The Fourth of July

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We've had a great couple of days here in the Santa Ynez Valley basically just swimming in the pool in between bouts of wine tasting.

Now we're bracing ourselves for the Fourth of July celebrations tomorrow. We'll probably be settled into our new campsite on the other side of Santa Barbara by the time things get into full swing but whatever happens I'm sure it will be interesting because there are never-ending displays of rampant patriotism all over the place - I now know EXACTLY what the US flag looks like - big ones, little ones, ones on car aerials, ones on dog collars - if you have a special type of US flag you're looking for just let me know and chances are we've seen one like that in the past couple of weeks.

Buellton and the other places around here, Solvang and Los Olivos and the surrounding countryside are pretty nice. In our travels we've ended up in a few places where "Sideways" was filmed. In fact, one winery we went into we were standing right where the guy drinks from the spit bottle in the movie. It didn't tempt me to follow suit.

That same place was called Fess Parker Winery after Fess Parker the founder - actually the actor who used to be Daniel Boone on TV - so not only could you try the wine but you could also get all sorts of raccoon skin hats just like the big man himself used to wear. Again I wasn't tempted. Overall we must've tasted about 40-odd different wines so we've picked up a few to bring home. They all taste much the same to me but its fun trying them all then coming out with some drivvle which you hope closely resembles what it says on the back of the bottle.

Its been hot so luckily there is a pool where we are and we've spent a fair bit of time in that. Went to Pea Soup Andersens Restaurant for tea where they just fill up your soup bowl as many times as you like - good thick soup too - actually quite a good way to get the boys to take in some greens too as they had no idea that the green colour had anything to do with peas or vegetables at all.

Thats all for now - next stop Ventura the LA.

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Comments

[anonymous]

you look far too warm!!
HI Guys enjoy the warmth. it snowed all day today - low vis on Coronet but great snow at last. we'll pack it down nicely over the next few days so that it's all tidy for you to come back to. would swap for a few warm days in a vineyard though... Denise and the gang xxxx

[Mark Raddon]

Hi from and an ex home of the Americas Cup.
No luck with the Americas Cup !! however you maybe aware of that now. Not surprised by the "tiddly look" after tasting 40 wines. At least if you finnaly come across a bear somewhere sure fully there will be a flag handy to defend yourself with !!!! I was in NY about 6years ago and was just gobsmacked about how many flags were around on the 4th July.

[Denise and Nige]

russ the riter
Nige is jealous a] that you are away having a great time and b] he hasn't even had time to read your blog yet. He's just been reading over my shoulder and reckons Russell has missed his calling with law. he thinks a late change to journalism or screenwriting is required. :-)

[Dad]

Jealous as hell
when does the book come out - far better than Bill Bryson- will visit you to taste the wine