Oregon

Ceago Winery, an Italian Oasis on Clear Lake California

Published on June 3, 2013June 17, 2013 by Photo GirlLeave a comment

Between the villages of Nice and Lucerne on the north shore Clear Lake is an Italian oasis that will take your breath away. I had originally found it on the Internet and decided to drive over and take a look yesterday, after I drove through the tree in the Redwood Forest. California is a bit like that, the terrain can completely change after driving for an hour or two.

The villa is charming and quite elegant. It was almost 100 degrees when I arrived so when I stepped through the doors the cool air felt amazing. I walked through the villa, past the wine tasting room and the out into a courtyard. There were groups of people eating, and sipping wine and I felt like I was in Tuscany.

Then, when I looked ahead of me I could not believe my eyes. A huge blanket of lavender lined a pathway that lead out to the lake! It was gorgeous! I’ll let the photos speak for themselves because I truly can’t describe the beauty.

The last photo is looking back toward the villa. If you turn around you’ll see the dock that leads out to the lake.

The following photos are of the gardens and one last on in the tasting room. In The gardens you’ll find fig trees, apples, citrus and a few bees. BTW…The wine is fabulous and yes, I did buy a few bottles. 😉

Quick links:

Link to their website: http://www.ceago.com/

Also, the 9th Annual Lavender Harvest Celebration is Saturday, July 6th, 1-5pm. For more information go to “events” at www.ceago.com, or you can purchase tickets by emailing nina@ceago.com. I’ve never been but again, the lavender fields that you find behind the villa are absolutely amazing! If you do go please let me know! Shelley

Yes… I Did Drive Through a Tree

Published on June 2, 2013June 2, 2013 by Photo GirlLeave a comment

Driving through the Redwood Forest takes a very patient person (which I am not) You creep along at 5-10 miles an hour, taking hairpin turns with your eyes peeled – looking for a bike rider who is either flying along like a bat out of hell, or peddling with all their might and you’d swear they were not moving, or yes, pushing their bike. Is this fun I ask? ??? I say no but there I am driving like a slug with a death grip on the wheel.

After a 75 mile drive that took me longer than I’d like to admit, I decided to drive through…well, a tree. Thank heavens there was one along the way that allowed me to do just that. It’s called the chandelier tree and
it’s at the 1/101 junction. Here are some pics just after my Redwood adventure.

So we’re not heading further north and I’m figuring out plan B … Stay tuned for our next stop!

The Historic Mendocino Haunted Hotel

Published on June 2, 2013January 2, 2014 by Photo GirlLeave a comment

When I come to Mendocino one of my favorite places to stay is The Mendocino Hotel. It’s located in downtown Mendocino on Main Street. Directly across the street is an open field lined with walking paths, leading down to the cliffs that over look the ocean.

The hotel is pure, historic elegance and you feel like you’ve stepped back in time the moment you walk through the front doors. The bar area is exquisite as you can see in the photo. Also the restaurant is Zagat rated and the food is VERY good. In the morning there is complementary fresh brewed coffee and hot teas.

As for the ghost? It’s a she and she has been seen throughout the hotel by guests and people who work here. I personally did not get a glimpse of her ghostly flowing dress… Thank heavens! And Boo!

Here is an earlier post with some additional photos; 😉 https://photogirltravels.com/2013/04/04/road-trip-to-mendocino-places-to-stay-eat/

The last two photos are of the view you have from the balcony on the second floor. I took those last night before my walk….

Mendocino Morning Cliff Walk

Published on June 2, 2013June 2, 2013 by Photo GirlLeave a comment

As I type this I’m in my hotel room, looking out over the ocean and listening to classical music which is playing down in the lobby of this beautiful 19th century hotel. I am staying in the Mendocino Hotel in the quaint town of Mendocino. I will post a separate link on the hotel, but first a few photos and a video from my 6:30am walk along the cliffs.
The photos include not only the Headlands State Park, but what I saw while walking through town on this peaceful pacific coast morning. I actually posted on the Cliff walk a couple months ago. It was in the early spring so there was a lot of fog- so pretty! Please check this link out too: https://photogirltravels.com/2013/04/03/mendocino-road-trip-headlands-state-park/

Here is the video:

And more photos:

Mendocino Sunset Wine Walk

Published on June 1, 2013June 2, 2013 by Photo GirlLeave a comment

When I come to Mendocino I always try to get here by sunset, so I can walk along the cliffs, breathing in the salty air, sipping a glass of wine. Since it’s June, the sun sets much later, so I could have dinner, and then bundle up for my walk. Yes, for those of you battling the heat, it’s freezing here. I wore a coat, hat and gloves!

So as I close off this amazing day I’ll share some photos of my walk along the cliffs of enchanting Mendocino. I’ll tell you more about my hotel tomorrow…but just a couple of things to know about it tonight. It’s almost 200 years old, and the historical building where I’m staying is haunted…well, the second floor is haunted….Which is where I’m staying.
😉

Thanks for traveling along with me! I’ll let you know if I see the ghost tonight!

Here is the path from Main St

Dinner at the Mendocino Cafe

Published on June 1, 2013January 2, 2014 by Photo GirlLeave a comment

After a fabulous drive up Highway 1 which started at 6:30am, we (those of you have followed along the way – thank you!) made it. Right now I’m sitting outside at the Mendocino Cafe. I’m sipping a glass of wine, listening to The Carpenters (they have a great 70s station playing), and eating a very HOT/spicy dish called a fire pot and it is GOOD. Next, I’ll take you over to the cliffs for a sunset walk 😉