Update: 12/29/2013. Just got back from a six day stay at the house and the weather was strangely warm! The hills are dry which is very unusual for this time of year. A bit of frost on the roof every morning which I could see while I was sipping my coffee in the hot tub. I can't honestly say that I dont have a favorite time of year up there as every season has something special to offer. My family hiked around the old grove of trees mentioned on my "things to do page". Rain or shine, the old grove is a must do. I have seen quite a few huge redwoods, but I was still in awe of the sheer number of truly gigantic redwoods in that grove. We drove the loop that I suggest on this site including a hike on the Kortum trail and had a fabulous time. My youngest son and I biked Willow Creek road a few times and had a great time with truly world class views. Once again, California delivers in the winter!
Hopmonk strikes again: Here is the latest line up at Hopmonk Tavern in Sebastopol. I will update it as more gigs add.
Tides Wharf Crab Feed: January 10th at Bodega Bay. Could be absolutely beautiful out there! Go on a hike, end the day at the wharf!
January 18-19: Drive through the countryside on a Sonoma County winery tour all mapped out and organized for you. If you want to hire a designated driver who will drive your car, click here. They will show up at the house and take you back to the house in your car. They'll even let you sit in back and pretend it's a limo.
Bach to the future is a chamber music ensemble playing January 18 in Occidental 8-10 pm. At $30/ticket, you won't go baroque.
David Lindley: January 17th in Sebastopol. He is a stringed instrument virtuoso.
Petty Theft: January 3rd at the Hopmonk in Sebastopol. They say that imitation is the ultimate form of flattery so outright identity theft must be even better. By all accounts these guys sound like Tom Petty et. al.
Kingsborough: January 11th at Hopmonk in Sebastopol. Sounds like this band is hot in the Bay Area. Rock On!
Pat Jordan Band: January 17th at Hopmonk Sebastopol. This is a band with a work ethic. Read the review, they sound great!
Sean Hayes: January 18th at Hopmonk. Sounds mellow.
Pato Banyon; Raggae master. January 31 at Hopmonk. Sounds soulful.
Wine Tasting Page: Check it out and look at the Russian River Valley wineries as those will be closest to the house.
January 25th is Chowder Day: And I bet you didn't even know it! If it's cold and clammy, warm yourself up with a bowl of chowder while gazing onto the pacific.
A Whale of a Good Time: Binoculars, down jackets, picnic basket, Sonoma coastline. There, a recipe for a good time.
Life is good in coastal California!!