*written May 2015
In October, Mikel and I were given the gift of taking a weekend in Napa all by ourselves. He had a very short training course to attend on some new equipment his office is getting, and you know I wanted in on this trip. The wonderful, generous, overly thoughtful Gutierrez family swooped in and took Nolan for a couple of nights, allowing Mikel and me to engage unencumbered in all things Napa.
Pre-to-leave day had us up at the crack of dawn, watching a work crew noisily remove some of our neighbors' trees. I was not thrilled at this 6AM sight, but Nolan definitely was.
Then we went to Albertson's (his favorite place) to stock up on snacks for everyone. He LOVES these car-style grocery carts. And writing this now, 7 months late on May 17th, I can't believe he wasn't even 2 years old yet!
Nolan headed to Krista's in time for bed that night. Then early the next morning, Mikel and I caught a flight to Sacramento, from where we drove to Napa.
Our hotel setting was lovely!
I loved these massive swans. The photos don't do justice for how truly huge they were.
Mikel had to dash to an appointment right away, so I set off down this beautiful street to find lunch - and later made my own can't miss appointment: an hour massage. The struggle was real.
Love these houses and all of the green.
Must be some drought! We don't even see these notices in Phoenix.
Solo lunches are oft underrated! And I enjoyed my first glass of Napa Valley wine.
Plus dessert: a cinnamon pear spice cake. Very fallish.
My post-massage bliss / very sleepy state....
...which I had to pull together for dinner with some of Mikel's professional acquaintances.
Sent this pic to Krista to say "Look at this smile! I am loving you right now!"
She later sent these shots in reply. They crack me up! Albert and Krista proved they are very brave and took their crew + 23 mo old Nolan to a real, live restaurant Friday night where he apparently ate his weight in pizza.
Such darling friends we have!
***
The next day, Saturday, Mikel and I hit up our first winery and tasting. Knowing they had recently been to Napa, I texted my friend Esther (married to Phil, one of Mikel's to-be partners) to ask about must-see vineyards and other stops. Turns out, they are members at
Spring Mountain Vineyard, where she very GENEROUSLY booked (and bought!) us a tasting appointment.
First - a delicious breakfast. We knew better than to venture into this day on an empty belly.
Waiting for our Uber driver.
Way way up on a remote hillside, we found it! Even on a chilly and drizzly morning, it was one of the most beautiful settings I have ever seen.
Would you like to know my biggest tip for you fellow wine tasters?
Between tastes, consider turning around and walking a few steps every now and then as a means of testing your calibration.
We stood unmoving at this bar for the whole experience - seemingly unaffected. At the conclusion, I spun on my heels to head for the exit and whooooooooooa. Things were not as they seemed!
ALSO THIS: Recognize that everyone you meet in Napa will freely admit they are in some varying state of alcoholism. Everyone is cutting back, taking a break, dialing down or going dry.
More beautiful sights of the vineyard.
Mikel's carrying our (very heavy) mementos.
As we left, this vibrant tree caught my eye. As a Phoenix dweller, true fall foliage now has my heart.
The Uber was a great ride to the vineyard, but calling one back was not so simple given the location.. No problem! Our sommelier informed us he was heading into town for lunch, and he would be happy to drop us off where we could more reliably catch a ride.
I think we were half way there when I realized he'd had as much to drink as we had. Oh well, guess we didn't care. ha!
Buying a bunch of wine to take home is not so easy to lug around.
Happy to find some food at the Goose and Gander, where we had some happy hour appy's.
I would love to go back!
After lunch, we walked around St. Helena for a while. Such a cute little town.
It kept raining off and on, so it was nice to have several shops to duck into.
Mikel of course found his happy place!
Big decisions...
We both got a couple candies and a hot chocolate.
Next up: Castello de Amorosa. A huge, picturesque (albeit a bit touristy) castle and winery.
Who wears a white sweater, orders hot chocolate, then Uber rides to a bumpy off road vineyard?
This girl.
It was pouring again, so we waiting it out a little bit before making a mad dash up those steps to the entrance.
We took arrived just in time for a tour and tasting.
A lovely way to spend a rainy afternoon.
And all of the rain awarded us a rainbow on our way back to the hotel!
Beautiful country.
*****
We had SUCH a wonderful time! It was so refreshing, and I was definitely ready to be back with Nolan.
Krista sent me a few other photos of their weekend, which I wanted to include here. He had the time of his little life ---- and slept for 2 days solid upon returning home. ha!
Bella is a very practiced big sister.
A caterpillar that fascinated Nolan, tho he refused to hold it.
The Gutierrez had a Trunk or Treat at their church. Can you believe these costumes?! hysterical!
Bella helped Nolan frost cookies. Krista said he ate frosting and sprinkles, then went and sat in another chair in hopes of a second helping.
Ellie! (Nolan calls her "Gooey")
Jacob! (aka, "Dee-cup")
Love these kids in combo.
Krista said, "Little buddy figured out how to help himself to the crackers."
*****
Krista, I know this was forever ago, but just writing about it I'm so appreciative of you. You are wonderful and I hope you'll let me repay some day!
Was a wonderful weekend.
