Waking again to beautiful views, and the sun shining. Today the adventure of mixing wonderful nature and mans skills begins as we head to the Napa Valley.
But first a drive through more amazing countryside, as the mist rolls in over the mountain tops I wonder what today would hold. We were looking forward to the blend of trains and the flavours of the valley.
On entering the station we were taken back in time, a quick history lesson before boarding the locomotive which would take us on our journey through the valley. The sun was out and we were full of expectation.
We were seated at our table alongside a great couple from New Zealand. Not only new experiences but to share with new friends makes the whole experience even better.
Sharing stories, over the most delicious food as we travelled into the country. Learning about New Zealand, each other’s families and what brought us to being together in the same place. So enjoyable and relaxing.
On our arrival at the vineyard we were warmly welcomed and shown around the award winning winery, the pride the employees had in their work and in the boss was second to none. Although, being in the environment you could understand why you would want to work there, sun shining, fantastic views and a great atmosphere, why would you want to work anywhere else. However, like Silicon Valley, my skills lay elsewhere.
After a couple of hours it was time to return to the train lounge for desert. More chatting and laughter over coffee, more amazing views. When things come together in such a way it is impossible to doubt the goodness and kind ness in this world.
Sadly all good things come to an end, and soon we were on our way, to our next adventure. We travelled into San Francisco, en route we caught our first glimpses of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge through the mist that was once again rolling in.
Just for Rish
Hopefully these will be clearer tomorrow. One thing I have learned is not to let David book city hotels. All the rural hotels were in beautiful settings and were quaint. This is probably the opposite, initially I felt a little nervous but that passed.
As we walked down to the water (about an hour) we passed luxury car garages, with homeless people outside begging. Such a juxtaposition, I remain astounded and repulsed at the wealth and poverty in this world. How can this be in one of the richest countries in the world. I know that if everyone was given a £1million that in days there we be those with billions and those with nothing, but surely in 2018 we can do better than this!?
As we went down to the piers more amazing sights were to behold filling us with joy and hope for the visit but also for the future.
And then as we came to the end of the pier there they were:
Sea lions, hundreds of them, barking and settling for the evening. Right there on the docks.
As it was late we had to decide what we would eat for supper, we had eaten well today, so no need for McDonalds. No tonight we stepped up to a take out of:
