Napa

Napa, California: Another short driving day - 150 miles from Corning to Napa. We only stopped once - at a rest area - just to stretch our legs. No precarious accidents. Lovely weather (no rain?) and smooth sailing into Napa. We are again at the Napa Valley Expo (country fairgrounds) RV park, which - to us - is just about wine nirvana. Walk to town. Great running trails nearby. So many vineyards. Too many restaurants. Plus, all the incredible shopping, scenery and tourist stuff.

Here we are

DT had arranged two campsites together. We checked-in and immediately went out in search of tacos... which are just a two minute walk from the campsite. Taqueria Maria is more than tacos though - it is a full-on Mexican restaurant with shady outdoor seating.

One chicken taco, one chicken enchilada and (sadly, untouched rice and black beans). Now I truly feel we are back in California.

After lunch, we had a stroll around the fun Oxbow Public Market. We have not been here since November last year and there have been a lot of changes - for the better. The market is hopping with business! A new sushi bar. The beef rancher has opened a restaurant next to his meat market. A cheese shop has opened. It seems to me the market has finally blossomed. So interesting and such a good representation of local merchants vending real food. If you ever find yourself in Napa - please visit this market.

Dave invited our friends to join us tonight to celebrate my birthday at Ristorante Allegria in Napa. Sadly, the exterior of the gorgeous old bank building housing the restaurant suffered serious damage in the August 2014 earthquake, but the interior of the establishment is in fine form. They seated us in the old bank vault - which would probably be the perfect spot to be during an earthquake. Our meals were good, wine divine and the company outstanding. I could have not asked for a better birthday celebration unless I could magically transport us all to to the Jimmy Buffett concert in Portland tonight.

Me, Mary & Kathy

Woody, Steve and DT

Friends since college! Happy Birthday to Me. Perfect evening with My Family of Friends. Until my next update, I remain, your happy correspondent.

RV PARK: Napa Valley Expo RV Park. Our favorite campground in the area. Long paved full-service pull-through sites with 50 amp. Bathhouse, laundry, free wifi, lawn, picnic table. At the fairgrounds and just a short drive/walk to downtown Napa. We paid $45 per night, with a Good Sam discount.