At Home Again...Naturally

Well, we're back home. After sleeping off my flying drugs all day Monday, it was back to the office today. To think, a mere 72 hours ago were were in gorgeous Napa Valley, having the time of our lives with our fabulous and best friends. I miss it already. Pictures are uploaded. The vacation feeling is fading...we'll have to start drinking all that wine to get it back.

Not sure what our next adventure will be, but I'm sure it will involve some sort of alcohol, great food, and exhausting climbs.

Peace!

Last Day...death by Pliny

Today is our last day in Cali, and we started bright and early at the King Tut exhibit at the De Young Museum. It was really cool, but I kind of expected more stuff. The detail on the artifacts was unreal, and it must have been mind blowing to discover it. The big headpiece never leaves Cairo, and we are so jealous that Charlie got to see it when he was there.

We then left for our three brewery crawl north of the bay area. We stopped in at Moylan's and had a bite while Chris had a near stroke watching the football game. I think it was obvious that he was the only happy person in the bar at the end. Well, I guess when you pay that much for something, he had better come through when it counts.

We then drove up to Lagunitas in Petaluma. They had this new, very rough tasting room. It was ok, but way cheap. We weren't there very long...which was ok.

We are in Santa Rosa now, eating and drinking at Russian River. Seriously, if I could jump in a vat of Pliny the Elder (double IPA) I would. So, so tasty...it's a pity I'm DD today. All of these beers are ridiculously phenomenal. If only they distributed to MN...

We're going to take in a movie next, as is our pre-red eye ritual. Final blog coming soon...

Napa Valley, Day 3

Today we drove up to Napa to hit the wineries. It was hotter than hell - at least 100 degrees and bright sun. Jon gets the sainthood award...he was our DD for the entire day. Nancy gets the sainthood award too, since they brought us around on all of their wine club memberships. They are such fantastic friends!! Oh, and I made it over the Bay Bridge without having a major meltdown. Jon is an excellent driver. Above is a picture of me smiling going over the bridge - can you believe it?

We started at Rubicon, and had some great wines and some not so great ones. This is the winery that Francis Ford Coppola owns,so it was pretty cool. Next we did a tasting of sparkling wines at Mumm - some good ones but the service was not so good. After that we went to Miner...um...you could skip this one for ever. Their wines were way overpriced and pretty unremarkable, bordering on shitty. There was one that tasted like salami. No shit. Jon almost threw up at the tasting counter. Skip it.

Next stop was at Sinsky - they had a great pinot noir. After that we went to Sterling and had the cellar club tasting (thanks to our friends!). It was wonderful. Got some great wine and had a great time. I even rode the gondola without freaking out (see picture of me and Chris above - again...smiling!!)! After changing our clothes in the parking lot of a restaurant - we're a class act - we went to the grape stomp at Castello di Amorosa. SO FUN!!! Great wines that you can only get there. Good food, and an amazing time spent with our great friends.

Finally, we stopped in at Fantesca, Nancy's sister's winery. It was beyond beautiful.

Slept all the way back into San Fran, got packed, and we're ready for our last day tomorrow. Today was so great, if we ever come back, we will stay in Napa.

I forgot to add this in the original post - my teeth and Chris's teeth turned blue from all the red wine. We looked like freaks! It was like some weird pseudo-Oompah Loompah-like look for us. Not attractive. I don't think I took any pictures, thank God.

The Rock, Day 2, Night Cruise

After a brief nap, we took a night cruise to Alcatraz. It was a beautiful night in San Francisco, and when we got to Alcatraz...you guessed it...we had to walk uphill via zig zig all the way up to the top. The tour was cool, and you really get a feel for what a horrible place it would be.

After the cruise, we went for a late dinner at an Italian restaurant. The waitress was apathetic, and the food average. Although Chris's pizza and Jon's ravioli were great. Nancy got chicken that had some kind of sauce on it that was so hot it even scared Chris. Had we eaten it, I would have feared for our insides. C'est la vie.

We all went back to the hotels and passed out. I'll need Tina to fill me in on what exactly she loves so much about San Francisco.

Cupcake? White Russian? You'll need a loan...Day 2

Started early this morning and took a cable car back down to the wharf with Nan & Jon. Walked down to Ghirardelli Square, and bought a cupcake for $3.25. We're on the ferry now over to Tiburon, and Jon got two white Russians for nine bucks a piece. This ain't Minneapolis prices anymore kiddies! Sam's Anchor Cafe in Tiburon is supposed to be fabulous, so hopefully it won't disappoint...

Sam's was great...wine choice left a little to be desired, but the fish and chips were awesome. Back on the ferry, sufficiently lubed up. Off to Nob Hill and Chinatown to by fortune cookies with naughty messages. Good times. Tiburon was beautiful, this is where one should stay if you come here...Sausalito or Tiburon or Napa. We have all decided that maybe San Fran is a little scuzzy for us...we must be missing something that everyone else gets.

So after we got off the ferry back from Tiburon, our next stop was to go to Russian Hill and Chinatown. Nancy had an idea...we should walk the six blocks rather than wait in line for an hour for a cable car. I don't like her very much anymore. We walked the six blocks. STRAIGHT UP A FUCKING HILL. Seriously, it was at least a 45 degree angle if not steeper. And every cable car we flagged down was full. Jesus Christ - we got our workout today. We were laughing hysterically by the time we got to the top. Check out the picture...yes, we were at the BOTTOM.

We walked all the way through Russian Hill down to Chinatown for the cookies (which were nummy). We finally caught a cable car. Back now at the hotel for a nap, drink, and then off to our Alcatraz cruise!

The San Francisco Treat, Day 1, Night

Screw Rice a Roni, the San Francisco treat should be the ricotta gnocchi I just had for dinner at Zuni Cafe. My friend Carl suggested it, and it was amazing. The ceasar salad was awesome, and Chris's salmon was perfect. There hasn't been much sun so there shouldn't be a repeat of what we like to call, "the sunburn incident." We are sufficiently in food comas.

Tomorrow is a busy day starting in Sausalito via the ferry!

The Streets of San Francisco, Day 1, Morning/Afternoon

We woke up early this morning, and then were roused out of bed about 7:00 am. We started our day with a cable car ride down to Fisherman's Wharf for a bowl of clam chowder and sourdough bread. Nyum, nyum nyum, nyum!!!!! So tasty. The fantastic gastronomic experience was then topped off by the stench of 500 sea lions lounging at Pier 39. While the smell was like a sharp kick to the groin, we can now check this off of our "What kind of shitty half-baked tourist traps can we fall into" list. Rode the cable car back, which is actually kind of fun to do.

We then took a city bus down to Haight-Ashbury where we are going to get high, love other people, and stick it to the man...right after we look for a Starbuck's. I'm kidding of couse, we don't drink coffee, sillies!

We are at the Magnolia Brewpub right now for lunch...I just asked Chris what he thought about the beers, and in typical fashion he said, "They've got a pretty good selection." So beyond that I don't know what to tell you on the beers. But lunch was awesome, and the kolsch was tay-stee!

We are now going to walk (stumble) down to the historic intersection at Haight & Ashbury. Do you think they have a Target? We need camera batteries. Not only is there not a Target, there isn't any discernable form of cleanliness either. This town is kind of scuzzy. Although I think there is a way to make batteries with poo - has anyone seen Strangers With Candy that can email the directions to me? I'm pretty sure with all of the poo I've seen on the street - dog, pigeon, seagull, and yes, I think human - I can scrape the bottom of my shoes and get enough. GAGGING.

However, we are now at Toronado, each having a beer from Russian River...me, a Pliny the Elder, and Chris, a Blind Pig. For the second time today: Nyum, nyum, nyum, nyum!!!!!

If You're Going to San Francisco, Be Sure to Take Your Prescription Ativan...

OK, T minus 4 hours...leaving tonight for San Francisco. Lots of fun stuff planned, lots of brew pubs, one whole day at wineries, fantastic fun planned with Nancy and Jon. As always, the laundry and dishes are clean and put away, beds are made, recycling has been taken out. Wish us smooth, non-eventful travel!!

Home at Last...

The pictures are now all uploaded. That was a huge pain in the ass. In the future, we have to do it along the way.

This week has been absolutely a great week for us. We are home safe and sound, and unloading all of our booty...wine, beer, smoked salmon, infused oils, spices from Pike Place Market...

Tonight we are picking up our fish and case of fruit brandies from my mom's, and then we'll settle back in to normal life...until 5 weeks from now when we go to San Francisco. I'm not sure if my liver will be ready, but we are up for the challenge!

Thanks to all who read our blog and followed along!! Peace!

Seattle...Day 4, Last Day

Today was our last day of vacation. We ended the trip with a morning ferry ride to Bainbridge Island, where we walked around for about an hour. We bought a cute little print that we're going to put in the bathroom. The ony problem is that it doesn't match. Sounds like a new paint job is calling!!! Chris is not thrilled with my saying that. Played cards on the ferry ride back as we looked at the beautiful view of Puget Sound.

Went to lunch at the Taphouse Grill (160 beers on tap). I sat with my sampler in front of me that contained Ayinger Brau-Weisse, Stone Ruination IPA, Dogfish Head 90 Minute, and a Duchesse!! Someone could have killed me during lunch and that would have been OK!! Chris's sampler consisted of Issiquah White Frog, Bear Republic Hop Rod Rye, WElysian Avatar Jasmine IPA, and the Stone Smoked Porter - all beers he's never had before, which is no mean feat for a brew pub. We need a bar like this at home, or I'm going to have to just spend more time at the Muddy Pig or the Happy Gnome.

We decided that with our six hours left without a hotel room we would do what any good tourist would do...we went to a movie! TWO movies to be exact. 500 Days of Summer and Julie & Julia. 500 Days of Summer was outstanding, and Julie & Julia was really good. A nice relaxing way to end the trip.

We have really had an amazing week; outstanding beer, wine, food, fishing, and siteseeing. Our last official blog act will be to put they pictures up when we get home. That was out fatal flaw...not having a way to upload our pictures. So check back...we promise they'll be up tomorrow.

Signing off now, flight leaves in one hour and 50 minutes...T minus 50 to Ativan. It will be good to get home!!

Seattle...Day 3, Siteseeing

Started the day a little later today and walked around Pike's Place Market. Saw the famous dudes throwing fish around the market...eh. But we wandered around and had a fritter and looked at all the stalls. Boy, next time we are here, I'm shipping fresh crab and seafood home. WOW, amazing flowers and shops. Glad we came.

We just finished the Underground tour, which was a tad cheesy, but a great intro into Seattle history. The $15 each was a little steep, but all in all worth it.

We are waiting for our table at Matt's in the Market, and stopped in for a sampler at Pike's Place Bar & Grill. Holy shit. The sampler is six beers that are between six and eight ounces each. I'm going to have wine with lunch so Chris is bravely wolfing them down. The beers are from the Maritime Pacific brewery and were just OK. Looking forward to lunch, our server at the Wild Ginger recommended it, so I'm hoping it will be fantastic.

And yes...Matt's in the Market was PHENOMENAL!! Our table overlooked the entrance to Pike's Place and we were right by this big open window...it was great. As was our dinner at Union. The food is so good here, but very rich, so let's just say our Minnesota gastrointestinal tracks are being challenged, if you jnow what I mean.

Last day is tomorrow, we are ready to come home and work out - feeling a little round from all the food!

Seattle...Day 2, Vancouver

Got up early to drive up to Vancouver for the day. This is our first foray into unstructured and spontaneous vacationing. Let's just say that doesn't work well for us. Thank god a coworker gave us a Fodor's guide to Vancouver or I'm certain we would have ended up in the Yukon Territory. We drove around a lot looking for random things to see.

We went to Grandville Island and had beers at Grandville Brewing. It was a small brewery with what looked like a new5 barrel brewing system. The four beers on tap were solid but not outstanding. We walked around the island for about 20 minutes. They have an indoor market that is 15 times the size of the Midtown Global Market. I think it would be really cool if it wasn't so tourist laden.

From there we took a challenging trip to Go Fish, which took us 40 minutes to find. It was well worth the trip, the halibut fish and chip were awsome, and the salmon taco was even better. It was like a smaller and grungier Sea Salt but just as good.

From there we made one more stop at Steamworks Brew Pub overlooking the Vancouver Harbour. This large 700 seat brew pub had multiple themes on differt levels of the restaurant and had a chandelier from a Belgian Church. The beers here were more advanced than the Grandville Brewery, the had a raspberry lambic that with some age would be very good.

All in all Vancouver was not a good day trip destination for us, however I think it would be great if you could stay there over night. After 20 years together this was our fist trip outside the US and I got to use my passport for the first time. Alas we were unable to take a picture of use in Canada. That's OK, because now the blisters on my sunburned chin are now dry, cracked, and peeling. I am monstrous.

Going for wine and cheese tonight at Purple...more Seattle sightseeing tomorrow.

PS - Purple once again did not disappoint. WE LOVE CHEESE!! And beer and wine.

Seattle...Day 1

Got up, went to the laundromat. There really isn't anything quite like the feeling of clean clothes...is there?

Ate lunch at this fantastic pizza place - thin crust pizza freshly made in about 8 minutes. It was called Mod and it was yummy! After that went on a locks cruise of Puget Sound and the Hiram Chittendon locks. Very cool, and just the thing on a 90 degree day in Seattle. While on the cruise, we got a call about the bad weather in Mpls. Our house is OK, and wehope everyone there is too. Hope eveyone at work was safe!! What are the odds???

Had a drink at Purple wine bar. Talked to some guy from San Francisco and got some dinner ideas...we'll see...he ands business partner bordered on creepy, and then they moved away from us to hit on two skanks. I guess all downtowns are the same at heart.

Having dinner at the Wild Ginger - I'm going to guess it will be awesome. Then we may roll back to Purple for a cheese flight.

We are back. Dinner was awesome, got good recommendations for other restaurants from our waitress. Ate too much. Too much wine. Going to crash.

Vancouver, BC tomorrow! I get to use my passport!!

Seattle...Day 1, Sunburn Update

Woke up this morning to a blistered chin from the sunburn. I now know what beef jerky feels like. I'm just so pretty.

Heading to the laundromat this morning. Also, think we are going to change plans to stay in Seattle through the end of the week and just do a day trip to Vancouver, BC. We'll keep you posted...

Fishing!!!

Went salmon fishing today in Hammond, OR (I know, the last time I went salmon fishing was in Hammond, IN).

We got up at 2:45 am because we had a three hour drive and the boat left at 5:45. To sum up the day - AWESOME!! OK, OK, the first three hours in the dense fog and 50 degree temps weren't ideal, but then the sun came out and I didn't have any sun screen on for the next four hours!! I look like an ass with a red five o'clock shadow. I'm also in a fair amount of pain...but I digress...

Chris caught five fish, but we could only keep four per the regulations. He gave the last one to the other people we were with. I caught three, but we couldn't keep any of them because the were wild salmon - you can only keep the farm raised ones. Ended the day with a shipment overnighted home of a little over 35 pounds of salmon. And overnighting it only cost us $217!! Christ...with all the wine and fish we are going to be very popular next week.

My favorite thing about today was Brad, our guide. After every fish someone caught and was then beaten to death with a strong blow to the head spraying blood everywhere, Brad meticulously hosed down and cleaned the boat. Just like ehrn I cook - clean as you go for maximum efficiencies. We are kindred spirits, Brad and I...

My least favorite part of the day? Driving over the Lewis & Clark bridge. I've now been scared shitless to the point of tears on BOTH coasts - first last year driving over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, and now this one! Who is the asshole who didn't warn me about this???

In Seattle now, checked into the W. I really don't feel cool enough to be here...maybe it is the red baboon butt face.

Portland...Day 3, Hood River Site Seeing

Left early this morning to do the scenic Columbia River Gorge drive on our way to Full Sail Brewery in Hood River. Along the gorge there are AMAZING waterfalls and sites to see. Oregon is absolutely beautiful and the state does a great job in keeping eveything up. Multnomah falls was breathtaking - maybe on our next trip here, we'llventure up to the first pool - I can't imagine what that will be like if the base was awesome. Had lunch at Full Sail - finally, some good pub food!

After lunch we stopped at Big Horse Brewing, a small brewpub in Hood River. We only had 24 minutes on the parking meter, so we ran in and ordered the sampler. The IPA was great, but the joint totally smelled like fish...kind of overpowering...and gross. Thank God we only could stay 20 minutes or I would have hurled. Went back to Full Sail for the 1 o'clock tour and to buy some swag! The tour was actually really good for a commercial brewery. We liked it!

One odd thing...every where we went we were surrounded by flies. In Full Sail, at the stinky place. What the hell? And it wasn't me. I got a little freaked out. I'll have to not have it sully my impression of Hood River.

We drove the hour back and FINALLY about 15 minutes from Portland, I yelled, "THERE IT IS!! IN THE REAR VIEW MIRROR! MOUNT HOOD!" Yes, the illusive Mount Hood was there in the rear view, so we got off the freeway and drove back east for a few miles to see it. Again...AMAZING.

Finally, tonight we went to Deschutes Brewing for dinner - good food again, maybe Saturday just wasn't our time. I can't believe I'm going to say this...hold on to your hats...I'm so sick of drinking. I can't wait until tomorrow when we are salmon fishing to just drink water!! There is so much good wine, beer, and liquor here, how can you not be shitfaced all the time?? But alas...that time is over. Thank Christ.

We're checking out of the hotel tonight at 3:00 AM because we have a 2 hour drive to Astoria and our salmon fishing charter. I'm not going to lie...I have some anxiety about this. I'm not sure if it is being on a boat near the ocean in the giant Columbia River, thinking about the prospect of getting sea sick, or thinking about hauling in a 40 pound salmon. In any case, bravery is needed. At some point we'll figure out how to post pictures on this stupid blog. Maybe in Seattle...

We'll miss Portland - we've loved our stay here and know that we'll be back. Highlights were the Willamette Valley, dinner with Kristi and Matt, and the Columbia River Gorge. See? I didn't even mention beer. There is something wrong with me...

Portland...Day 2, Wineries and Dinner

Started our day of wine at Sokol Blosser. We were the only ones on the 10 o'clock tour, so we had a fantastic hour with our tour guide Jenny. The wine was beyond phenomenal - who knew I liked white wine??? We ended up with five bottles of wine you could only get there. Went to lunch at Dundee Bistro and I had a wonderful glass of Ponzi Pinot Gris with lunch. After that, we stumbled across the street to Argyle. Without going on a tour of the winery, the whole idea of a tasting kind of reminds me of pigs at the trough...but for $10 a person. It does help you find the wine you like, and in our case, that meant at the next two tastings at Eyrie (again, phenomenal wine) and the Four Graces (pretty good) we were able to buy a few more bottles. We are going to be POPULAR when we get home!!

After coming back to the hotel, we had a wonderful dinner with my cousin and her husband - it was so good to see them, and we had a great time. The food was great (Piazza Italia).

Tomorrow, back to beer with a tour at Full Sail and site seeing along the Columbia River.

Portland...Day 1, Pub Crawl

Started at Lauralwood Public House - all beers amazing!! Our waitrtess was Sarah, and she was hung over. We immediately loved her. The Workhorse IPA rivals any we've had - super hoppy, balanced, and yummy. We ended up being the topic of conversation at a nearby table since our pub crawl of 6 brewpubs was deemed impressive. See? Everywhere we go, people love us and are impressed by us. Next stop, the New Old Lompoc...

New Old Lompoc... had two IPAs that were awesome - the Centennial, which I drank and impressed Chris by comparing to a Bell's Two Hearted and was right! - and the C-Note Imperial IPA, which at 100 IBUs is like a smoother mellower Furious. That kind of describes me right now; with every pub we stop at, I become a smoother, mellower, furious. But seriously, we've not even been here one full day, and already we know we'll be back for another full week of vacation. Portland has a vibe that is like a cross between Northeast and Dinkytown and we love it!! Next stop is the Lucky Lab.

Lucky Lab...Kind of scary in here. Almost did't find it - stopped into an animal ER to ask for directions. Lovely. But everyone here seems to know their brewpubs, so WTF, right? Had 6 good samples here. Let's be clear, we are paretaking of the samplers at each joint. What do you think we are, alcoholics??? OK, OK, fair enough...we probably are. Biggest selection here of all, the Super Dog IPA rocked, and the pizza smells great. We've have a lot of Reds, and none of them are as good as Neil's. Next stop...Bridgeport!!!

Bridgeport...some kind of anniversary thing going on...too many people, they didn't have samplers. We had the IPA and Imperial IPA - quite tasty. Left after a quick beer - they looked to have good food. Maybe next time!! Off to Rogue...

Rogue...food marginal. Why do we keep picking the wrong places for food??? Way to many beers to try. It's a good thing they serve these at home. Starting to run out of gas, and I can't imaging drinking anymore. Last stop...Deschutes.

Deschutes...Chris had an IPA, I had water. Both were on the house!! Best beer of the night because it was FREE!! And yes, I had a water. LAME. Yes, LAME. It was either that or hurl on the street. Bought some cool galsses - like we need any more - and Chris got a T-shirt. We'll be back before we leave Portland because I need a Mirror Pond from there before I die.

We're both fairly sober, which is amazing since we did 6 brewpubs in 5 hours and basically both had a drink at everyone except the last.

Curious thing...not a Belgian beer in sight. Maybe someone can explain that...

Tomorrow is the Willamette Valley wineries. Hopefully my liver can recalibrate overnight.

Portland...Day 1, Lunch

Lunch at Widmer...
not remarkable...

Portland...Day 1, Tour 1

What could be more fun than drinking beer at 10 am? Drinking brandy and grappa! We just got back from Clear Creek Distillery in Portland where they have been making award winning spirits for 25 years. With a staff of only 8, this certainly feels like a family business, but they actually seem to like each other. The spirits were fantastic (Ma - look for Fed Ex package #1 to arrive this week maybe). One of the people who worked there is leaving, so if we don't come home it is because Chris got a job there. Back after lunch at a brewpub!

We're Here!!!

Arrived after a (thank God) uneventful flight, and drove down to Portland. Portland is just like home - road construction everywhere and freeways closed so you can't get anywhere. It is a gorgeous city at night, which we can see from our Penthouse room! Looking forward to tomorrow: distillery tour, brewpub lunch, and walking pub crawl. Hopefully tomorrow night's post will be legible.

Away we go!

OK, here we go! Leaving in a few hours - laundry is finishing, dishwasher is running, lawn is mowed, bathroom is clean. ETA for drugs - 4:00 PM. Flight takes off at 4:50 PM. Hopefully our other posts won't be as boring as this one...