Lake Tahoe Boating

There are very few day-trips as spectacular as Lake Tahoe - summer or winter. Beginning with the first glimpse of the dark blue lake as you crest the peaks forming the rim of the valley, the scenery is spectacular. It is also a little tricky with the winds and turbulence caused by the same rugged peaks. That is probably why they don't fly any more commercial flights to speak of into the South Lake Tahoe Airport.

There is no operating control tower at the airport, but there is also very little traffic at this uncontrolled field. The folks at Trajen FBO network take good care of your plane, but it helps to remind them of any fuel or other services you need just to make sure. Of course, the density altitude is an issue at 6,264 feet MSL, but the 8,544 foot runway helps. Still, we appreciated the 10 knot headwind on takeoff on this 9,000' density altitude day.

Lunch was at the Hard Rock Cafe at Harvey's Resort on the Nevada side, then off to the Lakeside Marina (a 10 minute walk) for the boating. The Marina rents by the hour starting at $160 for boats and $100 for Jet Skis, or by the day and half-day. They seem to provide good service and the boats are "as expected" for a rental operation. There are no VHF radios provided, so bring your cell phone in case you get into trouble. We had a fairly calm mid-day, but the wind picked up in the late afternoon, and the 20' Reinell Open Bow boat slammed pretty hard through the white caps. A stop at Camp Richardson for drinks and a little outdoor live music was followed by a short boat trip to Emerald Bay just north and east of Camp Richardson.
Trajen has a crew car, if it's not already spoken for; otherwise, call "Ozzy" in cab # 40 (530-318-0462) for a quick ride into town.

Carmel Valley Tranquility

A little south and east of the Monterey/Carmel peninsula is home to a number of wineries and beautiful boutique hotels. The Bernardus Lodge actually combines both, with a smallish (read exclusive) number of rooms and a two fabulous restaurants - Marinus and Wickets. This trip began with a fly-in to the Monterey Peninsula Airport's 7,600' runway featuring probably one of the prettiest approaches in the country. It's as breath-taking as playing a spectacular hole along the ocean in the middle of your round of 18. The FBO (MillionAir) has always been very helpful. A call ahead on Arinc 131.50 will have your rental car under the wing before the engines spool down (or, in our case, before the props stop turning).

It was a mid-July get away and, as is common, there was considerable fog at the airport until noontime; however after the burn off, it was a very comfortable 75 degrees for the balance of the day. At the Bernardus Lodge, we were welcomed with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc - a Bernardus label of course - and the welcoming, personal attention that is customary for this five star property. The ubiquitous lavender was in full bloom. We learned that the next week it would be harvested and the chef will be preparing several lavender-based dishes to celebrate.

Since we were early, we dropped off our bags and headed up the street about a mile to Cafe Rustica; an excellent recommendation from the concierge. The food at Cafe Rustica is traditional California, but with a french flair - and a french waiter in our case. Not to diminish the excellent food in general, the thin crust, wood-fired pizza was underdone to my taste. Also located in Del Fino Place, next to the Cafe are two interesting antique and collectible shops. I am not an antiquer, but my wife is, so we visited both. The Avant Garden was filled with a eclectic variety of knick knacks especially suitable for the shabby-chic decorator types. The Kim3 International Furnishings next door featured home, garden and gift selections from "13 countries and 5 centuries" including a couple of the large and rustic farm tables we have been looking for. http://www.kim3.com. Another good choice for local dining is Will's Fargo Dining House and Saloon. As it happens, this is also owned by the Bernardus and a more casual, but very tasty alternative that tends towards big prime steak dinners.

Bernardus guests are treated to complimentary tastings at the Tasting Room about 2 miles east of the Lodge. There were eight wines in the flight ranging from the Sauvignon Blanc we drank upon arrival to two Chardonnays, a Cabernet, a Pinot and two of the flagship Marinus blends. Not too far away is the Talbot Winery tasting rooms, a friendly favorite. Named after the Talbot children, the tasting list featured a Kali and Logan Chardonnay and Pinot as well as the Sleepy Hollow version of Chardonnay and Pinot. We bought the Kali Chardonnay and the Logan Pinot.

Lastly (especially for my tastes) we must mention the spa at the Bernardus. A perennial favorite of my wife, I suppose it has everything an aspiring spa-goer needs. Please explain then why I am still putting aloe vera lotion on her back a week after one of the "hot rock" treatments was evidently over-temperature? Ah well - at least it was expensive...

Wine Tasting - Tuscan Villa - in Paso Robles, Ca

Not the first, and sometimes not the second stop on your train of thought when it comes to "wine country," Paso Robles was a delightful and different overnight wine and Bed and Breakfast experience. The first thing you notice when flying in to Paso Robles Airport is that the valley is literally covered in vinyards. The second thing you notice, especially on this July day, was that it was hot; ninety five degrees, on its way up to 109 (not a typo).

Home base for this trip was Villa Toscana bed and breakfast. A production of the Martin and Weyrich winery and vinyard, it is a beautiful reproduction of a Tuscan villa nestled in the midst of the vines. If you know where their tasting room is located on route 46 at Buena Vista Drive, the Villa Toscana is not far away down the same street. Better photos than I could take are located at http://www.myvillatoscana.com/com . The winemaker's suite is the hot ticket if you have the need for luxury (but I am not sure how much it costs). A jacuzzi sits on the balcony outside this suite overlooking the vinyard. Regular rooms start at $350 plus. The breakfast was tasty and very comprehensive. In addition to a large cold buffet, the chef will make eggs and waffles to order in the spacious dining room. While there is no on-site spa, the Pacere Spa in Paso Robles will provide in-room Facials, Massage and Reflexology. Other Bed and Breakfast recommendations in the area can be found at www.thecanyonvilla.com and www.ledomainebb.com .

Seems like good food always goes with good wine and Paso is no exception. Lunch consisted of a sampling of appetizers at the comfortable Villa Creek on Pine Street downtown. Dinner was the real highlight, however, at Artisan Restaurant on Park Street. Owner/Manager Mike Kobayashi led us to our table in the main room of this contemporary style restaurant. It features American cuisine, meaning a wide range of regional dishes, most based upon traditional French techniques, but sometimes with a hint of the unusual: peppadew butter sauce, sides of grits, fried green tomatoes, and house-made ketchup to name few. You'll like the extensive wines by the glass as well as the traditional list and dessert is not to be missed. Try the assortment of artisan cheeses.

While there are many, many wineries of note in this valley (go to the Wine Attic on Park Street and ask Robert Sanda for advice of which to see and what to buy), an interesting, but small winery is Four Vines; www.fourvines.com. Wine maker Christian Tietje has a passion about making different wines. From his "Naked chardonnay" (no oak), to Zins including "Biker," "Sophisticate," and "Maverick." If you'd like to taste some big wines try a Tempranillo called
"de Toro Loco" or a Sirah called "the Heretic." Christian started out life as a chef in Boston before moving to California to nurture his passion for wine. If you visit their tasting room at 3750 Hwy 46, a little-known fact is that they have temporary tattoos for some of the labels and a few "editorial" tatoos as well. Get a set and be the hit of your next wine tasting party.

The Paso Robles airport is fairly easy to find but there is only one FBO (Paso Robles Jet Center) which has friendly service and the basic functionality you need. The best kept secret for this airport is Matthews Restaurant, located right on the field. www.matthewsattheairport.com . It is, without question, the best fly-in restaurant in the western states. You won't believe me until you try it for yourself.