We started out the day with a bike ride from the campground to the Robert Young Winery. Stopping at one point along the way, for a well executed wine 101 with Tom. We tasted at the Robert Young Winery. Again a well executed lesson on wine and wine tasting. We then Proceeded to the Mosaic Winery (which has changed it’s name to DeLorimier). We tasted more, and enjoyed a lovely meal.

After lunch we walked through the vineyards, getting a nice close up look at the budding vines, and learned more about the process, and history of wine grape farming with John. We met our kayaks at the edge of the Russian River where we enjoyed a nice paddle for about two hours. There was a down stream breeze and the water was warm. Very beautiful river, far from the road, giving an immersion in nature, feel . We saw ducks, herons, and steel head. A few people flipped their boats, giving them a chance to swim, but it added to the excitement and fun. We learned a little about how to read water, and steer our boats. We arrived at the take out, a little wet, but with lots of smiles. It was a wonderful day.

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.

]]> http://www.getawayadventures.com/2009/05/14/three-kens-trip/feed/ 0 http://www.getawayadventures.com/2008/10/10/september-24th-pedal-and-paddle/ http://www.getawayadventures.com/2008/10/10/september-24th-pedal-and-paddle/#comments Fri, 10 Oct 2008 19:00:18 +0000 The Mgmt. http://www.getawayadventures.com/wordpress/2008/10/10/september-24th-pedal-and-paddle/ 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

On our way to Robert Young Winery we were passed by an abundance of cyclists who were participating in the “Breathe California” ride. After our tasting, with temperatures already beginning to climb, we headed off to Mosaic Winery for our second tasting and our lunch.

By the time lunch was done, the temps were popping up near the 100 degree mark, so diving into the Russian River for the kayak portion of our trip was eagerly anticipated. After a cooling and relaxing 2 ½ hour paddle, we arrived at the end of our day.

-Fred and Lisa