Sonoma Coast

On July 14, we moved on up the California Pacific coast, past San Francisco/Oakland towards the Sonoma Coast in Northern California while low clouds hovered over us. 

The next thing you know, our GPS had us driving along scenic California Highway 1 right next to the coast. The road winds around hairpin turns overlooking stunning views of the ocean. It could be described as exhilarating. But I’m afraid “harrowing” is a better description when you’re in a 38-foot motorhome towing a jeep on the very narrow road with no shoulders. It was a tough drive for Chris and even our dog Jack was scared.

Luckily we made it to our stop at Casini Ranch Family Campground in Duncans Mills with no mishaps. The temperature had dropped about 20 degrees to a refreshing 62.

The campground was celebrating “Civil War Days” the weekend we arrived. I had no idea California was involved in the Civil War. There were reenactments and a barn dance with period costumes.

The RV park was a very local place. Our Texas license plates stood out among all the California plates. It was very family-oriented with kids everywhere. There was a group of about five families camping together next to us. There were a lot of tents. It was a different vibe from our usual “RV Resort” experience of mostly retirees in large motor homes. It’s nice to see kids running around with each other, playing outside, and being kids.

The campground is on Moscow Road and sits on the Russian River. I looked it up and sure enough Russians settled the area. Jack had fun swimming in the river. 

There was no cell service in the park but the WiFi was good. This was the first time we encountered pay showers in the restrooms. One dollar for a 6-minute shower, which I discovered was quite long enough.

We had no sewer connection at our site but the park provides a service where a truck drives up and drains your tanks for $20. It’s called the Honey Wagon but the guy didn’t know why it’s called that.

The nice thing about camping with locals was they had good recommendations for places to eat in the area. We enjoyed sitting on a patio at Stumptown Brewery in Guerneville overlooking the Russian River. 

We had really good clam chowder and crab sandwiches at a little place in Bodega Bay.

After lunch I checked to see what there was to do in Bodega Bay. The number one Sight/Landmark on TripAdvisor was the Potter Schoolhouse. I didn’t know what it was but it sounded cool. As we headed to it, I read that a scene from the Alfred Hitchcock movie “The Birds” was filmed there. Neat! I remember watching that scary movie as a kid. Now that I’ve seen the schoolhouse I want to rewatch it.

We hiked through Armstrong Redwood State Reserve and saw a 1400-year-old redwood. The park was very peaceful and smelled so fresh.

I wanted to visit some wineries since we were in the Sonoma wine country area but they were a little far from where we were staying. We did visit the Korbel Champagne Cellar as it was close to the Redwood park. We got a free tour of the facilities and a free tasting. It was founded by three Bohemian brothers in 1882. 

Here is a cork tree growing at the winery:

I’m still amazed at the flowers growing in the California campgrounds. This bush was at our campsite: