To Calistoga and Carmel and LA

 

To Calistoga and Carmel and LA

The drive to Calistoga was relatively short and again we experienced excellent driving conditions. Our route took us further down the coast and across another classic bridge at Coos Bay. The bridges we have crossed during this trip were all designed by Conde McCullough who designed 17 bridges in Oregon when he worked for the Oregon Department of Transportation. The bridges were constructed between 1921 and 1936, and were important in the completion of route 101.

I have crossed the Coos Bay bridge many times on our annual trek to Bandon Dunes. It is always a unique experience going over the edifice, the rugged coast views and to our left as we cross the bridge, a view of the airport is readily seen. Everytime I have landed there, cross winds have been an issue, hence my propensity to drive.

Images below give a hint of the construction of the day.

Our schedule allowed for a short detour onto the Bandon Dunes property. This is the premier golf destination in the US, and although Deborah is not an avid golfer she could readily appreciate how well the property is maintained, the unpretentious architecture and the massive range. 

A gracious and unpretentious clubhouse

A typical view on the course

We next made our way into the wine country and settled in to our B and B in Calistoga. We hiked up a local mountain prior to dinner and then made our way for a Sushi dinner. Note the uniqueness of this dining experience, except for the food , no Japanese content!

Calistoga is only 6 miles north of St Helena where we were married. Freemark Abbey is still there as is the garden in which we were wed.

The drive to LA was smooth, an early start and little traffic save for the last 25 miles. Everytime I drive on the 405 it is a challenge. Nice to touch base with the California Kent clan, great hospitality and the never ending stories.

Hamish is in the last 3 days of his term. We will hang with him more once school projects have been completed.