Rovin’ Pebbles experiences the California wine trail

Carol Burford

On May 5, fourteen RVs left PebbleCreek for an 18-day adventure in California. We were all excited to see the sights and spend time together. Our first stop was at a beautiful park in Yucaipa where we had our traditional first-night potluck dinner. Tom introduced the group to two wines from Santa Barbara and the Santa Ynez Valley. The next day we drove to Flying Flags RV Park in Buellton. The park had a nice BBQ dinner which we enjoyed. Afterward, we played Left/Right/Center (a dice game). The following day was a yoyo day (you’re on your own). A group had breakfast at Paula’s Pancake House. Some tasted at Fess Parker, while others did their own thing. That night we watched the movie Sideways to get us in the mood for more wine. Monday we drove to the Vines RV Park in Paso Robles. It is one of the nicest parks to which we’ve ever been. The clubhouse had crystal chandeliers, a fireplace and a full kitchen. Wednesday morning our wagon masters prepared omelets in a bag with delicious assorted fruits. Happy Hours were held under a covered patio and fireplace by the pool. We had a huge BBQ and everyone brought their own main course. While there, a group worked on a jigsaw puzzle, others went to wineries and some did olive oil tasting. Thursday we drove to Monterey. Some went to the Aquarium and Fishermen’s Wharf; some golfed, while others drove to Carmel. Sunday we headed to Pleasanton. We arrived early enough that some of the group drove into San Francisco for Irish Coffee at The Buena Vista and a sunset dinner overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge. The next day a group took Bart (the only sensible way to travel) into San Francisco and toured Alcatraz. On Tuesday we took a bus tour of the city which included a walk down Lombard (the crooked street), the Cable Car Museum, the Fortune Cookie Factory, Grace Cathedral, Painted Ladies, the Palace of Fine Arts and then across the Golden Gate to Ft. Baker for a great photo op with the bridge in the background. We had lunch in Sausalito before boarding a ferry which took us back to the city. A group went shopping in Chinatown with a stop at the Wok Shop. There was more wine tasting in Sonoma with most of the group heading to Francis Ford Coppola’s Winery. Monday morning we said our goodbyes (sadly) and set off for the rest of the summer.

The Rovin’ Pebbles RV Club meets on the first Wednesday of each month (October through May) at 3:00 p.m. in the Eagle’s Nest Ballroom. Come join the fun!