San Benito County

We stayed in San Benito Thousand Trails park through Feb. 17th.

The park was very dry and sat right in the middle of mountains and vineyards.  Here are some of the sights from our campsite.  The new wildlife we experienced in the park was one sighting of a bobcat. Also, they had pine cones that I had not seen before from the Coulter Pine.

We went to Pinnacles National Park, entering from both the East and West entrances.  The National Park Pass from my employees as a retirement gift has been very appreciated.  We went through the park's caves on the east side of the park - a little scary when you look up above you and know that you are on the San Andreas Fault.

We visited some of the surrounding areas such as Morgan Hill, Hollister and Gilroy, the Garlic capitol.  Bought some garlic items at the Garlic Shop and then went to the Rapazzini winery that sells garlic wine.  I wasn't sure what to expect but it really was better that I thought.  We bought a bottle and will have it when I fix a garlic pasta dish.










We visited the oldest winery in California just down the way from our camp - DeRose
winery.  I loved the label and of course the wine.









We did a day trip to Monterey and Carmel by the Sea, visiting the Wharf, driving through Cannery Row, walking through the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary and then hitting shops in Carmel and only one winery - Galante.  Loved Carmel as they were so dog friendly it made it an easy visit that day as the weather was a little warm.

Look closely for all the Monarch butterflies.















We also visited Mission San Juan Bautista.   It was the 15th mission built, but from what we learned it was one of the largest church missions and so much a part of CA's history  They still hold weekly masses.

s.