30x30 :: Go Hot Air Ballooning

I WENT HOT AIR BALLOONING!!!

Going hot air ballooning was a big deal. When I called my Girl Cousin and asked her if she wanted to do this trip with me (cause you know...birthday buddies...) I said, 'I'm not going on a budget. I'm staying in a nice hotel...and I'm going on a balloon ride...you still in?'. She was in - so we booked our balloon ride with Napa Valley Balloons. Nautie Friends, they get an A+, yo. A big 'ole fat perfect score.

Our ballooning adventure is what you might call: giving up is for losers.

Originally, our platypus tour and balloon adventure were in conjunction with eachother - we'd be whisked away from our post balloon ride champagne breakfast to go on a wine tasting tour - or at least that's what I imagined...

We woke up briiight and early on our first day in Napa and were picked up at our hotel (it was still dark out kind of early). We got to the balloon check in point and to say that the staff of NVB (Napa Valley Balloons) was friendly is an absolute understatement.

Any which way, we take off for our balloon launch site. The balloons are there - they're getting filled up - the sun is making them look magical - we get assigned a balloon - we literally run for our balloon - and then it got windy.

I was literally laying in the basket (which is on its side) to help provide a little weight. The balloon is filling up - as in the burner is going and so are the fans. Take off was imminent - I mean, other balloons were drifting past our location (flown by other ballooning companies).

....and then the day was cancelled due to wind speeds. Wop Wop. It was surreal. We looked at each other and said, 'did that really just happen?'.

Perk? We got to watch them roll the balloons back up and there was a cute little dog who clearly knew the drill!

Thank goodness we had some wine tasting in our future because it did detract a bit from our horrible let down.

I'd also like to mention that I appreciate when things are cancelled due to safety concerns. You cancel anytime you like NVB! Don't you worry about those other balloons in the air! I'm happy to trust the judgement of an experienced pilot...must be the sailor in me...

But listen friends, is that anyway to WIN?! One day of high wind and you let it lie? Glad you're with me because NO...no it's NOT!

We rescheduled and woke up again at the butt crack of dawn! Day two. Hungover as all get out (thanks Platypus!) - we climbed back into the van for a ballooning adventure.

This is the only photo I have our day two adventure because the decision was made to ground the balloons as we pulled into the parking lot. I must admit we were a tad under the weather so going back to bed wasn't sounding too awful.

As we were driving through the Valley I turned to Girl Cousin and said, 'you know we could try one more time....I know you fly out in the morning but we could literally drive ourselves to the parking lot and head straight to the airport after we land....I mean we could...'. She said, 'let's do it!' so, I called NVB and asked to be put on the schedule one more time....in our favorite pilot Bob's balloon of course.

Hence, day three in Napa commenced. With an early morning jaunt to Domaine Chandon with our fingers crossed!

Guess what? We actually went on a balloon ride! It was so different than I thought. Do you know that you really can't steer a balloon? You can go up and down - and the rest is up to the wind. Jeez, how symbolic is a balloon ride? Maybe a little like life, no?

Wanna know how sassy all that ballooning made me? I'm going again. Wanna know why? It was a tad cloudy on Day 3. Listen, I had some epic photos planned - don't get me wrong I got some good ones (over 350 in fact) but, I want to see a gilded Napa Valley - and I will!

Alright, I know what you're thinking. If you can't steer it how do you land? Well, I believe the answer is that you hope to have a decent pilot. We literally landed on a strip of gravel next to the highway. For realsies. We kind of skidded a long and then stopped. Then the 'chase crew' tries to get all the air out of the balloon as fast as they can. (I also forgot to mention that part - while we're in the air there is a team in a truck that shadows us - like storm chasers - might be a fun job!)

By opening the flap at the top they're able to quickly dump the hot air from the balloon. Then they kind of stretch it out. If you stand in front of it you can feel the heat coming out in waves (it makes for good pictures, too).

There you have it friends. A balloon ride. An 'effin BALLOON RIDE!

What? Oh, you'd like to see more photos? No problem! There are hundreds!

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In case you'd like more Napa Love you can read about Day One and Two but clearly, I've been saving the best for last! A mini disclaimer: as I rang in The Flirty Thirty I was feeling a little uncertain about what to do with my 30x30 List. Then I thought, 'it's not over till it's over'. I've got a whole year of being thirty ahead of me folks. It's not over. Be looking for more 30x30 posts! I think the balloon ride adventures let me know that 'settling' isn't always the best option. Do more! See more! Be more!

SEA + HOU

When we left each other last I was snuggled up enjoying a London Fog. Lets catch up, shall we? Thursday (as in last Thursday) I spent the night with Cousin Rhi and her Dude. She made some delicious food. We ate cheese. We drank wine. I know, I know...you're jealous...but this, this my friends is what you should be jealous of:

There are really very few times in my life when I've been lounging on the couch in the morning and been handed a cappuccino. With frothy milk and everything. This was one of those times. See...I wasn't kidding. Jealous.

Friday morning I got back on the road. Breakfast with Canadiaunt and then back over the border.

It always blows my mind how friendly Canadian border crossing agents are in comparison to American agents. I always feel like saying, 'I'm American! Let me in! Really? You're searching my trunk?! Maybe I should turn around...'

Anywho. I was on my way to Baisey's house. I had so much fun. I played in the woods. I built fairy houses. I did some crafts. I had some Mimosas. Fun.

Is that not one of the nicest fairy houses you've ever seen?!

From Baisey's is was back to Seattle. I met up with AuntE, UncleM and CuzL for some geocaching. Ding! Ding! Ding! Yep, it's on The List! I'll go into great detail about it later. For now, rest assured....it was awesome! Here's a sneak peek:

On Sunday I went to church (cause that's what you do when your dad is a minister) and then I drove down to Olympia to visit my Step Bro, Sis and Baby M. First off, Baby M is hilarious. Like actually funny. I had so much fun just sitting on the couch listening to this kid. But guess what we did....I made them geocache with me! I think I'm addicted! Needless to say, awesomeness ensued.

Monday found the fam back in the car headed to Cle Elum. We trekked though the woods - Checked out wildflowers and got rained on - Afternoon card games in front of the fire - Bliss. Here's a rare Mountain Lady Slipper:

Then poof! Before I knew it I was flying back to Houston regrouping for my next adventure!

I had to get these gorgeous windows up on the blog. Hobby Airport you're purty.

After a few days of laying on the couch (ie 1.5) I'm gearing up for more action. I'll keep you posted friends!

SEA + YVR

Since I've landed in the Pacific Northwest I've spent the night at a different persons house everyday! Well, technically I spent two nights at my dads but it only added up to 24 hours of visiting time! After arriving on Saturday we headed straight for cocktails. Because clearly, that's the best thing to do when you haven't seen people in quite awhile!

Sunday was church...cause you know...my Dad's a minister.

As soon as church wrapped up I drove to Redmond to watch Cousin Rhiannon cross the finish line at The Ride To Conquer Cancer. (I have lots of photos and will most likely give them their own post....when I'm not blogging from my iPad in a coffee shop...). Bubbly chilled in a Pyrex pretty much makes my heart feel warm and fuzzy. Congratulations on a successful ride Rhi!

When I was hustling out the door to go to the airport leaving Houston I pulled my passport out of my purse and threw it on the table. Then as I was doing the mad dash out the door I picked it up and put it in my purse thinking, 'this way if I get called back to work early I'll have it'. Ummm...what?! How about I'll need it to cross the border?! Monday morning you could have found me making the drive from Seattle to Vancouver...with my passport in hand thank goodness...

First stop in Canada? Cousin G's house for a little Stanley Park action. Golly, I love Stanley Park! Check out this heart that can be spotted at low tide with the city in the background. A little treat for a lucky!

Tuesday found me grilling vegetables and salmon for a family dinner. To be fair I had help withy the salmon and burnt the zucchini but seriously, beggars can't be choosers! I spent Tuesday night at my Canadiaunt's house. This means one thing. Lots of tea drinking. Listen, I have had many cups of tea in my life but tea at Canadiaunt's house actually tastes better.

Wednesday meant a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle marathon at Cousin C's house. I had no idea the turtles were back. It pleases me enormously that another generation understand Turtle Power! Is that strange? Unfortunately I have zero photos to illustrate the awesomeness I witnessed.

Which leads me to Thursday. I took a self guided tour of Stanley Park. Hello photo safari. Apparently, four hours flying solo was much needed. Beach combing happened. I heart sea glass so hard!

Here I am. Curled up in a chair in a coffee shop blogging on the trusty iPad. Snuggled up with my Pavo Ash & Anchor scarf...Vancouver is rainy and cold, yo! Cold fingers? Not any more - my London Fog warmed me right up!

Nautie Adventures :: Napa Day Two

Yes, I'm still talking about Napa! After waking up on day two slightly "under the weather" (day one was a doozy ya'll) we were moving rather slowly.

Seeing as we were in wine country we figured we'd continue visiting wineries...good plan, right?  We didn't have a tour scheduled which meant we were able to move at our own pace and pick out some wineries that particularly interested us.

First stop of the day:  Gloria Ferrer

This was a great spot.  The views were stunning.  They have caves which is cool (no pun intended) but, we didn't stick around for a cave tour.  Since this was our first tasting on our own it was a bit of a reality check.  This place was high traffic.  You basically sit down and select a flight and then a waiter brings it over.  You're not really learning about what you're drinking other than the literature provided.  It was borderline anti-climatic.  I guess I left feeling like if I went back I'd want to go on a tour where we had a private tasting and a cave tour otherwise I wouldn't really care to go back.

Second Stop:  Mumm Napa

This was my favorite stop of they day.  I loved it.  It was similar to Gloria Ferrer in that you're seated and then order a flight.  The difference?  Our waiter was engaged and interested in our tastes.  He asked us questions and then brought us tastes that may or may not have been on our original order.  The bubbly I ended up purchasing wasn't on my ordered flight.  Mumm Napa produces a Sparkling Pinot Noir and yes, it's as fabulous as it sounds.  I now know that if I want to look hoity-toity and show up at a gathering with some bubbly, I can't go wrong with Mumm Napa.  It's delish.

Third Stop of the day:  St. Supery

After our stop at Mumm Napa I didn't know where to go next so I made an emergency call to Ariel she said:  You'll Love St. Supery.  She wasn't wrong.  When you walk up to this winery all you can think is, 'wow.  this is amazing.'.  The gardens, and outdoor seating really set St. Supery apart.  Its warm and inviting, quaint yet chic, stunning while casual.  As I walked up the first thing I noticed was that a boules game was readily available.  I can't explain why but, it instantly warmed my heart.   Once inside it was like being in an art gallery.  There were so many visual appealing accents.  Simply said:  St. Supery is Gorgeous inside and out.  Plus, they make a pretty tasty Moscato!

Last Stop of the day:  Napa Cellars

My Dear Friend Jenny said, 'I'm going to be so mad at you if you don't stop at Napa Cellars!'...so we did.  Napa Cellars holds a few added bonuses:  varietals from Folie a Deux and Menage a Trois.  What I loved?  I knew their name and had maybe had some before!  Tip from Megan:  If you're going to a friends a bottle of Napa Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon will be a hit.  The winery itself was cute and they had a beautiful picnic area behind the tasting room.

Here's what I learned about tooling about on our own:

• If you are the driver:  Be careful!  Bubbly will sneak up on you!  Be responsible!
• Your car should have copious amounts of water available.  Between stops you will need refreshing.
• Pack snacks.  You will be able to purchase snacks at some wineries.  Crackers, spreads, nuts, dried fruit.  Your car or purse could easily have some heartier snacks to keep you going.
• Many wineries had amazing picnic spots.  Dining al fresco in Napa?  Ooh la la.  Pack a gourmet picnic!
• Take your time.  Feel like hanging out under a shady tree between stops?  Do it!
• Share tastings!  If you're traveling with a friend buy one tasting.  It's more than enough and will help you save a substantial amount of change.  (It will also help 'keep you in check' i.e. no one likes a sloppy wine taster!)
• This is a no brainer:  Have a budget.  How much wine do you want to take home?  Since coming home I'm sometimes hesitant to drink the wine I bought....because I don't want to 'waste' my expensive bottle.  That's not good.  How much money are you comfortable sipping away?  Stay true to your tastes and style!  (Also, use caution when you're in your cups.  Affordable becomes 'relative' as the day progresses!)

Clearly there are more photos!

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Nautie Adventures :: Napa Day One

Nautie Friends, Napa was beautiful.  It was also travel / tourist friendly.  The food choices were ah-may-zing.  There was wine.  Good wine.  Lots of good wine. Day One in Napa was my Girl Cousin's Birthday.  I know right, the day after mine!  (It's almost like we planned it...)

We had a big day planned....one that was to include a hot air balloon ride....and then it got windy.  Like, as the balloons were filling up with hot air it got windy...and the balloons started behaving a little erratically.  Wop wop.  (There will be an entire post dedicated to balloon shenanigans, fear not.)

We skipped the ride and ate a hearty breakfast before meeting up with our wine tasting tour guide.

We signed up with Platypus Tours and it wasn't a mistake.  I mean, not only was it not a mistake it was a good idea.  I know.  Gotta love good ideas when you have no idea what the eff you're doing!

By being with Platypus we were able to:

• Not drink and drive.  Win!
• Have private tastings.
• Not worry about hydrating between tastings....lots of water in the van.
• Eat a yummy lunch.  With a desert.  In a pretty location.
• Meet friends on the bus to go out to drunk dinner with!

I think I'm just going to inundate you with photos.  Why tell you alllll about it?  Check it out!

First stop of the day:  Laird Family Estate.  Their wine was some of my favorite from the trip.  Plus, their lanai was seriously where it was at!

Second stop of the day:  Luna Vineyards.  I enjoy their wines.  Period.  We also had lunch here so I was able to bond with their patio furniture.

Third stop:  Hopper Creek.  I realize that this photo doesn't showcase the place itself.  That being said, tasting is by appointment only here.  The introvert in me loved this.  Also, we spent a fair amount of time chatting on the lanai behind the tasting room.  There were lovely views and it was so wonderfully casual.  I'm sure you can appreciate that wine country can feel a bit uppity at times.  You won't feel that way here.  It was hands down my favorite stop of the day.  (Lastly, for some reason I love this photo.  This check had on such a great wine tasting outfit!  Ha!)

Fourth and Last stop:  Hagafen Cellars.  The ambiance and charm at this place was unbeatable.  I am also not the biggest Chardonnay fan however; I bought the best Chardonnay I've ever had in my whole life here.

My only word of caution when going wine tasting:  HAVE A PLAN.

Are you interested in purchasing wine?  yes?  How much do you want to spend?!  By the end of they day the likely hood of you being slightly willy nilly with your purse will undoubtably be an issue.  HAVE A PLAN!

Say you're feeling slightly willy nilly after wine tasting - if you're staying in Napa - Go to Norman Rose.

(Also, I've been linking to these businesses because I enjoyed them....in the off chance that some of you go to Napa and want to check them out I want to make sure you have all the tools necessary!)

I'm going to leave you with the tiniest photo gallery.  There were hundreds (and I do mean hundreds) of photos from Napa Day One.

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Flirty.Thirty.

I had plans for what Thirty would look like on this blog. There would be some sort of this much i know is true post - maybe there would be a photo montage - maybe a letter to myself...that I could read later in life...

None of that seemed like enough.

I.was.really.excited.about.turning.thirty.

I mean, really, really excited.

I think there are quite a few people who worried that I wasn't excited so much as flipped out but, I'm here to set the story straight.

I was ready to not be in my twenties.  Majorly.  Buh-bye.

I remember years ago my Cousin K up in Canada said, 'being in your thirties is awesome...it's like you can finally just be yourself...'.  Amen Sister.

What I knew about turning Thirty was that I was not going to let it slip by unnoticed.  I was going to do something, damnit!

At first I started planning a trip abroad.  It's been awhile since I went abroad as a tourist....who could leisurely sip her coffee at a sidewalk cafe.

Then I decided I was going to Napa.  I had never been.  I like wine.  Like, a lot.

Then I invited my Cousin (she doesn't have a code name but, I love her thiiiis much!!!!!), and the trip just came together.  Girl Cousin's birthday was on the 4th the day after my own so it was a birthday extravaganza.

(I should say, the trip just came together with a little help from my friends....Ari, you get an A+.)

The day before yesterday I wrote about how epic Napa was.  What I should have said was:

Turning Thirty Was Epic.

It was such a lovely day.  Such.

I woke up at The Waterfront Hotel at Jack London Square in Oakland.  It's all kinds of nautical goodness...if you're a Lady Sailor this is a fun place to pass some time.

I woke up really early - I'm sure it had something to do with jet lag - and decided that an early morning photo safari was a must on the first day of my thirtieth year.

Then it was off to breakfast at The Cock-A-Doodle Cafe.  There were crepes and graham cracker french toast.  Delish.

A stroll through a farmers market?  Flowers?  Yes please.

Of course no city tour is complete without admiring some local architecture.  Pictures looking up at buildings....check.

You can't cruise the Bay Area and not check out the Golden Gate Bridge.  amiright or amiright?

I got to visit with a long lost Auntie.  It was amazing.  Silly me hadn't been to her house since I was a kid.  Apparently, I was geographically challenged as a youth because I didn't know she lived in the Bay Area.  I totally thought she lived in SoCal.  I know, right?  Who doesn't know where their Aunties live?!

Said Auntie had a pack of Chihuahuas.  It was awesome.  Can you see George?

After a full afternoon of visiting we got in the car and took off for Napa.  Aaaah.  Deep sigh.  This meant we needed a coffee to go.  Clearly.

First stop Napa?  The Andaz Hotel.  Oooh La La!

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Birthday Dinner.  One Word.  Bottega.  It came highly recommended.  It didn't disappoint.  There was a personalized Birthday Greeting....and beet raviolis with fennel.  Just Sayin'.

Want to know how I ended the evening?  Food Porn.  Panna Cotta with winter citrus, micro basil, mint syrup and a wheat cigar stuffed with sweet lemon ricotta.

Happy Flirty Thirty To Me!