And he’s off, like a heard of turtles…

I got up fairly early and hit the road.  All smiles with the new set-up.  I have to admit I didn’t get too far when I came across this

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All fueled up I took off with Napa as my destination.  It was pleasant riding even though it was a bit cool.  I knew this wouldn’t last as I began to leave the bay area.  There were plenty of pretty little towns leaving the bay area…this one had a farmer’s market going on.  Lots of good fresh eats;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I went through the very industrial section just before crossing the bridge to Vallejo.  I rode through a huge oil processing facility.  Man was it noisy.  The ride across the bridge was a piece of cake since there is an adjacent pedestrian/bike walkway.  Made crossing very easy.

It didn’t take long before I got to the southern edge of Napa Valley and then into Napa itself.  Perhaps my planning wasn’t the best as I had to contend with everyone coming up to enjoy wine country during the weekend.  I knew I certainly wasn’t going to be staying in a hotel.  Way outta my budget for the moment.

I ended up riding on the Silverado Trail (on the eastern side of the valley) till I got just south of the town of Yountville.  There is a veteran’s hospital which had indications I might be able to find a place to throw up my tent.  I had gone over 50 miles and was ready to call it a day.  Although I didn’t find a spot I felt comfortable squatting on, I spied a trail heading off into the mountain above the grounds.  It didn’t take long to find a spot that overlooked a part of the valley.  I got out the sleeping pad and bag and slept under the stars only to wake up with about 5-6 deer not far from me.