DAY TRIP TO THE NAPA VALLEY
We had fabulous weather the day we travelled out to the Napa Valley. The kids were exhausted so spent most of the way there and back asleep but that was ok - not much to see except lots and lots of grapes along the roadside. We visited 3 vineyards and had plenty of tastings and tours along the way and all of the wineries were beautiful. We stopped at "Sonoma Square" (like Noosas' Hastings Street) for free time at lunch and wondered around all the stores, taking in of the "poshness" of it all.
Love Heart Hill, a Vineyard residence and plenty of grapes.
First stop Madonna Estate Winery and time to taste the goods.
Next stop Sutter Home Winery. This wine was the house wine at most hotels/restaurants where we went.
A very tricky pourer, all 23 glasses in a row. Their wines have won just a few medals recently.
The kids loved the gardens, plenty of space to run around and take a break from being on the bus or in a bar watching mum and dad sample the goods.
Outside the residence and a shot of the Napa Valley Wine train, which takes in a couple of vineyards and provides lunch or dinner
Outside the residence and a shot of the Napa Valley Wine train, which takes in a couple of vineyards and provides lunch or dinner
Lunch time stop at Sonoma Square with some shopping thrown in. These fabulous sea creatures made of blown glass. Uncle Matt you better get busy, the kids want one each!
This Famous chef's restaurant was chockers so we just ended up buying sandwiches at the corner store. Plenty of people do this tour in the privacy of a limo - good for some!
Last stop at Sabastiani and the best one of the day, a fantastic tour of the winery, great wines and plenty to purchase at the gift shop. Lucky it was time to go home as Lyndon was getting a tad happy - this cheeky grin gives it away.
GRAND CITY SIGHTS TOUR
The next day it was off to check out the sights of San Fran which included Fishermans Wharf, Chinatown, North Beach, Union Square, Nob Hill, Alamo Square, Presidio National Park, Golden Gate Bridge and a few other places I have since forgot. Lucky we were on a bus most of the day as it was extremely windy and freezing cold. It was great to see a lot of places that we have seen on the movies. Below is a snap shot of the day.
The war cemetary across from the enterence to Golden Gate park. A rare, free standing terrace house.
The windy road up to the top of Twin Peaks and the view of the city below.
The civic centre and a little reminder of home, a restaurant in one of the city hotels.
The tour took us up and down all the famous roads and through the different villages - this was in the Irish quarter - a picture just for our Irish sister O'DD.
The view at the top of the whindest road in the world, and the view from the bottom. A 5km speed limit and no heavy vehicles - nice view but I wouldn't want to live there.
The cable cars go up and down the same road but need to turn around before they can start again, a very manual task as the driver has to turn the car on this wheel.
Patiently waiting for our turn. Dylan and Lyndon got seats up the front where other passengers ride on the outside in the traffic, hanging on for dear life.
A treat for Jodie, a major department store, something she hasn't seen for over a year. This one man band street entertainer was amazing, we watched for about 15mins and he made lots of money.
A NIGHT TOUR OF ALCATRAZ ISLAND
A NIGHT TOUR OF ALCATRAZ ISLAND
A part of the Golden Gate National Park, Alcatraz Island was carved by natural and human forces and served the army as a fortress and military prison, then as the Maximum security penitentiary it became famous for.
We did a self guided audio tour which was great, and the return harbour cruise of the city lights was amazing.
It was kind of creepy walking through a real piece of history and the exhibits were very informative. Closed in 1963, the ave number of inmates was 260 and 36 prisoners tried to escape in its 29 yr history. Three were unaccounted for which was the basis of the movie "Escape from Alcatraz" the rest were all accounted for. It was home to Al Capone 1934-1938. An absolutely freezing night but well worth the effort.
Rugged up ready for the cold, and a little lie down. The view back over to the city from the ferry.
"The Rock" front and back view.
Welcome to Alcatraz and to the uniform room.
The communal showers and a cell room.
The excerise yard and inside one of the cell blocks, 3 stories high.
Sunset over the Golden Gate Bridge, and time to go home.
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