Go West !

We were rolling on Highway 116. The sun kept going in and out of the clouds and it was getting chillier as we approached the ocean. Getting out of the car around Jenner and taking in the view of the ocean waves breaking on the rocks was breathtaking. This was the rugged coastline they had been referring to all along. I saw my first avian scavengers pick apart a highway casualty. Another startling surprise was to find a U.S. flag planted atop one of the deserted peaks of the area. It provided a formidable contrast to the desolation around, as it flew proudly.

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It just seems that the hotel has been plopped down on a very wide terrain of land and then nothing. To add insult to injury, immediately across the way from the hotel is McDonald''s. What more can I say about this? The only saving grace was that there was this huge and gorgeous palm tree right above the hotel canopy which I would turn to when we''d come into or leave the hotel just to avoid the eyesore.

Upon entry into the lobby, is the check-in desk to the right. They offer the newspaper and the most delicious macadamia nut cookies ever!! We were on the 3rd floor of a 4 story building. The room was comfortable with a queen size bed, but no down bedding. Equipped with a desk, IT connections, 2 telephones, coffee machine, hair dryer and iron with board. There is a restaurant on the premises, and in every room, they have a long list of restaurants that will deliver food to your room for a fairly reasonable fee.

As you make a right hand turn to go into the restaurant, you can catch a glimpse of Bodega Bay. It's a spectacular view. The gulls were particularly vocal as the early evening fell on the area; we were seated right in front of one of the huge windows and I was delighted in that I had spotted 2 sea otters plunging in and out of the water near the old pilings jutting at the sideview from our table. We caught sight of a few fishing trawlers docked, or making their way to a wharf of some sort.

The food was fresh and very tasty, except for the clam chowder soup. I guess I will never learn. This particular version not only added celery but also had corn kernels in it. Chuck had the snapper which must have been good as I didn't hear any complaints. He also had a glass of one of the local wines. Our waiter was very gracious but a bit slow to respond.

We enjoyed the meal and particularly what lay in front of us. We had fun checking out the shops in this newly renovated building. As our hotel was in Novato, we needed directions on how to get there from where we were. People are usually quite willing to help and we got on Highway 1 again and headed for town.

By the way, across the street from the restaurant is an inn perched on a hill which would have been the perfect place to spend the night had we not had reservations elsewhere. It's called the Inn at the Tides

The Vegi Pad Thai was $6.85 and was excellent; this is one of the most popular Thai dishes that incorporates pan fired rice noodles, tofu, vegetables and ground peanuts which add a sweetness to the dish. We also had the Poa Pia, which are crispy spring rolls of pork and vegetables served with sweet and sour sauce on the side (5.50). For dessert, the coconut flan was divine and super sweet ($2.75).

I can also recommend that you try the fried bananas which they serve with ice cream; traditionally, they are served in coconut milk. The satays, chicken or beef, are very reasonable as well and are served with soup and steamed rice for only $7.25. It's a restaurant worth trying in your room, or at their premises.

First and foremost is the sandbar which separates the Russian River from the coastal waters; it is quite narrow, but still manages to keep those two apart. This is Goat Rock Beach and its sandbar serves as a habitat to a colony of seals. You are discouraged from getting too close to the animals, but can take photographs within a comfortable distance from them.

As you drive southward, you can see large homes dangerously perched on the warped cliffs, right above the crashing waves. Nevertheless one can understand and envy the view they must offer their occupants. That particular day was overcast, and although the skies looked menacing, we never had the expected downpour. Instead, the grayish light lent a certain eeriness to the photographs we shot all along the coast.

As I lay the map on my lap, I notice that a series of public beaches dot the landscape, and we did spot some surfers at one of them. Personally, I thought they were nuts as the waves were unforgiving.

September, October and November are considered the best months to visit and stay in Sonoma County. Realtors post rentals for vacation homes from 3 nights to a full week, which can average about $1400. If you want to take a look at some of the splendid homes that are available, go to Rentals. Aside from taking long beach walks, you can go on mini-cruises which sight black humped whales; you can also fish, surf, go tide pooling, wind surf, golf, go native and boogie board, ride horses, shop, and get a massage! California most likely has more certified masseurs per capita than anywhere else in the world. If you don’t want to go to them, they will come to you.