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Submitted by Goode4me on Sat, 2021-05-15 05:05
Saturday, May 08, 2021 - 05:00am to Sunday, May 09, 2021 - 12:00pm
Fort Bragg
California

Napa/Skunk Train/Coast Highway Road Trip

On May 8, 2021, 9 members from the San Francisco Bay Area Section were fortunate to meet for a short private tour of the grounds and cave of Vine Cliff Winery in St. Helena, followed by a scrumptious picnic lunch made by the Winery’s resident chef (Chef Tom, who also happens to own a Mercedes-Benz ’99 SLK230). 

The group then met with the rest of the trip participants in Napa.  After a quick rest stop at the Lumberjacks Restaurant in Willits, the group of 8 cars and 14 participants traveled to Fort Bragg.  After checking into their hotel, the group enjoyed drinks and a delicious dinner in a private dining room at the Noyo Harbor Inn Restaurant. Early the next morning, a few drivers took the winding and steep road to Willits and back just for fun. Upon their return to Ft. Bragg, the entire group then hopped aboard the Skunk Train for a short ride through the redwood forest to Glen Blair Junction. During the ride, we learned a bit about the historic Skunk Train, which has been in operation since 1885.  Some enjoyed the Skunk Beer amber ale and popcorn available on the Train. 

Upon returning to Fort Bragg, some participants separated from the main group to continue their weekend adventures. The rest of the group began driving down Highway 1, for a beautiful, but windy, drive along the California coast.  Eventually, we decided to drive back through the woods and a few of us had a quick picnic snack under the trees, before heading home. 

Thanks to John Goode and Janet Welter for organizing such a fun and interesting weekend of food, wine, redwoods, twisty roads, and coastal view!  - Kamrin MacKnight