Leonard Cohen died. Your data are at risk. And it’s the end of the year.
So we skipped out of town and headed to Mendocino. For my foreign friends, it’s a coastal town about 3 hours’ drive north of San Francisco, through majestic redwoods 300 years old, on non-commercial roads in a commercial country. It’s a blissful escape to a pristine environment that reminds you of growing up in a pure and innocent world.
Our conversations focused on what defines the American Dream, whether it still exists, and how Germany compares to the US in liveability.
We overnighted at a local bed and breakfast, where the owners struggle to pay their mortgage for 12 years until a frisky new buyer can be found.
On the way back, we picked up a magnum of Brut Rose at Roederer Estate, a couple of bottles of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay at Husch, and a bag of apples at a roadside orchard.
The winery, an original, has seen the rise of baby boomer vineyard owners descend on the Andersen Valley, after the apple orchards had displaced the sheep. Not bad for terroir development, I guessed.
We prepare for the New Year’s arrival, wisking away bad habits and hoping for a brighter beginning next year. Wishing all of you the best for a happier new year!!
Travels with Myself and Others 
Frohe Silvester, Happy New year to you. I enjoy your writing because it forms pictures in my mind. I would have described the same trip; drove back roads to wine country stayed overnight bought wine on way home. Your story has me planing a trip. Danke!
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In essence, that’s what it was. Circumstances were perfect for this aesthetic trip. Chrystal clear crisp weather, great company, and the voice of Joyce diDonato singing her new War and Peace Collection made the drive easy to describe and to indulge in its pleasures. I was surprised to see extensive development of the Andersen Valley wine industry. After nearly 20 years since going there, I was both delighted and disappointed by the new changes.
Mendocino is a bit of the West Coast’s Cape Cod and has managed to maintain its pristine setting. Even the three hour drive did not feel tedious. Like our urban walks, every step leads to more curiosity. I’m happy that you’re inspired to take a trip! Let us know what you discovered!
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Happy New Year Victoria! All the best to you and your family in the New Year. I hope we have the opportunity to see each other again in the New Year and catch up in person!
Cheers!
Rik
On Sat, Dec 31, 2016 at 4:36 PM, Travels with Myself and Others wrote:
> VickieVictoria posted: “Leonard Cohen died. Your data are at risk. And > it’s the end of the year. So we skipped out of town and headed to > Mendocino. For my foreign friends, it’s a coastal town about 3 hours’ drive > north of San Francisco, through majestic redwoods 300 years old, ” >
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Great to hear from you Rik! The same to you and your family! We’ll be coming through NYC to see more opera and DC to see the NMAAHC. Will definitely coordinate our schedules so we can see each other!
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