My father, Clayton E Thomas, was a habitual, “road taker,” (i.e.,) If you are driving along, (anywhere,) and see an intriguing road, you immediately, “take it,” without a lot of worry about how far you are going, will you get stuck, will you get lost, will you be able to turn around? Etc.,etc.,etc. A true “road taker” addict doesn’t much consider any of those possibilities as long as he can find what’s at the end, (or, if it connects to another road that goes farther. (considered a “winning” outcome.) My sister Joan and I, having been carefully groomed for advanced road-taking, have been faithful to our Dad, in carrying on the tradition throughout our lifetimes. I HIGHLY recommend Sonoma County as one of the earth’s great road-taker paradises. As a start, I would most likely choose the town of Occidental. The roads to and from Occidental come and go in all directions and are limited to not more than about an hour to the end, (unless you spy an irresistable side road somewhere along the way. Typical destinations from Occidental are Freestone, Camp Meeker & Monte Rio. Coleman Valley Rd. which meanders to a spectacular coastal overlook and ends at hwy 1. Joy Road goes (eventually,) to the old town of Bodega. There’s one to Graton, one to Pocket Canyon near Guerneville. All are beautiful. Once you’ve got the hang of it, (addicted,) you can try the western county backroads. Drive up to Cazadero, and just keep going. (the are many choices, and it’s a good idea to bring your lunch because you may pop out of the wilderness somewhere over at the coast, (Sea Ranch, Gualala River.) or, anywhere over in Alexander Valley or even Cloverdale. The truly amazing thing is that in many places formerly forested,you now find miles of vineyards. (and some wineries.)
Posted on: Sun, 31 Aug 2014 19:04:51 +0000
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