Lodi, CA: Harvest Host Stay at Van Ruiten Winery

Buttonwillow Rest Stop

It’s common for us to leave Santa Monica late night. We left around 11:30 PM. We traveled ~120 miles in 2.5 hours. A quick stop at Buttonwillow rest area for a bit of sleep.

Donna and I have been mostly in Santa Monica since November. Setting up to travel when we have been in one place creates a bit of trepidation, did we remember everything? do we have what we need? what are we forgetting? In the end it feels great to get on the road again and I am excited to get some miles behind us and enjoy the process of traveling.

The recent time at home has been great, I have spent substantial time cycling/training, I feel that my fitness is near the best its ever been. I completed many upgrades and maintenance on the trailer, truck, and electrical systems.

The rest stop was great as it had grass and a little dog area, additionally many Moles in holes. The dogs were obsessed with hunting. We were able to catch ~5 hours of sleep and get back on the road. Our goal was to get up to Lodi and take advantage of a Harvest Host.

Harvest Host

Van Ruiten Family Winery

We stopped at Van Ruiten Family Winery for the night. We were able to purchase a bottle of Chardonnay and do a quick wine tasting. Our neighbors for the night were nice. Scott and Carmilia, they were from BC and were happy to provide pointers for border crossing. They had been in Palm Springs and Scott injured his Achilles. We had a few glasses of wine together and swapped travel stories. Conversations about places stayed led to opinions and suggestions. I almost always enjoy chatting with other travelers.

The Dogs

Penelope Penny Pepper Pots

Penelope Penelope enjoyed a long walk around the winery. No pests/Moles at this location for her to dig out. However she did inspect all the possible entry point a critter could take. Penelope had eaten a few avocados that fell off the tree at home. She had the worst gas and was stinking up the trailer and wine tasting room. Although Penelope loves avocados, I think we will restrict them from her diet (hopefully).

DooWee

Doowee Doowee still doesn’t love riding in the truck, he tolerates rides as he enjoys the traveling life.

Cycling

I was able to get two rides in while in Lodi. Only a quick hour of training. The second ride was errands and exploring. It rained all night and I was concerned it would prevent riding the next day. I was happy the roads were dry and air crisp.

Gallery

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