Escape to Arnold

Jodi and I decided to shoot up to Arnold at the last minute on Friday morning. We packed 2 small duffel bags, the Ipod, a small ice chest and hit the road. I have to say this is going to be my new method of travel. I'm tired of spending hours packing, unpacking, putting things away, and making 10 trips back and forth to the car.

We took our time driving up and stopped in Murphys to get some fresh bread and wine. The two wineries we like are Newsom Harlow, and Hatcher. We got up to Arnold around 1:30 and picked up some food and ribs at the market. I slow baked the ribs while Jodi and I went down to Meadowmont to play some golf. Jodi played cart driver and caddy while I hacked up the place. I started off rough but hit a few pars after the first 3 holes and a few Coors Lights. It was a nice way to spend the evening, cruising through the trees and ponds.

Saturday we headed towards the south grove of the Big Trees, past the Stanislas river. The south grove is more remote and a better hike than the north grove. We had lunch at Beaver Creek and headed back to Arnold. Later that night we drove to IronStone Winery in Murphys to listen to music and watch a fireworks show. Their wine really sucks so we brought our own. Still, I was amazed at how many people were buying carafe after carafe...or nail after nail in the forehead. The music, food, people watching, and the fireworks show were very impressive.

The trip was too short, the cabin looked great, and Monday was real rough today.