High as a Kite by Then

Snob ho! Drove out to Napa Valley with some of the BBQ crew this morning. We visited St. Supery winery, which turned out to be less scenic and more snobbish than expected. Very small tour, lots of bizarre nonsensical California art scene, big luxurious wood-appointed tasting center, elderly yet oddly aggressive bouncers to keep out the riff-raff. That sounds critical, but we did get to try some very fine wines and tour a few hundred feet of vines. I would have liked to ask some questions, talk to a sommelier, be treated like a human, but that's what I get for wearing khaki shorts with white socks and hiking boots. Next time I'll remember to look like imported eurotrash from L.A.

Grapes, Vats, Naturally Occuring Do-Wop Trio

It's a pretty good racket they have going there. Get a little wine in people, then shuffle them over to the wine shop just a few feet away, with full options available for shipping, gift-wrapping, and club discounts. Thankfully, I'm far too intellient to be taken in by such cheap manipulation.

By the way, every good thing you hear about the beauty of Napa Valley is probably true. Rolling hills, bright sun, blue sky, cool damp air.

Actual Napa Valley Sky

Beautiful California

This evening, Dan (Atherin), Jen and I drove down to the Golden Gate Bridge to catch the view at sunset.

Tonight I found a cheap little Econo Lodge room overlooking Lombard St. Unfortunately it's too late and quiet to hit the local pubs/restaurants (they are creepily empty). Tomorrow I'm going to try to see Alcatraz and the Palace of Fine arts. Japanese Tea Garden and Golden Gate Park if there's time.

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