"San Francisco" a San Francisco Travel Page by ElaineCatherine

My sister lives out in California, so I get out there alot. A little too much for my husbands wallet.. oops.. did I say wallet, I meant to say 'tastes". he he he. - Seriously. It is a great city to visit. It's truly gorgeous, the people are remarkably friendly and the food is awesome. (have you noticed I comment on food alot?)

Napa Valley is fairly near San Francisco. It's just a bit over an hour's drive. If you like good wine and good food, you've got to go. (food again) We like to say that we spent the day "buzzing" around Napa. We went from winery to winery tasting and nibbling all day. By the end of the day we were making plans for another trip this time including a friend that doesnt imbibe at all so we would have a driver! Seriously, do be careful!

I should say that V. Sattui vineyard was probably my favorite. It is smaller and very intimate feeling. The tasting bar was busy and friendly, they have a great store. and of course, the wine is amazing. We sampled a 2001 Johannesburg Riesling and it was so crisp and so luscious with strawberries, chocolate and cheese! It was the perfect day for two sisters to spend together!

Calistoga is adorable. It is the perfect Western town. They have this special clay that is really good for your skin, so you can get mud baths, mud massages and so on! We'll be trying that next time!

There is a stretch of road sometimes called the Skyline Drive in California. Not in San Francisco, per se, but near by. There's a range of hills that splits the ocean from the inland, and the skyline climbs up over it.

It's one of the more beautiful drives Ive ever been on, albeit a bit nauseating at times. Lots of motorcycles like to ride around this area, but my sister is a most excellent bicycle rider, and she and packs of other brave and excptionally fit people ride these hills also. And they all stop at Alice's restaurant to take a break and to meet and greet!

The hills are steep, and there are many switchbacks, but the views are breathtaking, and the air is fresh and scented with eucaptylus.