We woke early on Friday - we couldn't pick up the car until 10 so we decided to do the quintessential tourist thing in San Francisco and take the cable cars to the warf. We walked along the harbour, it was peaceful and free of the hordes of tourists that would surely be there later in the day.
Of course we had to say hello to the seals by Pier 39.
After taking the cable car back downtown we gathered up our luggage and walked to the car rental office. Here I learned never to let an elderly car rental agent select 'their' favourite car for me. We ended up with a car that rivals the Queen Mary in size - although on the upside it is the first rental I have ever had where all of our luggage fit in the trunk! *smile*
Once we had loaded ourselves in the 'boat' we drove to the Ferry Market terminal where we did some shopping at our favourite shops. As always, I bemoaned the fact that I didn't have a spot like this in Toronto where I could get such wonderful stuff.
One of the nice things about the Paso Robles get together is that everyone chips in and brings food and drink. Paul and I had volunteered to bring snacks to the wineries with Wendy and Rob. We were able to get some nice things here - the honey with white truffle . . . . YUM We also found some amazing artisanal sausages which were amazing. You have to appreciate the great food of San Francisco!
We left the market well before noon and headed south to Paso. Of course, we had to pop into Gilroy for a short visit to the outlet mall. Lunch was at In 'N Out . . . thank goodness we don't have this chain in Canada or I would be far larger than I am.
The drive to Paso Robles was uneventful (well, except for my wee bit o' road rage when folks were putting along in the fast lane - you pass here folks, you don't own it! ARGH) We checked into the hotel shortly after 4:00.
The Adelaide Inn is a great 1950's motel that has been extensively renovated. It is located right off of the highway at the north end of Paso. We had first stayed here two years ago and we were surprised to get the exact same room we had then. It was $ 100 which we thought was a bargain for the quality and comfort we exprienced.
A number of the slow travel gang were staying there, everyone seemed to arrive at the same time. We stood outside and caught up with everyone for a bit before we decided to catch a nap before the first party of the weekend.
Friday night's party featured a 'Lasagna smackdown' where four people brought different lasagnas and the happy 'judges' voted on the one that they enjoyed the most. As always, there was lots of great food, wine, and laughter. Really, there are few people who enjoy an opportunity to celebrate as much as the slow travel gang!
Shannon had arranged a bit of a 'scientific' experiment for us as well. She was testing various wine aeration techniques. She blind poured four glasses of the same wine - one was decanted, one was straight from the bottle, was was aerated using a 'voodoo' aerator with magnets and such, and the final was poured through a venturi - an aerator which is getting a lot of buzz these days in the wine world. Of course, the old ways proved to be the most popular - most of the guinea pigs selected the wine that had been decanted the 'traditional' way as their favourite.
Driving back to the hotel we both commented on what a great weekend it would be. The company was stellar with lots of laughter and great stories, the food delicious, the wine top notch and even a scientific experiment with wine. Finally, science I can get behind!
We were happy guys when we fell into bed . . .
Sound like a fabulous time!
So were there any arguments about the lasagna? With meat, no meat, ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, vegetables, tomatoes? I can only imagine the battles ;-)
Posted by: sandi @ the whistlestop cafe | February 01, 2009 at 12:20 PM
Sandi - we are a civilized crew. We only debate the marits of gumbo for heaven's sake - never lasagna!
Posted by: JDeQ | February 01, 2009 at 12:52 PM
Jerry, that all sounds so fantastic -- even the "boat" (I think I'd want a big, big car on US freeways!)
Interesting about the wine! I had noticed photos on Slow Travel from the Slo Bowl, showing Shannon, wine and some odd-looking devices. Now, it's all becoming clear.....
Posted by: sandrac | February 01, 2009 at 07:12 PM
I love those In 'N Out burgers so much that I avoid driving by them. Too tempting.
Posted by: María | February 01, 2009 at 09:49 PM
It was fun reading about all the fun everyone had this weekend. I really enjoyed your San Francisco pics and write up on that part of your trip also. I really want to go back there again someday.
Posted by: girasoli | February 02, 2009 at 12:37 AM
Glad to read you enjoyed the vino! Paso Robles is known for some tremendous wines such as Syrah and Viognier. Nothing better than tasting at the wineries.
Posted by: Hello Vino | February 02, 2009 at 01:25 AM
I really think you should have some sort of job as a tour guide, or travel agent, etc. Your posts always contain so much information...you have a way of writing it all up in an interesting and informative manner.
Posted by: Kathryn Gerth | February 02, 2009 at 01:05 PM
That's funny, Jerry. We had the exact same room at the Adelaide as last year. I wonder if they keep track and do that on purpose?
Posted by: Chris | February 02, 2009 at 01:30 PM
Sandra - that is the stuff of weird and wonderful rumours! LOL
Naria -we were good ont he way back to SFO and passed a few . . . it was a challenge though.
Girasoli - it is one of our favourite cities. I think that we've visited it 6 times now and always find time to do something different.
Vino - I agree - the Syrah was great. There are quite a few nice Zins as well.
Kathryn - I will keep that in mind for when I finally get to retire! *smile*
In these days of technology they must have records. I guess our hypothesis will be confirmed NEXT year!
Posted by: JDeQ | February 03, 2009 at 12:14 PM