Sunday was a scorcher, folks!  What better way to revel in it than by kicking up the dust on a dry trail in the mountains?  That’s just what we did.  About 20 miles south of us in Santa Clara County is Monte Bello (Translation = Beautiful Mountain) Open Space Preserve.  I reckon we did about a 5 mile loop, which I also reckon we could’ve done in our sleep!  Glad we didn’t though, because we would’ve missed some real beautiful scenery.  Here’s some now…

 

 

Stevens Creek Reservoir

 

 

Poison oak!

 

 

Santa Cruz Mountain Wineries

 

 

Let’s be honest.  We didn’t actually know that the Preserve even existed until we happened upon it.  What really brought us to this neck of the woods was a winery.  It’s located at the very top of Monte Bello Ridge.  Hence its name, Ridge Monte Bello.  It has spectacular views of SF Bay and the surrounding vineyards.  Tastings are $5 a flight, and you used to be able to keep your glass, but I guess the stupid recession has taken its toll again, and policy has changed since our last visit.  Oh well, the wine is delish, the views are one of a kind, and it’s Sunday afternoon, after all!

The jar in the photo below was full of “cracker sticks” before Lea showed up.  Now look.  She must’ve eaten 1,000 (I may have helped).  I guess that’s what happens when you have any empty belly after a hike and need to curb the effects of the wine.

That night we were feeling so summery, dinner was a no-brainer.  Burgers, chips and salsa, and fresh watermelon.  Nothing to write home about, I know.  Wait, I take that back, ’cause I just did.  What was notable was dessert!  Lea made her very first peach pie.  And she knocked it out of the park – maybe to the moon.  Yum-eee, is all I have to say.  I can’t really fill-in any of the details because she started baking before I got out of bed that morning, but I’ll have her make her first blog debut next time, and she’ll fill you all in on her secrets.  For now, take my word for it – it was sick (in a good way :)).

 

Ostrovia (“Cheers” in Russian)