Are You That Woman

Discover the Lost Coast

The Lost Coast is aptly named for a reason.  If you’ve never traveled to this hidden corner of Humboldt County, you can’t begin to appreciate just how lost it is.  The region is so remote, that it’s hard to imagine how early settlers found their way to places like Shelter Cove and Whitethorn.

Any trip to Shelter Cove requires determination. No matter your starting point, remote highways will test your GPS and patience to take it slow. Leaving Highway 101 at Redway, you traverse many miles of narrow two-lane roads – twisting and turning. You’ll climb through forests of the King Range National Conservation Area and mountain peaks where snow falls above 3,281 feet a couple of times per year. Perseverance will bring you, at long last, to the Pacific Ocean views.

The Lost Coast is one of California's largest wilderness areas, with 67,500 acres of undeveloped land. It also contains the longest undeveloped Pacific coastline (The Lost Coast) in the continental United States. Hikers and backpackers seek solitude and magnitude. Many miles long, the Lost Coast Trail (more than 24 miles from north to south) requires a Backcountry Permit for overnight camping.

Happy memories of Shelter Cover remained the same. There have been some wonderful changes in the 18 years since my last visit, including new restaurant offerings and local brews. Considering Shelter Cove’s remote location, dining selections are excellent. However, it’s best to call ahead for times and days of operation. Visiting in mid-October, we found many locations closed during the week – sometimes only open Thursday-Sunday. We enjoyed local cuisine including a divine breakfast at the Surf Point Coffee & Bistro.  Featuring house-made baked goods and local coffee, the bistro is open for breakfast and lunch. The Eggs Benedict was superb. Gyppo Ale Mill was our dining option for two nights of our Shelter Cove stay. Cold beers on tap - great selections brewed in-house. The first night we shared fish tacos - locally, incredibly fresh Rockfish. They were so yummy; more than enough for the two of us. A Venezuelan restaurant, Mi Mochima, serves authentic and delectable cuisine. We enjoyed sangria, fresh fish, yucca fries, and empanadas. Plan ahead; they are very popular.

The journey to scenic beauty and astonishing adventures is endless. Take Beach Road to Black Sands Beach just north of Shelter Cove. Enjoy hiking and awe-inspiring ocean views.  Commercial fishing is a historic part of Shelter Cove’s past and present. Both local and visiting anglers come to cast their lines at this coastal location. The drive to explore the Redwoods Monastery was another long and winding road. The website said we could buy honey and other gift items from their shop. That was enough to entice us to drive the 15 miles (taking longer than imagined) from our Shelter Cove Inn. Founded in 1962 from the Cistercian Monastery of Nazareth in Belgium, Redwoods Monastery is a small community of Roman Catholic women monastic’s.  The story of how they made their way to this remote corner of Humboldt County is more than remarkable.

This was an accidental adventure we'll never forget. The wide meadow provides an unobstructed view of all the Monastery buildings. The construction is almost entirely coast redwoods with some concrete accents. At first look, we noticed the minimalism, but the most amazing part was the chapel. Once inside, we were overwhelmed by its elegant simplicity. Large windows streamed light into the room. The silence was ringing in our ears. Out of respect, we took no photos. It was an emotional moment. From there, we went to the gift shop and purchased jars of Monastery creamed honey, lavender soap, and beautiful cards featuring native flowers. Private and silent retreats, allow visitors to spend days/nights at the Monastery, must be booked well in advance.

There are several lodging options including hotels, campgrounds, and vacation rentals. Be sure to book ahead. Shelter Cove is most definitely a bucket list destination.


                                                                                                                                          Originally published in

Set your GPS for local Farmers Brewing

Taking the roads less traveled leads to great discoveries. I have found this to be true time and time again.

It had been about six years since we wandered to the little known town of Princelton, California. A back road adventure, we knocked on the office door and asked for a tour of the taproom. The tasting room was brand new and only open on weekends (then and now). We were new to Farmers Brewing, but that didn't last long.

A cold and rainy April 27, 2025, we went for a Sunday drive and happily found ourselves at the Princeton brewery again. A stroke of luck, but everything happens for a reason.  A good crowd included many regulars. I enjoyed a Thai Mango Farmers Light and Mike had a lager. We enjoyed street tacos from a Willows pop-up. Ashley Ness, Manager and brewer, provided 5-star smiles and hospitality. The taproom, light and airy, is housed inside the brewery. Plenty of seats at the bar and tables throughout. Picnic tables out front. Glad we took the roads less traveled from Chico. We won't wait another six years to return to share this 5-star destination.

There's another Farmers Brewing Taproom and Restaurant in Chico. Their beers are available at many retail outlets. You can purchase cases and growlers at the taproom in Princeton, too.

Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary is still one of a kind

California claims many distinctive attractions and Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary, in Freestone, is definitely one-of-a-kind.  Leave your cares at the front door, along with your shoes, as you embark on an experience available nowhere else in the United States.  There are hardly words to describe the sublime nature of this Japanese therapy – a cedar enzyme bath. This coupled with the beautiful gardens and atmosphere of the sanctuary, well, you must see it to understand just how special it is. From the moment you enter, you feel all stress begin to fall away. A sign above the garden entrance in Japanese says, "E Kimochi," which translated means "a very nice feeling."

The osmosis begins when your personal attendant escorts you to a Japanese-style sitting room with views of a Japanese bonsai garden and waterfall created by the owner. After serving you herbal tea mixed with enzymes, you are left to enjoy the meditative sights and sounds of the garden which is only available with cedar enzyme and spa package experiences. Following a brief respite, you are escorted to an (un)dressing room where you’ll don a warm cotton kimono; and then into the enzyme baths.

Discovered in Japan, an enzyme bath is a unique form of heat therapy that helps the body break down toxins, improves circulation, and cleanses and beautifies skin.  Unlike a mud bath that combines volcanic ash and peat and heat from thermal sulfur water, an enzyme bath is a mixture of fragrant cedar, rice bran, and more than 600 active enzymes and generates heat naturally through fermentation. In redwood tubs, this aromatic mixture covers bathers for 20 minutes. The blend is light and airy so hands and feet are easily exposed if you prefer less heat. Sliding glass shoji doors allow you to enjoy the Japanese rock and bonsai garden, green hills beyond, and cool, fresh air. Your ever-watchful attendant periodically wipes your face with a cold cloth and offers you cool sips of water.

Once you are enveloped in the cedar enzyme bath you'll wonder why you hadn't done this sooner and ask yourself, "How soon can I do this again?"  Following the bath and a shower, you can conclude with a 70-minute massage with one of several certified massage therapists. Massage rooms for singles and couples are available in the main building. However, for an additional fee, I prefer the two Japanese massage pagodas in a lovely wooded area beside the creek.

I have enjoyed Osmosis more than once over the years. The Japanese Meditation Garden includes a bed of chamomile. Could it get any better? It did with the addition of a Sound Healing Garden and its Field of Hammocks! Enhance the experience with meta-sync sound music; unique recordings that promote deep relaxation and creativity.

If you're lucky enough to visit Friday through Monday, visit Wild Flour Bread across the road. This bakery is to bread what Osmosis is to the "ahhh" in spa.

Osmosis is a treat alone, with friends, with lovers. Some would say the experience is pricey, but that's misleading. It's not inexpensive, but it's worth the cost and much less expensive than other spas I have visited. The ambiance is over the top.

Take your time. Enjoy the drive to this darling Sonoma County hamlet. You'll want to find a place to stay nearby while all the wonderfulness takes over. Unwind. Let go. And let Osmosis.

Recommendations:
A cedar bath and massage will last 2-3 hours.  Depending on your drive time, you should plan to spend the night nearby; you’ll be too relaxed to drive home. Or arrive a day early and spend two nights. No need to rush, enjoy the beauty of West Sonoma County, and explore charming villages like Occidental and Jenner-by-Sea. Fresh seafood, of course, is a big attraction in Bodega Bay. On our recent visit and winter escape, we found quiet comfort at the Bodega Bay Inn, just a short drive from Freestone and Osmosis. A local culinary destination, Terrapin Creek Cafe, is a short walk across their parking lot. Journey up Coleman Valley Road to another singular experience at Western Hills Garden. This twisting and winding road will take you over the Sonoma hills to spectacular views stretching out to the ocean and down to Jenner.

Relaxed and rejuvenated the idyllic Sonoma countryside awaits. Osmosis Day Spa & Sanctuary is just one hour north of San Francisco and just minutes away from Bodega Bay and the scenic Pacific Coast Highway.

 

 

 

 

 

Living the Davis Life

Davis, with its “friendliest town” moniker and acclaimed UC Davis, has been enticing visitors for more than 100 years. Glean what you can through handheld devices and laptops, but take time walk, bike, eat and see your way around Davis. You will quickly succumb to Davis’ small-town charm and eclectic lifestyle and living the Davis life!
Factoid:  Founded in 1868, originally known as Davisville the post office shortened the name to Davis in 1907.

Unwind at the farmers market, or explore every nook around Davis by way of public art installations from mosaics and murals to Robert Arneson’s world-famous Eggheads.  Whether it’s your rise and shine or day’s end, dining options are plentiful. Well-known regionally, Village Bakery is revered for its artisanal pizza. Davis Creamery’s mind-bending, handcrafted ice cream flavors include Avocado Coconut, Thai Tea and Honey Lavender, as well as the usual suspects Chocolate, Vanilla and Strawberry. For more than 40 years, The Hotdogger has walked numerous diners down the frankfurter path. Beef, sausage, hot link, veggie, and their new “wieners of the world” all served on locally-made Village Bakery buns. With endless sunshine and cool evenings, alfresco dining choices are pleasant diversions. California casual and stylish, restaurants serve everything from classic Italian and two-fisted burgers to seafood and gastropub.
Factoid:  UC Davis topped the Washington Post’s list of “collegiest” college town in California because of its high percentage of students.

Lodging choices are available on and off campus. Consider where you need to be, parking and best options for getting around campus and Downtown. Living the Davis life is about walking, Unitrans and biking— especially biking.  The Aggie Inn provides complimentary bikes for guests, but bikes are also available to rent at bike shops in town. In 1967, Davis created the first official “bike lane” in America. There are now more than 100 miles of designated bike lanes (roads and bike paths) throughout the city and campus. Long known as the Bicycle Capital of the US, there are more than 40,000 bikes in Davis. The definitive bicycle-friendly city, the United States Bicycling Hall of Fame moved to Davis in 2009.  Strolling or pedaling, put this in your must-do file. Located Downtown in Central Park, the Hall of Fame has one of the most extensive bicycle collections in America.
Factoid: In 2017, Unitrans celebrated its 50^th anniversary. Take a ride around town on a classic British double-decker bus.

The iconic Davis Farmers Market, one of the first in California, is by all accounts a must on every student’s and visitor’s bucket list. The every Saturday, year-round, rain or shine Davis Farmers Market is where dozens of local farmers, artists, restaurants and musicians nourish and delight residents and guests. Every Wednesday, 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Picnic in the Park begins and ends with daylight savings.  Enjoy shopping the market, family-friendly children’s activities, dining at the food faire, and great local entertainment. 
Factoid:  Davis Enterprise readers have voted Davis Farmers Market/Picnic in the Park as the “best place in Yolo County to take an out-of-towner.”

Picnic Day, the University’s annual Open House, is free to everyone. Events start early so many people arrive Friday and stay the weekend. A campus ritual since 1909, Picnic Day features more than 200 events throughout campus. Start your Saturday fortified with a complimentary breakfast at your hotel or an all-you-can-eat breakfast hosted by the Davis Odd Fellows Lodge in downtown Davis.  You’ll quickly burn those calories walking or biking your way around town.
Factoid: The Odd Fellows’ Picnic Day breakfast tradition dates back more than 50 years.

Most restaurants and retail superstars are Davis-centric. If you’re looking for a quick bite, bedtime snacks or tchotchkes, the Davis Co-op specializes in local and regional produce and sustainable goods. Skateboards, snowboards and cool attire at The Vault Board Shop are über cool. For wonderful gifts and a little spiritual uplift, check out Tibet Nepal. Artist owned and operated, The Artery artist cooperative has been a cultural magnet since 1974. Tour the Gorman Museum of Native American Art, Robert Mondavi Institute for Wine and Food Science, and the Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art the first contemporary arts museum for the university and the city of Davis.
Factoid: In 2015, Davis was among the top 10 most hipster cities in the U.S.

Located in the Central Valley, Davis and the campus are less than 20 miles from downtown Sacramento and 75 miles from San Francisco. Extended stays should include wine and olive oil tastings in Clarksburg and the Capay Valley. On the outskirts of Winters, down pastoral country roads, Berryessa Gap Winery and Berryessa Brewing Company are popular cyclist destinations. Drawing weekend crowds, the large covered patio hosts live music and food trucks. In Historic Woodland, stroll Main Street to Dead Cat Alley and Blue Note Brewing Company.  In the heart of downtown Davis, it’s an easy walk to Three Mile Brewing Co.  Craft brews change seasonally and often rely on locally-sourced ingredients; with 12 taps you won’t leave thirsty. Bring a picnic or order-in from nearby restaurants. The popular industrial community space is family, kid and dog-friendly.
Factoid:  Daycation or overnight, this is how you live the Davis life.

Where the road ends

As you know, I am forever adventuring. Looking for back roads and new vistas; crisscrossing this golden state. 

On our way back from Shelter Cove, my husband, Mike, and I decided to take Hwy. 162 towards Covelo. We knew it would take us over Mendocino Pass, a road I had never traveled and Mike hadn't been that way in about 20 years. We traveled 162, FH7, and Alder Springs Road before finally making our way to the other side of the valley near Newville and across the valley back to Chico. That's the short story!

Here's the colorful version:  The roads are narrow and winding from Shelter Cove to Garberville. We eventually turned south onto Hwy. 101 and then 87 miles later we turned left onto Hwy. 162. Amazingly, several cars were going that way. We immediately hit a glitch. The road was being repaved (which didn't show up on GPS) and for many miles, we were either behind a lead car or came to one-lane paving where we waited for traffic lights to turn green. Eventually, this ended and we found ourselves sailing along on a quiet road. When three other cars came up behind us, we quickly pulled over and let them pass. That was the last we saw of them.

We knew where the pavement ends was coming. And it did. We bumped along on gravel and graded roads. Humps and bumps. In some places, the road was actually in good condition. Yes, driving through acres and acres of a burn scar takes your breath away. But, along the way, there are also deep mountains and views of golden hills. The angry gray and blue sky made those views more exciting. At the summit, Mendocino Pass (5,006 feet) we were in the clouds and mist, but it never rained.

I had set my GPS to guide us on this journey. All was going well and then GPS told us to take a left, which we did. That was a mistake. The app immediately started that rerouting spin and it appeared as if there was no more connection. We hadn't gone very far when I said to Mike, "I'm not sure we're going the right way." Still, we continued on. This road had many more uplifts, burned trees we had to get around (most have been recently sawed to allow passage), and a couple of really treacherous ditches. This is where a good driver is important! We were traveling at less than 15mph.

Then the gods smiled on us. Up ahead was a white pick-up stopped in the road - a man and two black labs. Pulling over we inquired, "Are we going in the right direction to reach Chico?" The answer was a resounding "No!" The left turn was taking us back towards Covelo. The man (wished we had asked his name) must have been laughing to himself as we turned around. A few miles back, we saw the sign for FH7 which is the way we should have gone. 

So, GPS ain't all it's cracked up to be. I have maps in the car, but certainly nothing that would have provided what we needed. Thankfully we made it home - a little late and a little tired for all the extra work. This drive is not for the faint of heart or seasoned travelers.

It was an adventure and one we will cherish.

FYI - A USFS pick-up passed us on this road driving entirely too fast (we thought). Mike finger-wagged at him.

Gyppo Ale Mill

We enjoyed two evenings at Gyppo's. The wait staff - Eric and Paige were just amazing. Kitchen staff is doing an incredible job as well. Especially considering how busy they were!

We especially loved the blistered shishito peppers from the local Briceland Forest Farm - I've never seen ones that large. We grow them in our garden but a smaller variety. These were amazing. Dining options in Shelter Cove are sometimes limited. Such was the case on our recent visit, but we were happy to dine here two nights in a row. Cold beers on tap - great selections brewed inhouse. The first night we share fish tacos - locally, incredibly fresh Rockfish. They were so yummy. Just enough for the two of us.

Gyppo's was packed both nights. Eric and Paige smiling through it all and being very responsive. Lots of locals. Night two, more cold beers. I had the Rainbow Kale Salad. It was not only delicious but beautiful. My husband had the Cajun Rockfish sandwich. It was good, but we think the bun and toppings overpowered the fish. But we were happy to be part of the Gyppos vibe.

There were patio games including cornhole and foosball. Dog and kid friendly - there were plenty of both.

Follow me at www.AreYouThatWoman.com to hear more about great places to travel throughout California.

Discovering Las Plumas

In 1820, Captain Louis Arguello explored portions of a stream in northeastern California. Impressed by the large number of bright-feathered waterfowl, he named the stream El Rio de Las Plumas, “River of the Feathers.”  From this the names Plumas County and Feather River were born. Nearly 200 years ago, early visitors discovered the diversity of Plumas County’s wildlife riches. Hunting and fishing, of course, but also the attraction of wildlife viewing. Today, wildlife and nature viewing is a popular pastime throughout the steep ridges and mountain valleys of Plumas County— birds, mammals, reptiles and insects are abundant. 

After a brief winter nap, spring awakens the wilds and wonders of Plumas County. In their four-season wet or dry years, Plumas County always delivers on the promise to OMG! you at every turn. Scenic back roads, world-class golf, amazing wildflowers, open space with views for days, outdoor recreation for all ages and desires – hike, bike, fish, boat, camp – or just enjoy hushed moments under blue or star-studded skies.  A drier than normal winter may mean fewer wildflowers in spring and summer.  Mule’s ear, larkspur, yellow meadow buttercups, lupine, California poppies and the rare California pitcher plant  in Butterfly Valley are just a few of the dazzling flora to be discovered.  The best and busiest season is May through July.

More than 85 percent of the Plumas National Forest’s 1.1 million acres are within Plumas County.  However, in the past six years essentially two thirds of the forest was affected by wildfires which has also impacted all the natural wonders.  Claiming more than 100 lakes and 1,000 miles of rivers and streams, open space defines Plumas County. The Feather River Land Trust has preserved more than 100,000 acres of private lands. The Maddalena Ranch and Heart K Ranch are open year-round for birding and hiking.  Plumas County is Mecca for birdwatchers and nature lovers of all ages. The Plumas Audubon Society offers guided bird walks. Learn about the birds of Lake Almanor in the mountain meadows of Plumas County. Two official California Watchable Wildlife viewing sites are found in Plumas County – Antelope Lake/Indian Creek and Lake Davis. Camping, hiking, biking, fishing and boating are all part of the wildlife and nature tourism experience. Bring your binoculars, camera, and Plumas County Birding Guide along for the ride.

Locavores eat, shop, and learn local
After winter passes, the season of good things from the Earth awakens. Fresh is good and so very good for you.  Could there be a better triple threat for visitors and residents than shop local, eat healthy, and support Plumas County farmers and cottage industries?  Back in the Gold Rush Era, there was a long tradition of market gardening and local retail that evolved in response to the needs of miners and pioneers. That rich heritage is alive and growing in Plumas County. 

Seasonal farmers markets provide an array of produce, meats, arts and crafts and other local treasures for the heart, soul, and stomach.   The Quincy Certified Farmers Market, Sundays late June through mid-September, is bountiful regional goods, artisans, massages, baked goods and music.  Romano’s Farmers Market, Fridays May (last Friday) – mid-September, is California’s only on-the-farm farmers market.  A true destination, fresh fish, local meat, lamb, and eggs, wine tasting, and free guest chef cooking demos. Yes, good vibrations along with local produce, baked goods, and crafts are happening at the Chester Themed Farmers Market at Chester Park at 190 Willow Street. Check online for dates and times.

At Genessee Valley Ranch, the herd is 100% purebred Black Wagyu beef. These animals are pasture-raised solely on a diet of diversified grasses. Each field is rotated with a variety of native grasses to ensure that both the land and the cattle benefit from a sustainable, environmentally sensitive management program. You can savor a wide variety of farm-fresh offerings including ranch beef at the Genessee Store. Just a few miles up the road, Young’s Market in Taylorsville is a historic landmark selling artisan cheeses and cured meats, great beer and wines, and specialty groceries.

Riley’s Jerky in Greenville is family-owned and operated since 1981. Stop by Monday – Saturday or order online. Enjoy jerky and craft beers on the patio.

Throughout Plumas County, fun fare and libations make this road-trip a must! At the crossroads of highways 70 and 89, The Brewing Lair is craft brew in a wooded wonderland.  Picnics, disc golf, live music, Ricochet Café food truck, and creative ales – it’s family- and dog-friendly, and just ridiculously fun.  In Blairsden, MoFo (mobile food) fanciers will diverge from driving for Bread & Butter food truck where road food has risen to new heights.

Quintopia Brewery is unique and was Quincy’s first brewery in more than a century. The brewer’s specialty is making easy drinking session beers. They feature a diverse menu with an international flare. Don’t miss the Masala chicken loaded fries and cold udon noodle bowl.

New to Chester, Timber Lodge Brewing masterfully crafts ales, lagers, IPAs and porters. For something bolder, the Monkey Face brand of gin, vodka, rye, bourbon and spiced rum will warm the soul.

Bike your cares away in Plumas County!
Mountain biking is big business. In Plumas County, it’s really big and fun. So much so, that they have amazing biking events. There are three “century” rides throughout the county – Mile High, Tour de Manure, Lost & Found Gravel Festival – with picturesque mountain and lake views accessible to all skill levels. Trails beginning at the base of Indian Valley take advanced riders to mountain ridges overlooking the valley. A free Plumas Mountain Biking Trail Guide, available online, details rides in Eastern and Central Plumas County and the Lake Almanor Basin.  If mountain biking isn’t your obsession, downshift and bike Plumas County backcountry roads – they’re traffic- and stress-free.

Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship has been instrumental in expanding trails throughout Plumas and Sierra counties. The Quincy-based nonprofit has developed the Mills Peak Trail in Graeagle, the South Park trail system in Quincy and is currently in the midst of phase two of the Mount Hough project, which will add 38 miles of new multi-use trails on Hough by next year. Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship's legacy project, Connected Communities, aims to revitalize Lost Sierra mountain towns through the creation of a 564-mile multi-use singletrack trail that would connect 15 towns, including Truckee and Reno.

Mountain biking is not allowed in wilderness areas or on the Pacific Crest Trail.

For more information, visit:  plumascounty.org. 
Many businesses have seasonal hours of operation. Check online or call ahead. 

Originally published:

Wildflowers adorn California landscapes

Springtime can be missed in a blink; however those with open eyes won’t miss the orchestra of colors that carpet California hillsides, meadows and landscapes with wildflowers.  With thousands of varieties and numerous habitats, climates and terrain, the blooms are as varied and unique as California itself.

With most of the state experiencing an unusually wet winter, these “uncultivated  flowering plants” should be bountiful in coming months. Early spring (February–April) is the opportune time to view desert blooms. Red Rock Canyon State Park is a juxtaposition of rock formations with vivid blossoms amidst beaver tail cactus and white blooming Joshua trees and yuccas. Early spring trekkers will be treated  to desert candles, lilies and asters, wooly sunflowers and Indian paintbrush. The Coachella Valley Nature Preserve, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and Death Valley National Park also showcase their share of seasonal color and are already flourishing.

To be immersed in true California color, the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve near Lancaster in Los Angeles County consists of seven miles of trails through 1,745 acres of golden petals.

Wildflowers generally peak March through early June, however an abundant snow pack will extend the Sierra Nevada wildflower season into the summer months. For late spring through summer viewing, head to higher elevations. Fish Slough and Lake Sabrina in Bishop are popular viewing areas in the Eastern Sierra.

When you think of wildflower viewing, do you ever imagine lying on your belly to see those colorful blooms? At Baldwin Lake Ecological Reserve adjacent to Big Bear Lake come prepared to get horizontal. Often called belly plants, this unique variety of wildflowers are so small you may need to put your nose to the ground to see them.

San Mateo’s Edgewood County Park and Natural Preserve in the San Francisco Bay Area flourishes with blue larkspurs and lupines, pink shooting stars, white fairy lanterns and red paintbrush. Marin’s Chimney Rock at Point Reyes National Seashore showcases yellow goldfields, blue irises, poppies and Point Reyes chocolate lilies. Other popular locations in the Bay Area include the Mount Burdell Open Space Preserve near Novato and Napa’s Missimer Snell Valley Wildflower Preserve, where onlookers can appreciate the vibrant hues from the road.

North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve in Butte County transforms into an endless sea of color and is one of the region’s premier viewing areas. The paths that lead you there (Highway 70, Cherokee Road), are equally spectacular. Many are con­vinced that the biggest wild­flower show in Butte Coun­ty is found north of Table Moun­tain at Chico’s Bid­well Park. 

Also in Butte County, Oroville’s North Ther­mal­i­to Fore­bay is easily reached. The paved path wrap­ping around Rat­tlesnake Hill is also wheel­chair acces­si­ble allow­ing vis­i­tors to enjoy spring wild­flow­ers with ease. This 1.2-mile loop may be short but it includes one of the most photogenic spots in Butte Coun­ty — the Sut­ter Buttes ris­ing behind the North Forebay’s footbridge. What do you do when it starts to heat up in the Sacra­men­to Val­ley but you still want more wild­flow­ers? Head to the foothill region! Par­adise Lake keeps the bloom going into May and June with for­est favorites like lupine, bleed­ing heart, and flow­er­ing dog­wood trees. Pack a picnic and bring chairs to enjoy a respite at lake's edge.

Discover greater wildflower adventures at California State Parks and Jepson Prairie Preserve in Solano County.

If my Subaru can't get me there, 
that's a good reason not to go!

Wildflowers Arrive at Jepson Prairie Preserve

Wondrous Wildflowers & Amazing Aquatic Critters at Jepson Prairie Coming Soon in 2024  

Wildflower season is coming, and Solano Land Trust’s Jepson Prairie docents are getting ready to share the first wave of vernal pool flowers. Weather permitting, there will be two-hour guided walks starting in the spring.

A vernal pool is a world of exceptional diversity and an ecological system of great complexity, and Jepson Prairie Preserve is one of the best remaining examples of vernal pools in all of California. Enjoy an easy, meandering walk under wide-open skies with knowledgeable docents while exploring the bunchgrass prairie and walking alongside the claypan vernal pools. The prairie is transformed by winter rains into fields of stunning wildflowers including white meadowfoam, yellow carpet, and miniature lupine. Docents will also introduce you to the rare aquatic animals, all on the Endangered Species list, that live in the ephemeral pools, including vernal pool fairy shrimp, Conservancy fairy shrimp, and the larvae of the California tiger salamander.

Jepson Prairie Preserve, a designated National Natural Landmark, is located on Cook Lane, off Highway 113, about ten miles south of Dixon and eight miles north of Highway 12. Stay tuned for details about dates, times, location, price, and contact information. Participants should bring a backpack with plenty of water, and snacks or a picnic lunch. They should wear boots or sturdy closed-toe shoes, layered clothes, and protection from the elements. It is often windy at Jepson Prairie, and they should be prepared for wet trails and the chance of fog. Rain may cancel. Visitors should bring drinking water and may also want to bring a hand lens, binoculars and a camera. For directions and additional details, visit solanolandtrust.org.

Since its founding in 1986, Solano Land Trust has permanently protected more than 20,000 acres of working farms and natural areas in Solano County.  Learn more, see a full list of outdoor adventures, and become a member at www.SolanoLandTrust.org. 

What: Docent-led tours of the Jepson Prairie Preserve
Who: Solano Land Trust & Jepson Prairie Docents
When: Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to noon - dates and days to be determined. 
Where: Jepson Prairie Preserve, Intersection of Highway 113 and Cook Lane, 13 miles south of Dixon. Go straight at flashing light onto Cook Lane, gravel road.
Why: See the wondrous wildflowers and amazing aquatic invertebrates of Jepson Prairie.

Come home to Winters and the Abbey House Inn

Seize the day and make the most of every moment! I breathe this philosophy. Finding every possible excuse to get out, explore, and experience the world beyond my county borders. I never judge any book by its cover. I turn every page, open each door, turn down all back roads and share countless stories. When I began writing about Yolo County, I did what I always do, adopted the towns and its people. I made the place my own, as if I had always lived there. In return, my new family of friends adopted me. Home is where the heart is and mine is often in Yolo County. For this adventure, home was the tiny burg of Winters, California.

Warm and comfortable, the Abbey House Inn was like coming home; especially if you love small-town life. Every detail! Nothing was overlooked. Intimate seating areas throughout the house, garden and porches. This is not a bed and breakfast in the traditional sense. Breakfast is not cooked to order; it’s strictly DIY (do-it-yourself). All types of snacks, beverages, cereals, yogurts, jams, jellies, breads, and eggs (uncooked and hard boiled) are there for the taking. Dining room or alfresco, it's up to you.

First constructed in 1905 to house the priests at nearby St. Anthony Parish, the two-story, Victorian Abbey House was moved to its present location where it was restored in 2002. Under new ownership since 2017, Abbey House Inn has been meticulously decorated and outfitted to address your every need including free WiFi and flat-screen TVs. Pam and Eric Tavenier, the owners, embrace my "feels like home" mantra.

A park and walk destination, all the best foods, brews, wines and spirits are within walking distance of the Abbey House Inn. After settling into our room, we enjoyed a quiet beer and glass of wine on the front porch before strolling over to relax at Hooby's Brewing including a few tosses at the new indoor cornhole arena. Locally owned and operated by twin sisters Courtney and Jackie, the brewery opened April 1, 2019. You'll feel like family once you arrive. Other Winters favorites, Steady Eddy’s Coffee House and Ficelle, are next door.  Bike rides often start from Steady Eddy’s and Velo City Bicycle Center. There are a wide array of locally owned dining and wining experiences just blocks away.

We also enjoyed an afternoon with the Boone family at Patio29 Spirits Company Distillery. We tasted a wide range of products and came away with a bottle of their fabulous Yolo County Craft Vodka and Twin Mischief Aged Rum.

Life is good at the Abbey House Inn and Winters.

 

Originally published in the Mountain Democrat.