Notice the baby grapes at the top of the picture.
These are random photos from The Terraces Winery this past week-end.
When traveling to a new part of the country or looking for a week-end day trip, search out small interesting spots.
Locke, CA, is one of those spots. Many years ago this Chinese town was just a wide spot off the delta. Today, it’s still a wide spot off the delta. But people, from bikers to tourists, search it out and head to Al the Wops for a steak sandwich.
And it’s worth the side trip.
Weird tree bark…shiny, mahogany colored bark, smooth to the touch
Weird roots…along some of the trail roots poked through the hillside and into the air
Many caves and hidden spots…signs for mountain lions, wild pigs, turkeys, and deer are everywhere. But, only the turkeys poked their heads up…and they didn’t even pose for a photo shoot.
Saturday started hazy with a marine layer over Napa…good for the start of a 5 mile hike.
Lake Marie Road wound through peaceful grasses, trees, and remnants of old stone buildings. Supposedly there is a fig tree that is over 100 years old. The somewhat rocky trail offered a moderate hike with sun and shade, as the day quickly warmed up.
Sharing the trail with mountain bikers and horses poses a small problem on some of the steeper curves. Patiently waiting for us to pass, the horses eyed our snacks of apples.
Did you know about this castle in Ione, California?
The “Castle,” built in 1890-1894, is the most significant example of Romanesque Revival architecture in the Mother Lode. It was built to house the Preston School of Industry, established by the State Legislature as a progressive action toward rehabilitating, rather than simply imprisoning, juvenile offenders. Doors of the 120 room “Castle” closed in 1960 after new facilities were completed.
Still…it’s impressive.
On a visit to wine country in Amador County last week-end we stopped by a local deli/market to buy lunch. You can save a few dollars picking up a lunch and eating in one of many vineyards.
Crusty bread and tomato spread complimented our Sangiovese and Zin wines.
These Zin vines produced the wine we were drinking. What a view…