Tuscan Magic

In the fall of 2006 (late September to mid October), I was lucky enough to visit Italy on a trip with other fiberistas and their spouses.  We stayed at an AgriTrouismo in Umbria, and traveled in and out of Tuscany visiting hill towns and places of renown.

From Llama farm near Umbertide to valley

I was struck by how much Umbria, Tuscany and (to a lesser extent) the Veneto seemed like Northern California.  No wonder when Italians came to California in the late 1800s they choose to settle in the Napa and Sonoma Valleys, as it must have reminded them of the home they left behind.

I've been going up to Sonoma almost daily, and there is a spot on Highway 116 after you pass by the Sonoma Raceway (used to be Sears Point, then became Infineon Raceway), after you drive up a gentle hill, and coming down that hill you feel like you've been beamed to Tuscany.  The vineyards, olive and cypress trees, as well as the stone Wineries just make it feel that way.

I met with the site planner from Sterling this morning, along with park personnel and it was a very frustrating day.  More later.

For now...take a deep breath, and pretend you're in Tuscany.