Saturday, May 19, 2018

SPRING FEVER, a little of this and a little of that.

Sometimes, you just need to get off the boat and get a land fix.

Our sailing buddies, from Tapatai, joined us aboard Scrimshaw for a weekend of wine tasting in Baja's newest hotspot, Valle de Guadalupe.

Valle Vistas
Our favorite stop, Vinos Xecue 
Xecue, is our favorite winery. Sipping a fine Pinot Noir while relaxing on their veranda overlooking the Valle and surrounded by lovely Cacti gardens with spring blooms in brilliant yellows, fiery oranges, and deep reds is pretty darn hard to beat. 
We purchased two pinots at the recommendation of our gracious host, Jose Luis.
He and his wife are the owners of Xecue.
That's lots of stainless!
New Life.
 Our buddies approaching Graza Winery.

It was a busy weekend filled with visits to all of our favorite places. First, a mouthwatering steak dinner at Sanos (Jose Luis was there drinking Xecue across from our table!), a stroll along the Estuary south of Ensenada, wine tasting, and of course, pizza served family style at Ochentas as the sun set.  The four of us agreed a REDO is in order next year.
 Spark and Darrell enjoying spring blooms.
Ensenada Bay looking across at Punta Banda.

Later in the week, Darrell, Spark, and I drove home up Highway 395, one of my favorite routes. Something about the Eastern Sierra is very grounding for me. Our sailing friends from Sausalito, Mardi and Rich, and their sweet pup, Birdie, came up to help us celebrate Easter. Time was spent touring around the Lost Sierra, and of course eating, drinking, talking, and laughing late into the night. 
More eating and laughing with Mardi and Rich 
aboard El Tiburon in the Sea of Cortez a few years ago. 
Wherever we are, Good Times are shared.

Spring in the Sierra usually means a bit of late season snowfall. It didn't last long, but it was beautiful and I was in Heaven. Darrell, below, maybe not so much. A few days later it melted enough that I got some gardening done. I also got to enjoy the dozens of daffodils I planted last fall. Note to self: Plant More Daffodils!
Operating our snowplow is not one of Darrell's favorite a
activities, but he is thankful we have a flat driveway. 
More snow fell the next day, and Darrell repeated this ritual.
 Sparky, who is rapidly turning white as snow on his paws and face,
(known as "Sugar Faced Vizslas") LOVES playing in the snow.
 Crisp and Clear at Eureka Peak.
A few weeks later, with the warmth of spring, the snow melted pretty fast.
 Spark enjoys his first swim of the season at Sardine Lake.
My favorite part of being in the Sierra for winter and early spring.

As much as we love being at home, Scrimshaw always calls us back to our life afloat. The drive is long, but it's a chance to stop and visit our grandson, Jack. It's never to soon to start him out on boats, on land or sea.
 Jack takes the wheel at a local playground.
Jack is a good sport, and agreed to the long drive south to Scrimshaw. In return, we treated him to some of the best kids entertainment available in San Diego, including swim lessons in the Kona Kai jacuzzi.
My two guys playing shark in San Diego.
Fun was had by all. 

All good things must end, Jack returned home to his Mommy in time for Mother's Day,
and Darrell and I enjoyed a mellow sunset on Scrimshaw's stern.
 The end to a perfect weekend.
The following morning, we did what we do best, "Walking Docks".
We found this dreamboat tied up to a dock downtown. 
We returned home for another Fabulous Sunset.
Spring is looking pretty sweet.









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