Jesse and John were the guides and we had 4 guests, 2 from Alaska and 2 Brits who have been living in India for 4 years. We embarked from the campground and leisurely pedaled to Robert Taylor winery stopping along the way to talk about wine, grapes, the Alexander Valley and surrounding topography. Even the Alaskan guests while living in an outdoor wonderland were amazed at the beauty of Sonoma County and the countryside. At the entrance to the winery we were greeted by a perfect specimen of a female black widow spider on the door jamb, quite unusual to see one out in the bright sunlight. After tasting we continued on to Mosaic winery. Along the way we stopped to talk about the geysers and seismic activity in the area. While tasting at Mosaic Jesse and I set up lunch under the shade of a grand valley oak. We talked about the ride and told stories of previous outdoor adventures. After lunch we put in on the Russian River in the middle of the Mosaic vineyards. While Jesse returned to the campground John led the two couples in their double kayaks down the late season calm waters of the river. We were surprised by the abundance of waterfowl on the river noting several great blue herons, both juvenile and some very large adults, great and snowy egrets, kingfishers, mergansers, mallards, and even a wayward cormorant. The river was quiet and we meandered south for about 2 hours back to the campgrounds and our awaiting van. A great time was had by all. Good food, wine, sun, tall tales and companionship.
-Jesse and John