The skylight over our bed kept us in hours, the full moon lighting our down comforts from midnight to 3 a.m. We were Bill and Solveig's guests for six nights. We lived the life of luxury in Kilkare Woods and in their "limo" that took us out to California delights:
In just a few days, we visited many sites--Stanford University where we picknicked after experiencing the Hoover Observation Tower, a "Richardson-Romanesque-with-a-Touch-of-Taco-Bell-Style" campus church, and a garden of Rodin sculptures. That night, Zakk and Jenn came for dinner. Next day, we walked Muir's Woods filled with stunning redwoods near Mill Valley and visited (and picknicked at) Muir's fruit farm/home in Martinez. Then, we were off to Steinbeck country in Salinas where, after visiting the Steinbeck Center, we had lunch in the house where Steinbeck was born. That afternoon was spent on the cliffs of the wild and windy world of Point Lobos. It ended at the Mission San Carlos Borromeo of Carmel-by-the-Sea.
The Bill&Solveig Compound in California is a well-crafted world of woods, plants, animals, rocks, and glass. We can see they've spent decades crafting the canyon wall where they live. The latest project was a bump-out in the hall at the front of the house where Bill had just nailed new cedar shakes on the outer wall. We learned about the series of projects underway, those past, and those broken by falling trees and storms. It's hard work living in a canyon but it's a place where they find themselves comfortably at home.
On the social end of things, we met many characters from life along Kilkare Road. Becky attended yoga with Lynn and Derek at the Goat Barn on a hill before stopping off for Wine@Nine in the 1930s cabin where Pat lives. Another night (Bill wasn't up for it) was spent down at Bosco's where karaoke was the focus...it was amazing to discover that Sunol singers are doggone talented! We also visited the sites of Zakk & Jenn's wedding--the Water Temple and Sunol's Community Park.
On the last two days, we stayed home in the mornings and ventured out to vineyards in the afternoons. By the time we were done, B & S became Wine Club members at Wente Vineyards and Al & I participated in a Wente Wine Club Release Event. Zakk came to dinner that night.
Our thanks go out to the California end of the family for treating us like royalty!
Bill's art: Copper Stair Railing
Wente Vineyard art: The Nnth Degree, A Glass to Share
Outdoor sculpture: Bear Carved from a Tree Trunk
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