Our Christmas gift from the Cali Kids was a ride on the rail car in Ione in Amador County. I have seen pictures on Facebook and thought it would be fun. AND it was a lot of fun. One hour up the tracks with a little picnic and then 1 hour back.
Arlo had fun, too.
We must have tired Drew yesterday because he didn’t ride with us today. We clocked another 28 miles today just riding the trails along the American River.
Shopped at REI for a gel seat for me (hope this helps my sore butt).
Then on to Lowe’s so Shuff could get what he needed to steak up Erin’s fig tree. Trader Joe’s is close for us so we stopped there for a few items.
Dinner at Drew and Erin’s was special. They invited Corrine, their next door neighbor and her friend, Jeffrey, and Kathy, another friend. The food was so good and great conversation.
Drew met us for a 38-mile bike ride. We road up to the Fair Oaks Bridge and back. The bridge in the background is the walking bridge Drew used to meet us on the trail.
The wildlife we see can be turkeys, deer, hares and always a lot of squirrels.
It’s a very relaxing ride along the American River (except when Drew is in the lead and goes over the speed limit of 15 MPH)!
Both Shan and Carl had to work so I drove up the hill to pick up Arlo from Gigi’s and then to swim class. He enjoys being in the water and so does mommy.
Today we decided to walk on the American Trail like we used to before our e-bikes. Lenny and Banjo used to love this no-leash walk. So many smells. Unfortunately Banjo crossed the rainbow bridge in June at 15.5 years and Lenny has been slowing down a lot on this trip. He no longer walks with us. It’s sad for us but he’s 15.5 as well. He waits for us in the RV.
We met a friend of ours, Diane Klinke, at Urban Roots for lunch.
We first met Diane at one of Nate’s wrestling matches. She’s Carter Bailey’s grandmother. Carter was Nate’s roommate at Lehigh. Great catching up with her and her family.
Dinner at Drew and Erin’s and a rousing game of SkyJo. Erin’s first time playing and she won!
Shuff and I took another bike ride east on the American River Parkway. We rode 16 miles one way, for a total of 32 miles. This was the farthest east we have been.
Look at that 6-point buck that shared the road with us!
With temps over 100, a brewery was calling - Burnt Barrel!
We played several bands of Flip 7 and Skyjo.
Shrimp tacos for dinner.
Shuff and I took a 20-mile bike ride on the American River Trail early morning before the temps hit 103!
Then over to Drew and Erin’s for a make your own pizza in Drew’s pizza oven. First time to have figs on the pizza for me. Was very tasty.
Shuff and I had to pick up our wine club box for June and September. We drove yo Kelseyville to pick up our wine and to have a wine and olive oil tasting. Erin’s friend, Lauren met us at the winery.
When we were finished with the main tasting, they brought out ice cream with a drizzle of the blood orange olive oil. Who knew that would taste so good.
After that tasting and purchasing our wine club, we moved on to the Mercantile Winery. Another tasting and charcuterie.
They had a fun addition… a sip and pick zinnias. Here’s my pick.
And Erin’s-
