Got up fairly late again today, this time just because we are lazy and on vacation. One of the things we have been enjoying a lot about this trip has been our lodgings, a rental property right on the water in San Rafael (link). It is a luxury to stay in a place with more space than a single bedroom and tiny bathroom. Our hosts have been really sweet and even slipped a bottle of champagne into our fridge for us.
We snuck out of town and headed out to explore the Marin penninsula and found the charming little town of Stinson Beach, squeezed between park land and the sea. We strolled
along the beach and dined out in the sun at a nice resturant along the town’s main strip. The food was great. We haven’t had a bad meal here yet.
On our way back north, we found a stunning overlook that offered spectacular veiws out over the Pacific (link). As I admired the scene, I spotted a little neighborhood of houses that essentially looked over our shoulders; somebody owned this view. I was immediately filled with a sort of intense jealousy. That disapated quickly as we drove the 45 minute trip back to civilization.
We followed the sporadic directions of the GPS navigator up to Napa valley to find the Hess Collection gallery and winery (link). The art collection was quite pleasant including some Anselm Keifers. I personally liked best the work of Franz Gertsh while the wife was more taken with the work of the Boyle Family, which I’ll admit to loving as well. We strolled along to the tasting room to try some samples. Lacking an olfactory sense, I don’t care for wine much myself but the wife is an avid enthusiast. We had a lovely discussion with the hostess and my comrade found a Cuvee that she quite liked. Even I was swayed by a sample of the $50 dessert wine, a special treat for us honeymooners.
On our way back we stopped at the local market and purchased some companions for my wife’s new bottle of cuvee and had a quiet domestic evening in. Tomorrow will undoubtedly hold some new adventure for us.
