops with gorgeous views

beautiful birthday girl and her sidekicks

into town for some lunch

distracted by clothing and blankets and earrings

oh my

Oakville grocery

picnic time!

a gentle Merlot for the compromise

along with Mt Tam cheese

fresh baguette

various treats

lemon cookies top it off

no time to shop save for later

on to vineyard number two

find a head

to try on hat

drink the wine

smile pose mountains behind

setting sun

glorious light

all the light

all the time

surrounding, embracing, and shining upon us

random stop

italian wine, olio

walk the gardens

sky turns pink

gingko towels

wine more wine to top us off

all the laughter

into Healdsburg

browse the art

buy the things

gifts and treats

wine making eyelids droop

dark so early

7 pm? ready for bed?

pizza it is

meh too much cheese

but bread and cheese

in any form

is never wrong.

no more wine

just cannot.

cannot.

Back to home

in the woods

nestled in the trees

for our last sleep and pack

the time went by oh so fast

how can it be time to leave?

there is more wine to drink

more shops to shop

more beauty to smell and see and touch and taste

more nature for prayer