California land of contrasts........

Another beautiful day!

We drove to the Firestone Winery today for a tour, tasting and a picnic. The weather couldn't of been any better. 75 degrees and sunny! Little wind....it was wonderful. As we were on our way home from the winery someone made a comment, "isn't today just the opposite of yesterday!" Yesterday we were traveling on 6 lanes of freeway with wall to wall cars and today we are on a two lane country road with few cars and hills and fields and quiet.

I'm glad others noticed as well. As we arrived at the winery we took a tour. Very informative about the vines, grapes and the process of making wine. We walked into the vineyard and from there to the barrel room and finally to the tasting room to sample some of the different Firestone wines. As the group was doing this I went outside to set up for our picnic.

We had a wonderful spot for our picnic. Out on their terrace with a few tables and a view that touched all my senses. It was awesome. I finished my preparations and the group wasn't there yet, so I sat and enjoyed.

As I looked across the valley to the hills and beyond to the mountains and some snow on top I just sat and enjoyed:

I enjoyed the sights: mountains, snow, hills of green, grape vines ready to pop out in buds to the new spring. There were hawks that flew through the valley and little lizards that climbed on the rocks near me.

I enjoyed the sounds: the best sound was just quiet. There was a gentle breeze but it didn't rustle the trees. There were birds singing in the morning. Once in a while a car would drive by but then disappear along with it's sound behind the next hill.

I enjoyed the smells: fresh air, it was wonderful. No smog, no scents that didn't belong there except freshness of a spring day.

I enjoyed feeling: the gentle breeze and the warmth of the sunshine, it was great.

As I sat and waited I couldn't help but reflect on the beauty of God's creation and the joy it is to travel around our country and see that beauty in so many places. As I sat there I knew that I was sitting in a holy place....yes, it was on a hill over looking a vineyard with a winery just behind me, but it was holy ground. It was created by our Creator for our enjoyment, and I was truly enjoying it as a gift from the one who created it for me to enjoy, to me there is no better worship.

Some time for resting and enjoying the rest of the day before we enjoy an evening meal together. Then tomorrow we continue north, the Hearst Castle and Monterey.