Wine country of California

From Bandon we drove down the US101, along the spectacular coastline and into California.  The Redwood Highway, as it is nicknamed, is bordered by dark, lush, damp, rich forest, uncleared by fire in many decades. The redwoods are truly impressive in their height and girth. 

There are some big stands of very old trees, and the road has been left as a two lane strip so as not to encroach on the forest. Not a road you want to meet a semi trailer coming the other way on! 

The redwoods slowly gave way to oak forest and then farms and finally acres of grape vines as we entered the famous wine region of Northern California. 

We stayed a night in Santa Rosa then drove through the Sonoma valley and into Napa, wandering along the side roads and country lanes to see the vineyards at work. 

Black Bear Diner - great breakfast!

We didn't do any wine tasting this time - I think it's best to take a tour to combat both the driving issue and the tasting fees. 

I booked the Embassy Suites at Napa (part of the Hilton chain) where we were given a huge suite, free evening drinks and included made-to-order breakfast, which was excellent. It was a 15 minute walk into Napa township to the restaurants. We had a great dinner and enjoyed some of the valley's tastiest wines!