California - April 12 - May 16, 2011

From Leggett, CA we moved a bit south to Naco West Resort at Cloverdale, CA 

Cloverdale is right in the midst of wine country.  We had big plans of trying several of these but the one pictured above is the only one we visited.  I must say she were very generous and it was a good thing Kay wasn't driving.

California Poppies

Lake Sonoma

A very mature vineyard. These grape vines are over 75 years old.

Marty and crew on Lake Sonoma.  Marty built a platform for the dogs to ride on, because Zoe has to be out as far as posable to the front of the kayak.

A dead tree stump that has holes from an acorn woodpeckers.  The woodpecker drills the holes and places acorns in them.  They wait for them to get wormy and then they come back for lunch.

An acorn woodpecker that visited our bird feeder.

One of the many Indian casinos we visited while in Northern California.

Canyon Creek Resort at Winters, California was our next stop. 
 The campground was located just below the Berryessa dam on Putah Creek. 

We had one of the prettiest campsites ever.

The goselings hatched while we were at Winters. 

Kay and Zoe on Berryessa Reservoir.  Kay actually dumped her kayak for the first time ever.  She and Zoe both got soaked.

Max and Marty enjoying the day on Berryessa.

Zoe just has to be as far front as she can.  "Ahoy Mate"

We saw lots of wild iris throughout Northern California.

Kay outside the Jelly Belly factory.  We brought home lots of Belly Flops (Belly Jelly irregulars).

The last stop in California is at Pondersosa Resort at Lotus, CA We've had an awesome time in Northern California.   I'm sure we'll be back another year.

The campground at Lotus is right on the American River.  We DID NOT kayak this river.  It was running high and fast.  We did see some rafters on it though.  That sure looked fun.

Sutter's Mill was just a 1/2 mile or so from our campground.  We spent an afternoon there and learned a lot about the history of Northern California.

Our campsite at Lotus.

Marty trying his hand at gold panning on the American River.  Not even a flake was found.