It's the Fourth of July. We're waking up in our room at the Jackson Rancheria Resort (see our previous report, here) and Casino, a property of the Jackson Rancheria Band of the Mi Wuk Indians up here in the Sierra Foothills.
Other than not being used to a queen size bed (Letty and I have the biggest, widest king size bed we could find back home), it was a restful night. Breakfast is at Margaret's Cafe and Bakery, which we find really has the best food in the place.
Breakfast is pancakes, waffles, eggs, bacon, and some eggs benedict. It is outstanding and way better (and cheaper!) than the buffet.
Fortified, we head out to find out how they celebrate Independence Day in California's Gold Country.
One thing we find out quick is that if you want fireworks, you have to do it a day early on the 3rd. This was explained to us years ago by the sisters that owned the Heirloom Inn in Ione back then.
Ione was the home of the company that put on professional pyrotechnic shows all over the surrounding area on the 4th. Therefore, they would not be available to do a local show on the holiday, so instead they did it the day before.
That tradition continues up here. Now, the show is held at Jackson's local junior high school and spectators cram every nook and cranny in the town for a view of the show.
We tried to go see it last night but could not find anywhere to park, not the least a handicapped spot, so we aborted and went back to the hotel for a quiet Independence eve.
For a colorful show of a different nature we head to Terra 'd Oro Vineyards in the nearby Shenandoah Valley. Today is the Cru Zin Car Show. We're luckier here as we snag the second to last parking spot available.
About a hundred or so classic cars are parked in the loading dock area of the winery. You've got your 57 Chevy's, Mustangs, a couple of VW's, Model T's, Nomads, and more. Even a few restored Corvairs. Ralph Nader must be feeling a disturbance in the force.
Inside, the winery is pouring free flowing tastes of their barberas, zinfandels, roses and more. A jazz band plays outside on the patio while a food truck caters the action. A one day 15% car show discount is applied to purchases of 4 bottles or more, which we take advantage of.
We sip a little outside then notice there are about 500 people here and exactly two bathrooms. Doing the math, we decide to move on.
At Sobon Winery, it's much lonelier so enough bathrooms won't be an issue. We get a mixed case with a 30% Independence Day discount.
Back in Plymouth, we stop to see our friends at Amador 360 winery collective to get another mixed case.
Storing our goodies in our hotel room, we freshen up and head up the road to Pine Grove.
We're going to spend the rest of our day at the town's community picnic called Groovin' in the Grove in their tiny city park.
A cover band called After Dark is playing. Wine and beer are free flowing...you can either buy it there or bring your own...and hot dogs or pulled pork are the food options.
Across the street is the 88 Giant Burgers, a fly-filled greasy spoon joint that the locals tell me has really good burgers.
I run over and get three to go and come back to the picnic.
The burgers are very good. The music's even better and we get to spend some time making new friends at the festival.
Sitting in the sun, up in the pines of the Sierras, a glass of wine, a big cheeseburger, family, and friends. This is a very relaxing and fun way to spend our fourth of July night.
We'll go visit some new wineries tomorrow and have another picnic. Tonight, we'll just enjoy the music until it's time to go to bed.
Darryl Musick
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