Redwoods, Wine and More...

We have been very lucky to have Daniel's parents with us this week. We sure have accomplished a lot too. They flew in from Texas last Friday and our first stop was our favorite winery close to home. We are wine club members so we feel pretty important at this place. Ha. Just kidding. It sure is a peaceful place though.

Next, we flew into Santa Rosa, California to spend a few days exploring the redwoods, vineyards, wine tasting and lake front lodging at the most perfect Bed & Breakfast. 

This tree root was MASSIVE! I wonder what it sounded like when it fell...

 

The pictures don't do justice for how big these trees truly are...they are breathtaking!

 And, of course, we HAD to smell the soil in the forest. It smelt very "earthy."

Next, we drove up the coast...it was very cold and dreary...we didn't get too many pictures of the beautiful cliffs and rocks. Here is one of my sweet husband!

And, after being in the forest all afternoon...we finally saw some wildlife on the way back down the coast. This deer stared at us for a solid 15 minutes. And, as Daniel would say in the voice of the deer..."either leave me, feed me or shoot me." Haha!

Another deer while driving...this one didn't like the flash too much.

After a solid day and evening exploring redwoods and the coast line...we were ready to enjoy our B&B on the lake.

This is the view from the dock of the B&B we stayed at while visiting Northern California.

Our room. Every room had a stuffed animal of a dog. And, of course, we got the room with the yellow lab look-a-like! ;)

Private patio off our room.

View from the patio...

View from the deck...so beautiful!

Shamus...the house dog. I loved on this golden-doodle A LOT!

Delicious breakfast...the day before we had an even better plate. (I didn't get a pic, unfortunately.) Mmmm...so good!

 I love him. ALOT.

Leaving Clearlake and heading to wineries!!

I knew we were in wine country but I had no idea that there would be vineyards everywhere we turned...I was in heaven!! So beautiful. I already want to go back!

Outside Francis Ford Coppola Winery

That is where we experienced fine dining at it's greatest...

I tried rack of lamb for the first...and final time. It was good but after spending that night on the bathroom floor with nausea for hours...no thanks. It would have been so much easier if I could have just gotten sick! I like little lambs too much to eat them again!

Chateau Montelena Winery

Let's get this tasting started folks!

 Back in sunny San Diego...we spent a beautiful day at the San Diego Zoo. Tomorrow, we will be spending our last full day together in Coronado (my happy place). Plus, Daniel and his Dad will tour the Midway carrier while his Mom and I stroll through Seaport Village. 

(pictures to follow)

I'm so grateful to have the in-laws that I do. I truly love and appreciate them. I've enjoyed this time with them so very much!