The kids are just dropped off at nearby overnight camp this week with good counselors and support staff. I wave goodbye, half-celebrating, half-double-checking the supply bag, and suddenly found myself… free(!?). Is this how it’s supposed to feel? Where I just… be. Suddenly time seems more thick, inviting… the possibilities!
So we very quickly took the rare opening and drove up to Healdsburg.
I can’t remember the last time we had this kind of time to ourselves. It’s been an intense year. More accurately, a relentless one. Though to be honest every single year has been like that for the past 12. Might as well draw a line in time, before and after. Anyway, after we drove into town, we made a run to Safeway, parked, and turned our room into a well-stocked lair of snacks and freedom.
The next day we drove down backcountry roads where it seemed like every mile had a new winery gently whispering, why not stop by for a minute? Our first destination, Aesthete, had Adirondack chairs literally a few feet from Dry Creek itself, the sound of water flowing through very refreshing. I’m the designated driver, of course, but I took a sip or two. Just enough to taste what it’s like when ‘sunlight meets water’. Still don’t quite get it but it was superb rest for a couple hours in exchange for their relatively inexpensive bottle. Goats and chickens were nearby too, so if you have kids, this is your place!
By the way, before we’d decided to come up here, I realized it’s been almost a decade since I’ve been up in wine country. Though I should clarify that it’s not Napa. It’s Dry Creek Valley. The gentle wince I received multiple times from our host at the second winery, Gary Farrell, until I realized why, with a smile that looked like it had politely winced hundreds of times before. Wait it actually isn’t Dry Creek Valley, it’s Russian River valley wine region. We’d drove past some boundary on the drive down.
This particular place, sitting on a terrace up on a hill, with great views that doesn’t ask anything of you, a breeze mixed with the sun and shade that guides you to take a nap. For the first time ever we stayed a few hours until closing, as they had open reservations, and strategically ordering something from time to time. Could have relaxed longer if I’m being honest!
The other time, wandering through Healdsburg’s plaza in no particular direction. It’s still the same after last visiting a decade or more ago. Even lacing up for a trail run up the nearby ridge well, a “run” in the generous sense. Gasping uphill might be more accurate as I pray my soar knee doesn’t mean anything else. Maybe next time I’ll be able to make it up without sounding like an about to break down steam engine, concerning smile given by the lone passerby notwithstanding.
Coupled with Carmel-by-the-sea, it’s now one of may favorite places to relax. Though extremely expensive!
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