Friday 22 April 2011

Coasting

It's a holiday within a holiday as we escaped up north with my parents for a few days.  Back to Sea Ranch, and though it's a smaller house than last time it has the prerequisites of a) a hot tub, and b) wi-fi.  For them, not me.

Anyway, we've had a couple of wholesome and healthy days of walks along the coast to take in the sea air, afternoon naps, and trips to local wineries.  Or winery, to be specific.  Annapolis Winery is the only one within driving distance, and being Northern California it isn't just a winery, it's a Buddhist winery.  So it's totally organic (bugs might be you in your next life) and when we left the owner told us "I think I know you" in a deep and spiritual manner.

Today also happens to be Dad's 78th birthday.  Mostly motorway miles, so he's doing well, and celebrated with some drinking in the hot tub and a rather fine cake from Hannah.  


Our little cottage, "Getaway".


Relaxing in the garden.


Hannah finds a local...


...and another.


Rock pooling.


Family photo.  But where's Em?  Camping in the rather warmer 23C+ temperatures the UK is currently enjoying.


Happy birthday to you!


Dad makes a friend of the winery's ex-feral marmalade cat.  ("A cat never really leaves you, they're always with you," remarked the winery owner when she heard about Mollie.)


The grapes don't fall far from the vine.


In the bandstand.


Looking pleased with himself in the hot tub, in those new shorts.


Archimedes' principle.