Day 12 Cloverdale, CA to Petaluma, CA.  69 miles and 2230 feet of climbing.  Today was just another California perfect day.  Sunny skies, little wind, 58 degreess in the a.m. and 75 degrees by  the time I got in.  Moments out of Cloverdale and we were into the Dry Creek Valley wine country and it was absolutely gorgeous.  The roads were rolling to steep windy hills and around every bend and over every hill was a scene of vineyards.  From there we entered into the Russian River district where there were more vineyards and we were reintroduced to my friends the Redwoods.  Towards the end of the day  We entered cattle country and again the hills were golden brown and very dry.  As for riding, today may have been one of the best days yet (I know, how many times can I get away with saying that).  I road a very relaxed pace.  Ate lunch with Murray and even rode with some others for awhile......  Tomorrow we ride to San Francisco and ride across the Golden Gate bridge on our way into town.  Saturday is a rest day and I am looking forward to NOT riding.

 

Throughout the wine area there were these street signs directing you to the wineries.  One, further into the district, easily had 20 signs on it.  I decided that I need to start drinking more wine because there were many wineries that I did not recognize.

 

The hills in the back are all planted with grapes.  They are all irrigated and the fields are obviously very well cared for a carefully laid out.

 

Just waiting to be picked.  In some areas they were already beginning the harvest.

 

Some winery building.  Looked much more impressive in person.  The wineries we were able to see from the road were very attractive buildings with lush lawns and huge gates.  We were definitely in the high rent district.  I would love to spend time going from tasting room to tasting room.

 

It appears as if the Korbel Champagne company is one of the major wineries in the Russian River district..

 

I always find time for an Espresso break.  The proprietor of this shop in the town of Guerneville said that it is a great place to live.  It bills itself as a "hate free" town and I notice at least 4 medical marijuana dispensaries within the mile long business district.

 

After leaving the green, lush wine areas we pedaled into this.  Very barren and dry.  Lots of signs about warning of fire.......

 

I find it hard to believe that cattle can survive in this land but we saw many very large herds.  Even hay loaded onto wagons was golden brown.