You can certainly tell we've headed into Fall both by the waning number of visitors to the light station and the change in weather. The air is crisper now in the evenings and the wind a bit more biting. The waves crashing thunderously against the rocks have increased in size and intensity. In another six weeks or so, the rainy season will begin.
Meanwhile, we've continued exploring the Mendocino coast's offerings.
Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
Jackson friends Pat and Greg made the trek to Mendocino recently with their RV and we had a lovely time visiting with them. One day, we met them, along with some other Jackson friends Sharon and Mike, at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. The 47-acre gardens, located in Fort Bragg, are set on windswept bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean and offer a unique mix of manicured gardens and wild habitat.
With four miles of trails to explore—from the stunning Dahlia garden to the picturesque walk along the ocean, to a large vegetable garden—there is so much to see, so plan on taking about an hour and a half, if not more, to wander around.
This is the only public garden in the continental United States fronting directly on the ocean. The moderate coastal Mediterranean climate of the area allows the garden to grow a wide variety of species suited to its mild and acidic soils including Heaths and Heathers, Rhododendrons, Camellias, Fuchsias, Dahlias, Magnolias, Maples, Succulents, Begonias and Conifers.
Wine Tasting in Boonville and Philo
Last week, we headed over once again to Anderson Valley to explore a few more wineries. Our first stop was in the town of Boonville, where many of the valley's wineries and tasting rooms are located.
Boonville's claim to fame is its jargon or language called "Boontling." There are several differing versions as to the origin of Boontling.
In the late 19th century, Boonville was an isolated farming, ranching, and logging community. Some say that the jargon was created by the workers in the hop fields and sheep-shearing sheds as a means of recreation, and it spread through the community. Others say it was started by the children of Boonville as a language game which enabled them to speak freely in front of elders without being understood. Yet others say it was created by adults so they could speak to each other without their children understanding. Today, it is nearly extinct, and fewer than 100 people still speak it. A few of the words you might see or hear while in Anderson Valley include: bahl gorms (good food), pike (to walk or travel), harp (to talk or speak), horn of zeese (cup of coffee) and Boont (Boonville).
The first winery we checked out was Bee Hunter Wine. Upon walking into the wine tasting room, we were greeted by six or seven dogs. The winemaker, Andy, who was pouring tastings that day, told us they were a breed he created himself: a mix between a foxhound and border collie. Andy, a native of Boonville, was a true introvert and it took a figurative crowbar to pry information from him. But we didn't taste a bad wine. We purchased a six pack of Pinot Noir and headed up the street to have lunch at Boonville Distillery. Meh. Another 3-star experience.
The next winery we visited was Witching Stick Wines, in the town of Philo. We had a Pinot Noir from Witching Stick previously at a friend's house and liked it quite a bit. We decided to check out his other offerings. Van Williamson, the owner and winemaker, was pouring that day. He's an interesting dude. He has been making wines for 35 years in Anderson Valley. We really enjoyed his Pinot Noirs and purchased a couple of bottles. The wine tasting went well until a couple arrived and inundated the room with simultaneous loud, drunken conversations. It was exhausting.
We had planned to visit one more winery that day, but decided to go home and pet the dogs in the quietness of our tin can on wheels.
Dance the Redwoods
Today we experienced a very unique show, called Dance the Redwoods, that combined dance and movement, music, and nature. The performance, by the dance company Mendocino Dance Project was a series of vertical dance performances in and amongst redwood trees accompanied by local musicians.
We drove to a private redwood grove five minutes from the town of Mendocino and took a short half-mile walk through the forest stopping at four different redwood "stages," where dancers performed on, and with, the trees.
The troupe of women dancers displayed their serious strength and climbing skills (not to mention cojones) along with their graceful dance movements.
At each stage, some of the dancers are already positioned up in the trees when you arrive. At others, they seem to appear out of nowhere from behind a tree.
In the first performance, called Passage, three dancers came together in a precisely timed sculpture between the trees. In another dance, the performer emerged from a fairy ring of newer trees surrounding the charred stump, as if birthed from the old tree itself.
In Breeze, dancers performed a light-hearted duet on an iron structure set up between two giants.
It was a truly enjoyable.
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What a contrast compared to your AZ gig! We will be going to Mendocino the week before Thanksgiving so seems we will miss you. Did you try Foursight Wines? Have you been to Bravas Bar De Tapas in Healdsburg? We both love that place.
I always try to fit in the Botanical Gardens. We've been there for the dahlias and the mushroom season in November. The dance in the Redwoods looks great!
Wondering what is next for you two???
But I always love Mendocino area!
We didn’t go further east than Boonville while staying here because the inland valleys have been so hot. We haven’t made it to Foursight, yet. But we hope to get in one more visit to the Anderson Valley before we head home.
Sounds like another interesting month. Looking forward to seeing you in January.
We’re looking forward to that, also!
Are you no longer going to Paso in November? Or are you not looking forward to seeing us there? 🤔
Wow! How did I miss the existence of that botanical garden when we were there a couple of years ago? Maybe I would have assumed it would be nothing but conifers, given the location? Simply beautiful. And the dancers were a unique experience too. It's great that you now have the time to explore some of the surrounding areas for unique experiences like these.
Sounds good! I think you would enjoy lunch in the Brickery’s garden as well.
We went back that afternoon to find the two sticks that were for sale at$30000. We looked everywhere. Couldn't find them. Must have sold.
Yeah, that’s because we purchased them. We have them strapped to the top of our motorhome.
The botanical garden is spectacular! The last two times I went it was midsummer and the dahlias were in full bloom. Beautiful!
With a small parking lot and nondescript building, its roadside appearance is very deceiving. But once you are inside, wow!
Wow!! I loved the photos of the gardens. Just stunning. The colors, textures, and variety are beautiful. And the dancing experience sounds amazing. Super neat.
I hope we can get together when you are back in town. Safe travels.