Finally on Vacation!

Berghold Vineyards, Lodi CA

Some of the stained glass work from Berghold Winery

Even though we left the Okanagan back in mid November it feels like today was our first day away!

We had six wonderful weeks in the lower mainland, parked in Surrey but driving almost daily into Richmond to visit with Carolyn and Emily and three days a week to Brentwood Mall/Oakridge to deliver/pick up Santa. The lead up to Christmas was very different than the previous several years...colder and wetter to be sure! Thankfully only one snowfall that only lasted a couple of days!

Vintage Santa meet Vintage Santa

After a wonderful Christmas we crossed the border on the 27th along with half the rest of the world it seems. It also appeared that the Homeland Security people had received coal in their stockings because they were in a terribly grumpy mood!

Finally on our way, four hours later than planned, we had a long wet slog through Seattle rush hour traffic to reach Centralia. Then next day on to Canyonville and a soak in their brilliant hot tub, fabulous buffet and some 'quality time' in the casino.....things were looking up!

After Canyonville on to Corning and the Rolling Hills Casino and RV park another great buffet and a good night in the casino for one of us! The Siskyou pass was bare and dry and Prince Reindeer took the hills with aplomb!

Today, December 30 we rolled into Lodi one of our favorite places! After getting the Prince parked and hooked up we were off to the Michael David Winery (just up the road) for lunch at the adjoining Phillips Farm Restaurant.

Buck and Heather had been there a few days ago and raved about the Tri-Tip (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tri-tip a cut of meat  rarely seen outside of California) sandwich.

Tri-tip is usually smoked (barbecued) and served either sliced or 'pulled' as this was inside a yummy crusty French bun, with melted cheese and really tangy barbecue sauce. It came with a side of potato salad and I ordered a glass of the Earthquake Cab-Sauv....pure heaven! Ross had the turkey bacon club and a white blend which I assume was more than acceptable based on how fast it disappeared!

We then visited Berghold Winery--another fave--mostly to take in the arts, crafts and antiques they have on display. This time of year the featured items are vintage European Santas created by Mrs. Burghold that are only on display during the holiday season.  All the photos in this edition were taken there.

We had been to Berghold (http://bergholdvineyards.com/) a few years ago very much by accident and were blown away by the incredible collection. Every year since then we've been through Lodi too early or too late to see the collection which is only out from Thanksgiving to mid January.

Note the upside down Christmas Tree next to Santa

Some other lovely things at Berghold...
















Berghold also has a selection of beautiful antique armoires that they have restored and converted into wine cellars and cigar humidors. One however has been turned into the most amazing giant music box we've ever seen!

After that we wandered down the road to Stockton and Trader Joe's....now fully stocked up on Morgado Port, Blue Cheese, Champagne and all kinds of other treats we're ready to see the new year in! 

Off tomorrow to the Orange Grove in Bakersfield. Tree ripened oranges and pistachios!!

2014's going to be ushered in in style!