A Castle In The Air

As I mentioned in my previous post, I have tell you about this sweet treasure up on the California coast. I love it when a place grabs every little bit of my aesthetic sensibilities, as though someone out there knew I would come to them, and they had created this haven purposely for me to cross its path.

This sweet gem is along the Navarro River not too far from the Mendocino coast - a remodeled water tower so cleverly re-purposed for hosting guests. The water is still above, but the interior is now pure white, pure bliss, and pure calm. My partner and I were charmed. I could have stayed in all day. There was a coolness to the air on that late spring weekend. There were delicious cubes of zucchini bread left by our delightful hosts Elsa and Robert. There was a celebratory anniversary bloom. There was angelic music. There was candlelight.  There was a loft for a peaceful night or two. There was such creativity. There was uniqueness. There I was. There we were.

I find myself seeking the unusually serene in the world around me. I notice how I gravitate to quiet clean line spaces. I notice how I love the 'negative' space in a big wide expanse; a term often used back in my days at the San Francisco Art Institute in my various photography classes.

This unique space knocked on the door of my days when I was searching for a tucked away treasure on Airbnb. Lucky me. That coastline beckons.

I return to the area next week. In this wild world of ours there is no doubt a healing getaway is so good for the soul...

Happy escapades ~ Enjoy as always, Adeline

Mendocino County - Springtime on the edge of the ocean

Little River, Big River, Mendocino, Elk, Van Damme, Navarro, Russian Gulch, Cabrillo, Caspar; the list of names goes on... Inviting small towns, historical lighthouses, rugged cliffs and giant Redwood State Parks hug the beautiful northern California coast with scenic wonder at every turn.

It was late April when I ventured back along that magical coast I treasure. We had rented a charming water tower (stay tuned for next blog!) for a few nights along the Navarro River. The magnificence of the redwood forests wrapped us in its fold. The meandering coast greated us with open arms. 

Spring had sprung with faint traces of winter still hoping to cling on. The morning chill was in the air no doubt; the afternoon winds did not let up; the sun's rays desperately wanted to warm the land. I noticed and loved how wild flowers - pink ones at that - lined the edges of the cliffs.

The lazy pace we had opted for that week out of town was a celebration in itself. Here we were taking the sights yet again. The wineries of the Anderson Valley beckoned. Picnic treats and bold sunsets did not disappoint. At Wild Fish, a tiny restaurant easily missed in tinier Little River, we were treated to blackened halibut tacos with spicy cabbage slaw, and Thai fish cakes with watermelon radish salad... Need I say more!

I obviously cannot get enough, as my next trip is just two months away, and back to that northern area I shall return! There is a newly opened trail along the bluffs just north of Mendocino - shall get new hiking shoes  - a must - and off we go, because it is simply so good for the soul...

Enjoy as always, Adeline

A lighthouse, a winery on the edge, and a dramatic sky

Time wants to just fly by!

I remind myself after this short blogging hiatus how I love stopping time with three-day weekends and filling them with incredible vistas, exquisite light and treasured moments  - these quick getaways, done every few months, invigorate me, take me to destinations unknown or rediscovered. With a busy work life and a busy high schooler, my days are very full; so stepping outside, putting foot to pedal, grabbing my companion and heading out of town - is a sweet blessing. 

On a recent escapade, the Mendocino coast beckoned yet again. The stops along the way were new. North and South of Mendocino we meandered - from back roads to picturesque ocean views on one hand and rolling California hills on the other. South of Mendocino, we stopped between Albion and Little River. Here the coastline definitely starts kicking into high gear. The sky that day was busy with intricate cloud formations. We walked along the bluff and stood in awe. A pristine blue sky would have been dull in comparison The Point Cabrillo Lighthouse stood prim and proper against that stormy sky. Pushing north, tucked on the edges of the Pacific Ocean a few miles past Fort Bragg was another delightful discovery - the Pacific Star Winery with its barrels basking in the damp ocean air. You feel as though you have stepped into the mouth of the San Andreas Fault with all the deeply eroded and etched crevasses denting the dark coastline. Quite a setting indeed!

Between the drive along Anderson Valley to the coast, the lighthouse, the winery, the stunning scenery, the spectacular skies, a glass of "It's Not My Fault" in hand, we were smitten. The winery guesthouse beckoned, but we pushed on, through The Avenue of The Giants to wrap it up with dinner in Eureka and a night even further north in Trinidad, not too far from the Oregon border - I must save that northern corner of California for another blog - The skies just kept getting better!

I do believe you will be planning your 3 day weekend in no time - 

You see... It is good for the soul...

Enjoy as always , Adeline