We had an amazing day, again. Dan and Alex set us up at another winery that we just had to become a member of. Benom. It’s small with a great story, and delicious reds. Let me tell you, Dan and Alex are absolute celebs in these places. Clearly their warm personalities and caring spirit shines through. We’re grateful for the warm introductions to these places. We will smile fondly and enjoy these wines back at home thinking of both of them!
Rachel at Benom hosted us early, and knew we would be getting on the road after that. The winery is in a little village called Tin City, which is a cool area of small wineries, distilleries, restaurants all nestled together. What a great use of what was likely previously unused industrial space. Apparently there is a documentary, which we will have to check out. She recommended that we walk down to the end of the cul de sac for “the best pizza of our life”. That’s speaking our language.
And so we found our way to Lebber’s pizza, which was tucked away towards the back of the property, and only open on the weekends. There we enjoyed the Shroomy pizza and of course, more wine from the neighboring Hubba winery. (appropriately enough, that wine is called Mushroomhead). Rick, Daisy and I all enjoyed a nice little lunch before getting on the road for our short one hour drive north.
I loved our time in Paso. Of all the places we have been so far, I thought it was the one I would be most likely to live in. It isn’t our goal to find a new residence, but that is just describing how I feel about the place. That isn’t just the wine, it is that it is less congested, a laid back vibe, and the weather is just stunning. And, of course, the wine. But I have since realized that they are brutally hot in the summer, so that is a definite no go for me. But I highly recommend this area to anyone who cares to visit, especially if you like wine and can avoid the brutal heat. And hey, we are now members at two great wineries, so we can pay it forward and set you up with a tasting, just like our friends did for us.
But today is a day of transition and reflection. It’s day 18 of 40. Not even halfway.
Transition because this is the longest we have been on the road together. And while I have nearly forgotten what our (spacious) home feels like, I don’t miss it (yet). I’m so grateful it has all gone so smoothly, both on the road and for us as a couple. And with the Needy Bichon and Cat. I couldn’t ask for anything better, and am soaking up every great moment on the road. This is living the way we wanted to upon retirement, and it is perfect for us.
And the best is yet to come! While we have done some amazing things, as documented by this fun blog, the intended true highlights of the trip are in front of us. We are on the edge of Pinnacles National Park tonight and will be spending the day there tomorrow. The theme of the next two weeks is to be fully immersed in our beautiful National Parks out here. And that means hiking, perhaps off the grid, and definitely no congestion. We are so excited, and the forecast is just right for us.
We intentionally planned this trip to be: (the enumeration is for you, Kim & Jennifer :))
- after the eclipse
- before the crowds in the National Parks
- after the snow (and this one is something we are still likely to experience, but hopefully not in any meaningful way)
- before the significant heat
So far, so good… we will sleep well tonight, like little kids excited for tomorrow!
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