Bodega Bay / Marin County - May 2014

In my opinion, there is never a bad day to visit the ocean. Sure, sometimes it is cold and foggy or warm and sunny, but it is usually so impressive that is suits any weather. When it is hot in Sacramento, it is a perfect time to leave the valley and head for the much cooler coast. Fortunately, the coast near Bodega Bay and Marin County are close enough for a brief visit.

OK, so there are other reasons to hit the coast. Specifically, the crab sandwich at the Spud Point Crab Company. They are notably famous for their clam chowder, but the freshly caught and picked sandwich on toasted bread always gets my favor. LOTS of fresh crab, a little dressing, and a beautiful ocean vista makes for a nice lunch. Unfortunately, the wind was very strong on my trip so I was unable to bear much time on the ocean.

I decided to head south into dairy country. Marin County is home to a major dairy industry, including many organic options. Clover Stornetta, Straus Family Creamery, and several cheese companies including my favorite Point Reyes Original Blue claim most of the milk from the cows. I took the above video just off California State Route 1 near Tomales, CA. The cheese from the area is simply amazing and tastes just like the fresh grass and sea air in the area - in a good way! I stopped at Cowgirl Creamery to see their operations and drove by dozens of family farms that supply the milk and cream I use on a daily basis.

Of course, no trip to the region is complete without a stop at Lagunitas Brewing Company. This place is EXTREMELY popular and almost always crowded, but they make good beer so that is expected. Lagunitas is famous for making very high alcohol beers, especially those that use a lot of hops. You need a lot of hops to counteract the higher malt content of a high alcohol beer, otherwise it is too sweet. Their only lager is a favorite of mine - Pils - a pilsner lager with just a little bit more alcohol. That said, I usually will not refuse an IPA or even a Little Sumpin' Sumpin' They have food, but fresh brewery-only beers is the biggest draw.

A sunny Memorial Day weekend is a great time to take a gorgeous drive to escape the heat, and getting some fresh seafood and beer is always a treat. It is nice to see where your food comes from and the people who make it taste so good. Please enjoy the rest of my pictures below.

River Cats Game - May 2014

Everyone usually has a fun time at a Sacramento River Cats game. I had the opportunity to attend one this month, and I did have a fun time - although I did not experience an earthquake like the last time. Last season, we felt a minor earthquake from the northern Sierras in the stands which was a little weird but nothing major. Fortunately, the action on the field is usually more exciting.

The above picture is from a day game in the 2013 season, but it is typical of what you will find on a sunny day in Minor League baseball. The right outfield is especially nice with Tower Bridge and the Sacramento skyline in the background. The play can sometimes rival those at the Major League level, but mostly these guys are still trying to make it to the big show. Occasionally, a major will drop down recovering from injury or moving around the order. There is even a rumor the River Cats may switch affiliation to my San Francisco Giants.

Of course, food is always a big reason to see baseball. The River Cats offer their Dinger Dog in honor of the team mascot. It is a 1/2 lb. hot dog on a giant bun. The thing is enormous and almost impossible to eat without a fork and knife. They also offer regular sized food and all the garlic fries you can handle! Surprisingly, their new gourmet burgers are really good and cooked well. And yes, they have beer.

This is the actual view from my $20 seat. Not bad, and you get free fireworks every weekend. The River Cats were down most of the game but came back late to tie and force extra innings. They managed to score a walk off run to win the game and most importantly start the fireworks. Then it is a short walk across the bridge back into Sacramento County and a very short drive back home.

Weather is always a gamble with the River Cats. We don't get rainouts, but it can either be very hot or pretty cold with lots of wind - especially early in the season. Most of the regulars dress in layers since the Delta Breeze can turn a warm evening into a cold night before the 7th Inning Stretch. Even if you are not a big baseball fan, you will probably have a good time at the game. There's lots of junk food, great people watching, and maybe even a grand slam home run to electrify the crowd. Please enjoy the rest of my photos below.