Santa Cruz Mountains Pre-run

[Siddhartha]

I want to pre-run this trip on January 10th (weather permitting) to make sure it is suitable for a club outing. Anyone want to join me? Send me an email to set up a rendezvous point and time.


One Day Field Trip to the Santa Cruz Mountains from Berkeley


Preparation: Decant a nice cold, crisp white wine into a stainless steel thermos. Pack 2 wine glasses in tube socks.

8 AM East Bay rendezvous at the Gilman Grill (Gilman and 4th St in West Berkeley). Time for breakfast or coffee and chat before leaving.


9 AM Set out from Berkeley. Take the Bay Bridge and get off at Harrison. Follow the Embarcadero around past Pac Bell Park (City rendezvous) and get on 280. Turn south on Route 1 through Pacifica to Half Moon Bay.



10 AM Turn left on 92 and stop at the Flying Fish Grill for fish tacos (Peninsula rendezvous). Get 2 apiece to go. Continue up 92 and turn right onto 35 (Skyline Drive). Pass the intersection of 35 and 84 and look for a scenic spot to pull off and enjoy your tacos and wine.



11 AM Double back to the junction of 84 and stop at Alice’s Restaurant for dessert and coffee and ambience. (Weekend biker hangout). Continue south along 35.



12:30 Pull in to Thomas Fogarty winery for some tasting. Michael Martella, winemaker. John runs tasting room. Continue south along 35.



1:30 Turn right on Rte 9 toward the coast. Take a hike in Big Basin State Park (cold! bring jacket and hiking boots). Continue south along 35 to Santa Cruz.



3 PM Tour the surfing museum by the lighthouse in Santa Cruz and watch the surfers on the point break.



4 PM Start north via by Hwy 1. Side trip to Bonny DoonWinery for tasting and fun. Return to Hwy 1 and continue north.



5 PM Stop at Duarte’s Tavern in Pescadero for dinner. Continue north on Hwy 1.



6:30 PM Turn right on 92 at Half Moon Bay and head home over the San Mateo Bridge (or continue north to the city).

PS: Wine tasting means just that. See me for correct technique that includes spitting it out. Inebriation and MINI driving don't mix.