Ken, our lead guide, and the three of us greeted two more Kens from Arizona and 10 of their closest friends at the Alexander Valley Campground nestled along the Russian River in Northern Sonoma County. It was a bright sunny day with just a hint of a north breeze.

After our meet and greet with our new friends we sized helmets, fit and tested our bikes, and had our safety talk. Even though we would be on lonely back roads most of the day it is always important to know the rules of the road. We exited the campground and headed off across the river bridge eastward into the spectacular Alexander Valley, home of some of Sonoma’s best vineyards and winemakers.

Our trip would take us through budding spring vines and along narrow country roads situated amongst redwood and oak studded hills. The crisp spring day provided perfect riding conditions as we made our way to Robert Young Estate Winery. About half way there we stopped on the roadside and Ramona told us all about the start of growing season and explained the cycles of vineyard production, how the grapes are planted, cultivated, pruned, and eventually picked.While at the winery we were treated to a cave tour and were shown what a big difference barrel aging in a cave can mean to production, taste and quality. Our hosts were spectacular as usual and we tasted, talked and and learned before heading back out on the road.

Our next stop was Mosaic, a friendly, comfortable place with great views of the valley and wonderful hospitality. As our guests tasted the guides set up and prepared lunch. It was a delightful spread of fruits, salads, meats and cheeses, fresh breads and spreads. After stuffing ourselves it was off to the river for some afternoon kayaking.

The kayak trips starts with a stroll through the vineyard. Heading down the tractor path you almost feel entwined with the vines, feeling the spring budding within your own your body. Over the levee and down to the river brings new sensations. The breeze had freshened and brought a little chill. The moving water was cool but refreshing and invigorating. We were ready to see the sights of the riparian corridor. John had gone ahead to clear some winter downfall from some of the tight turns in the river. Each year trees are felled by the swift current and undercut banks. There were several spots discovered weeks before that could be a hazard. These areas were cleared before the group of 14 kayakers arrived but alas a new tree fall had happened just last week and when the group hit that spot John was still waist deep in swiftly moving water attempting to cut the bay tree spanning most of the river. The first kayak to arrive was a double piloted by two guests and while they tried to avoid the tree (and John) they were successful in only avoiding the tree. John was broadsided and together all three took a refreshing dip! It was the first (but not last) flip of the day and while wet everyone was boisterously laughing about the (mis)adventure. The next few kayak through were skillfully guided away from the obstacle and off down the river. John Stayed behind to finish clearing the hazard and then quickly paddled to join the group downriver. Everyone was still laughing and in great spirits. The next couple sections of the river are great for bird watching and turtle spotting. We saw our favorites, swallows, herons, willits, mergansers, kingfishers and egrets. The turtles are often on logs just at water level in sunny areas. We were not disappointed as we saw quite a few sunbathing along the river’s edge. Just before the takeout another unexpected tree downfall greeted us. Even though we had all honed our boating skills during the trip we still managed to have a couple more “swimmers” who couldn’t quite make the tight passage. Again it was all fun. Wet were are bodies but not our souls as we made the takeout and pulled our tired chilled bodies up onto the shore and into the sunshine.

We parted with hugs and smiles all around and many new friends. Our guests will have a great many new tales to tell while at home in the AZ sunshine. Each year as their stories are retold the rapids will get bigger and the flips more spectacular.