Sugarloaf Ridge

IMG_1951.JPG
Originally uploaded by aliciamalia.

This was our campsite. Directly to the right and behind: a creek. Down the path behind the picnic table: a wide flat area for a tent. To the left: a huge open field, complete with deer.

Our Guide to Northern California Camping gave this campground 5 stars (out of 10), but I think I'm going to have to reevaluate their rating system. Yes, it lacked showers, and a convenience store. But the trail head was 50 feet away, our neighbors out of sight, and the scenery beautiful. It was one of my favorite camping spots so far.

To get there, drive to Sonoma, then head north on the 12 for about 15 minutes. You'll pass a number of wineries - we stopped at Imagery, which had lovely crisp whites and a perfect pineappley dessert wine. Try to get a campsite on a Saturday, which is the "public" day for the adjacent observatory. We saw Saturn and several star clusters.