RV drive by: Napa and Petaluma

Have you ever driven by something on your way somewhere else and wish that you could have stopped? Sometimes we have stopped...other times...

Sadly...

The time just doesn't allow.

We had already been driving 10 hours the day we came into Napa Valley. We were in the home-stretch of our destination...and the kids were tired and cranky. (Sure, it's easy to blame it on the kids...but honestly...Jonathan and I were equally tired.)

Sigh...

These pictures snapped through the bug spattered, front windshield of our RV; tell me that I've got a lot more things to see and do in Napa Valley area. The lush green ungulating hills, that passed by my window, mesmerized me like a sweet lullaby.

I look at this truck coming off of a side street from the highway, with the rack and toolbox in the back...and wonder, what's his story? Does he get to spend his day enjoying these green hills, and lovely vineyards? Has he always lived here?

I saw this "Seed Bank" store on the main drag as you drive through the charming town of Petaluma. All the windows of the store are painted with old-time-y fonts inspired by seed packets. It's a corner store, so there are at least 8 tall windows like the ones pictured--each one different.

If you look closely, you'll notice the reflection of the glass from our RV--perhaps even closer you'll see my longing expression that I want to go inside. Sadly, it was just a drive-by and we didn't get to stop...

I'm left to wonder...that if the store was this cute from the outside...what kinds of beautiful treasures were contained on the inside? 

Well...

I just have to say...there's a lot that we left to do in Napa Valley and the Petaluma area. So much so, that I have put the area onto my ultimate RV itinerary bucket list.

It'll have to be a drive...for another day...

Have you been to Napa Valley or Petaluma and the surrounding area?

What should we see (or do) next time we are in town?

I have to admit...

It's going to be a while before we get there...Jonathan is done with driving through Nevada for a while. If Nevada didn't have to separate Utah from California, we'd get there a lot more often.

I know that we missed a lot!

Spring Break RV trip 2015

RV random stops: Bodega Bay

Yeah...we did that.

I couldn't help the temptation that came over me. (I know you want to do it now too...)

I saw the school...and it only felt natural to run in a chaotic manner, in which we pretended birds were pecking out our eyes. I'm sure the private owners and residents of the old Potter Schoolhouse, get tired of seeing people run down their street, like frightened school children every day. 

I'm just glad that my kids were game to play--even my 13 year old son (who's eyes only rolled once) and that my husband was gracious enough to snap pictures of us running down the road reenacting the scene from one of our cult following favorites: "The Birds." 

I borrowed this bird from this picture to "embellish" the picture at the top. He was sitting in front of the Bodega Bay General store.

If you are unfamiliar with Alfred Hitchcock's classic horror flick...I totally recommend popping some popcorn on some late Friday night, cuddling in a cozy blanket, dimming the lights, and watching this oldie but goodie! The movie is really an odd duck. (Bird pun intended.)

Bodega Catholic church.  This building was also featured in the movie, "The Birds."

I introduced it to my two oldest kiddos, last year, who thought it was a fantastic movie--and thought I was a "cool mom" for letting them watch it. I was only doing what my Mom did for me as a little girl--instilling an appreciation for the suspense thrillers of master mind, Alfred Hitchcock. It's got oodles of suspense that leave you clinging to your blanket, with a little light horror, and a twisted story that has amazing special effects (for it's time.) It is said that Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds, which released in 1963, had more advanced special effects than it's predecessor, Star Wars (1977). 

Okay...so I'm not really comparing those two movies--just their special effects. It's not even apples to oranges...perhaps more like apples to kiwi.  I'm just quoting the guy from the Bodega Bay General Store who is a "Birds" movie fanatic, who enthusiastically passes on all kinds of knowledge to patrons of his store. His shop, on the corner of town, boasts the largest collection of Alfred Hitchcock "The Birds" memorabilia and movie ephemera. Now that's a great claim to fame.

The town of Bodega Bay is a fun stop to add to any northern California road trip. The sleepy town is home to taffy shops, a colorful kite store, a pie shop and a famed hot dog lunch joint...among a few other restaurants that specialize in seafood.
This proves that the area is for the birds!

I borrowed this sea gull to also embellish the top photo. He was also native to the area, and sitting on this stump by the bay.

We stopped by the Children's Bell tower in Bodega Bay. It is a touching memorial, dedicated to a child from Bodega Bay; who was victim of a tragic story. While visiting overseas in Italy, his family was stopped by roadside robbers and the child was shot and killed.
His parents donated his organs to 7 Italian children--thereby giving them life. The families of these children, from this Italian village were so grateful, that they sent bells collected from several churches in their area. They were gathered together and sent to Bodega Bay, then assembled in this "children's bell tower" memorial for this lost boy, and as a tribute to organ doners.
Surrounding the bell tower is a public park with walking trails, and a campground just west of it. It's a lovely area to walk around and feel the coastal breeze and enjoy some of the best that nature has to offer.
 My kiddos found some great climbing trees. The refreshing scent of eucalyptus fills the air.
 The trees are mighty, but not mightier than the boy!
Or the girl...
The coastline around the area is spectacular! There are breath-taking views around every bend!

If you are one of those Sunday drive sort of people...put this on your Sunday drive bucket list...this part of California's coast is nothing short of amazing!

If you are visiting the northern coast of California, I highly recommend you add this to your list of stops. You will be so glad you did!

This stop was part of our Spring Break trip 2015.