Mast's Awesome Scenic Travels: Petaluma, California, March 12-16, 2024

We arrived in Petaluma, California on now on Tuesday and spent the day doing laundry and cleaning.

We looked for a place for supper. We landed on Mack’s Bar and Grill. We headed there and were warmly greeted at the bar. The place was hoppin’! We ordered a beer and asked for a menu. The kitchen was closed. We were sitting by an older man and the new owner. His hope was to someday open the kitchen again. We chatted with them for a while and then decided to move on and get some food. The older man told the bar tender to put the beers of the Michigan people on his tab. Such a friendly place! 🍻

Wednesday, March 13, we had reservations for Muir Woods National Monument. The redwoods were absolutely gorgeous! We did the Bootjack Loop and hiked over 8 miles. We were able to see many waterfalls as well. The trail was a bit muddy due to the recent rains, but well maintained.

Following our hike, we went into Mill Valley to Gravity Bar and Grill. We both had a hazy ipa. I ordered French onion soup and a fish slider (like a crab cake) and Kurt ordered Parmesan fries along with a fish slider and beef slider. It was delish!

Thursday, March 14, Patrick and Savanna Schuiteman were gracious and made reservations for us at Bouchaine Vineyard. Marija was our server and was amazing!! We were able to sit outside on a beautiful patio and enjoy the many wines. The Pinot Noirs are their best, but we enjoyed other wines as well. We spent 3 hours on the patio sipping and conversing.

Cheers!

Maria suggested the Fishetarian Fish Market in Bodega Bay. So we went there for supper. Totally our jam! We shared clam chowder that was amazing! I had a dungeness crab sandwich and Kurt had the rock fish sandwich. We sat outside by the water. Beautiful! Maria definitely steered us to a great restaurant.

Friday we went into San Francisco to Alcatraz. A very interesting history and makes you think about the prison system.

Native Americans took over Alcatraz for 19 months in 1969.

The closing of the cell doors

The cell of one of the prisoners who escaped. Notice the small hole in the back of his cell, that he chiseled out with a spoon. Also check out the fake head on the pillow that the guards found and thought he was sleeping.