The World's Largest Salmon Babecue

Well, I can't attest to the fact that it was the World's Largest, but it sure was big.

I heard that more than 4,000 people were there, but it seemed to me that there were 40,000! They had several large barbecues going and chefs from every walk of life, in cluding local congressman Mike Thompson, manning them.

First held in 1970, the proceeds from the event go to restore and preserve the wild Pacific salmon resources. There was corn on the cob, salad, garlic bread and more slamon than you could shake a stick at. Live music was playing and everyone was having a good time. Set in picturesque Noyo Harbor, the day couldn't have been nicer.

Taylor's Balloon Ride

Everyone has a bucket list. On my daughter's list, there was both a balloon ride and sky diving. For her birthday, a balloon ride in the skies over San Diego seemed the safer bet. Happy 20th, Taylor!

Fourth of July in Mendocino

Fourth of July in Mendocino and the place to be was on Main Street. More than 5,000 people, locals and visitors alike, lined both Main and Lansing Streets to watch the parade of cars, floats, bands, circus performers and anyone else that wanted to get in on the act. The Kelley House Museum had a big barbecue that ran from the morning through the parade and then the big after-parade bash was held in Friendship Park.

This event never fails to entertain young and old alike. Sometimes, if it isn't too long, it even goes around twice!

The Coast Is Clear!

With the numerous fires burning in Northern California (1088) and Mendocino County (87), we have received calls from many guests asking if we have been affected. Fortunately, with the brisk ocean breeze we receive, we have had little noticeable impact from the fires. The air has remained clear, the weather sunny. Our thoughts are with our friends and neighbors throughout the county that continue to battle the fires sparked by a lightning storm last week.

A Favorite Winery in the Anderson Valley

One of the tedious tasks of being an innkeeper is selecting the wines to pour during the evening wine hour. This involves sampling countless wines at numerous tastings. It's a tough job, but someone has to do it.

During this process, I have had a chance to meet many of the local wine makers. One of my favorite wineries, both for the wines it produces and for the people who own and operate it, is Londer Vineyards in Philo. This small winery was started in 2001 by Shirlee and Larry Londer. They produce an amazing Pinot Noir, a beautiful Syrah and a very dry Gewurtztraminer. Shirlee and Larry were kind enough to pour a tasting for guests at the inn tonight. Just how nice are they? They came to  pour in spite of the fact it was Larry's birthday.

Bachelorette Parties Welcome!

One of the small benefits of being an innkeeper are unplanned things that happen. A friend of mine booked a weekend stay for her sister, her niece, her daughter and two friends to celebrate her neice's upcoming wedding. They made friends with everyone at the inn and I think they had a pretty good time. I know the innkeeper did.

Anderson Valley Pinot Festival

This past weekend, the 11th annual Pinot Noir festival was held in the Anderson Valley. The only festival of its kind to celebrate a single varietal from a single appellation, the event kicked off with a technical conference and a barbecue at Standish Vineyards on Friday. On Saturday, a Grand Tasting featuring over 30 wineries was held at Goldenye. Following that event, 6 separate winemaker dinners were held at venues throughout the region. The festival concluded on Sunday with open houses at most of the vineyards throughout the valley.

The spectacular weather, combined withe the opportunity to sample close to 100 different pinots, made this a memorable weekend. I thought it was interesting that there were winemakers from not just Anderson Valley, but from Napa, Sonoma and other regions pouring wines they produced from grapes grown in our valley. In talking with a number of these wineries, I learned that Anderson Valley yields some of the finest pinot grapes in the world.