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Alexander Valley vineyards

Only one day of my visit to see my son and family in Santa Rosa was a mostly sunny day, in contrast with rain the rest of the time. We took advantage of it to drive the southern part of Alexander Valley, one of three areas close to Healdsburg. On previous visits we had stopped at wineries in the Russian River and Dry Creek areas.

Alexander Valley is more open than the other two with beautiful rolling hills - green from all the rain - dotted with rows of vines plus oak trees. We took Chalk Hill Road to Highway 123 north for a while, then circled back to Healdsburg via Alexander Valley Road.

Our first stop was Hanna Winery. We passed on tasting but enjoyed seeing the unique tasting room and the views of the valley.

Our next stop was Soda Rock. Jim and Jenn did taste some wines and found a couple of bottles to buy, including a bottle of Malbec, one of George's favorite wines. This winery has a huge building which can accommodate wedding receptions and other events. Soda Rock is now one of the Wilson Artisan Wineries.

It was getting past lunch time for me so we turned off on Alexander Valley Road. We stopped for a quick look at the Alexander Valley RV Park and then headed to Francis Ford Coppola's winery for a look around and for lunch.

Lunch was good - Jim and I split a Caesar salad and a rack of lamb. Yum! Then we wandered around. Upstairs are many posters and items from his movies  like Oscars and Don Corleone’s desk from The Godfather plus a collection of vintage olive oil cans. The ships were used in the filming of Marie Antoinette; a battle scene with them was filmed in a fountain. On the lower level is the candy apple red original Tucker car from Tucker: The Man and His Dream.

Outside are bocce courts, a pavilion for entertainment, and a pool and cabines. We were told that for $125 in season, you get the use of a dressing room with shower for up to four people, chaise lounges by the pool and a wine tasting. Apparently you can use the pool without renting a changing room but you won't be guaranteed a chaise lounge!

We did stop at two tasting rooms in Healdsburg to pick up some things. I sipped a few during the day but since I was driving, I sipped in moderation!The Alexander Valley makes a beautiful drive. With stops you might not get through the whole valley, but that wasn't our object. We enjoyed the scenery, the variety of wineries and sunshine for the first time in days. There are some other RV parks in the Healdsburg area so park the RV and take the tow or toad for a leisurely drive. Healdsburg is a cute town with lots of tasting rooms, art galleries and shops so make sure you include a stop there as well. I'm sure there are some wonderful places in town to eat at the end of the day. Jaimie Hall Bruzenak

World's tallest thermometer- now dark

Baker, California's claim to fame for years has been that it is home to the world's tallest thermometer. I just read in the L.A. Times that it is now dark. The Starbucks that was once there is closed. The recession has hit Baker hard. The owner of the thermometer could not afford the $8,000/month electric bill so turned off the lights. Now some people in town think it is an eyesore and should be torn down.

Bill, my late husband, and I worked there in 1997 for NPS. The Mojave National Preserve visitor center was housed in the shop below the thermometer. I think the restaurant next door, whose owner also owned the thermometer, was the Bun Boy. Things have changed since then. The Mad Greek restaurant is apparently still going strong but a number of other places have shut down. However, with traffic to Las Vegas picking up, there is hope for Baker but perhaps not the thermometer.

Another business owner, who has the Allen Fresh Jerky shop, has plans to build a three-story, disc-shaped UFO Hotel. Outside will be a pool in the shape of an alien's noggin. He hopes that will attract some of the 40 percent of Americans who believe in UFOs. He wants the thermometer torn down.

Somewhere I have a picture of the thermometer, but not on this computer. And, it's been quite a few years since I've been through Baker. The thermometer was still lit, no Starbucks yet, but we did eat at the Mad Greek. You could boondock across the street from the thermometer. I suspect if the economy is bad in Baker that's still available. Times change, though. It will be interesting to see if it is still there the next time our RV travels take us up I-15.

Anyone else remember the world's tallest thermometer? Jaimie Hall Bruzenak

Traveling with pets

RV parks may offer dog washes soon! We did see a dog washing area in Whitehorse, Yukon back in 2009, but haven't noticed any recently. The K9000 coin-operated dog wash was recently developed and offered to RV park owners. Handy - it would keep from getting the bathtub or shower in your rig wet and filthy!

Also, you might like to read this article in RV Daily Report with tips for traveling with pets if you are new to RVing.

We did travel with a dog for a while, who died while we were in Big Bend. We've opted to not get another for the time being, but pets can bring great joy to your lives. Dogs can get you out to get exercise and socialize. If you are shy, I recommend getting a walkable pet! They act as a magnet and conversation starter. Jaimie Hall Bruzenak

Poll: Will you be buying a new (to you) RV in 2013?

RV sales are picking up. Will you be one of those buyers next year? Vote in our poll. Leave a comment below.

Politics as usual?

Is it government inertia or politics as usual? After seeing this article mentioned in RV Daily Report, I clicked on the full article in The Examiner. According to the article, FEMA has purchased trailers for disaster relief that are shoddily built and have cost the government over one million dollars to fix warped exteriors. According to the article, "The trailers were built by TL Industries, one of two related Indiana firms from which FEMA officials have bought a large share of the government's supply of temporary housing units for disaster victims since 2007." These trailers could be headed north for Hurricane Sandy victims.

More than one official has complained about the poor quality yet FEMA continues to spend millions with this company. "TL Industries has been paid at least $189 million by FEMA since 2007 for an unspecified number of trailers. A $289 million contract was awarded in September 2012 to TL's sister company, Recreation by Design, of Elkhart, also for an unspecified number of units." Very lucrative contracts.

Read the full article and see what you think. Post a comment below. Jaimie Hall Bruzenak

 

Don't ignore signs of problems in your RV

A motorhome burst into flames last night while parked in the owner's driveway. The RV was totaled plus there was damage to the house and a large pine tree. The owner said he'd been having problems with the electrical system and battery. The article did not give more details, like whether or not he was plugged in. The RV was packed and ready to go. He was planning to leave today for Las Vegas.

This should serve as a reminder not to ignore problems and hope they will go away. Get your RV diagnosed right away. Don't risk a fire - either before starting out or in the middle of your RV travels.

You can read more and see a photo in the Verde Independent. Jaimie Hall Bruzenak