Every so often, I like to remind myself (and everyone within hearing distance) how lucky we are to live where we do. This weekend’s reminder was brought to you by a three-generation day trip to Doran Beach.
I grew up in Sonoma County. I’ve absorbed this county into my very DNA by paddleboating on Lake Ralphine, inner-tubing down the Russian River and swimming at Morton’s Hot Springs. I’ve picnicked in Armstrong Grove, hiked Foothill Regional Park and camped at Salt Point and Spring Lake.
I’ve spent the night in the Petaluma Adobe, and wandered the grounds at Fort Ross for hours at a time. I’ve visited wineries, shopped flea markets and farmers’ markets and toured museums. And as of last Monday, I can totally add “I’ve been to all 14 Sonoma County libraries now, too.”
Seriously, Sonoma County is the motherlode. If someone from out of the area comes to visit, what do they want to do? We’ve got it. Water sports? Sure. Kayak, canoe, paddleboat, or inner tube? River, lake, lagoon, ocean or pool? Day adventures? Of course. Hiking, picnicking, sightseeing it is.
Shopping and dining? Have we got you covered, or what? From a good taco truck, on up to starred Michelin dining, it’s all here. Wineries? Uh, yeah, what do you like? Hearty reds, sweet dessert wines, or coastal whites? Pick a direction and let’s go. Festivals? Fairs? Nights on the Green? Yours for the picking.
When was the last time you drove to Sonoma or Healdsburg and wandered around the square? Or went for a walk around Spring Lake? Or drove in any direction, really, and marveled at the beauty of the valley and the rolling hills?
When was the last time you breathed in the primeval air of the redwoods, or felt the salty wind of the Pacific Ocean? When was the last time you bought fresh, local-grown Gravenstein apples — or any of the other delicious produce that thrives here in our region — from the farmer who grew them?
Prefer the indoors? Have you checked out local museums lately? Not only are the displays cool, but they are often in historically interesting buildings, as well. The Healdsburg museum was once a Carnegie library … the Sonoma County museum was once a Santa Rosa post office … the Windsor Historical Society museum was once a home.
I’m a sucker to find out more about the people who lived here and the way things were hundreds of years ago. Each question that gets answered seems to lead to a dozen more questions to investigate.
Speaking of hundreds, one of Santa Rosa’s most amazing institutions turns 100 this year … do you know what it is? Yep. Santa Rosa Junior College was founded in 1918. I love that. I love walking around the campus, looking at the buildings all nestled in amongst the giant oak trees, reading the names of buildings and recognizing the history behind all of it. To me, those red bricks could represent lives changed by attending the school … it’s like the past and the present and the future, all rolled into one. (Hopefully they carpool and have a parking permit.)
Walking along the curve of sand that is Doran Beach, I watched people digging for clams, boogie boarding and building sand castles. I watched people walking dogs (and dogs walking people). There were people out to exercise, and people out to party and people out to get away from the heat or the smoky haze of our last few weeks.
There were locals, and there were people who had never seen the Pacific Ocean — or any ocean. I was struck once again, at the absolute blessing we have been afforded to live in this beautiful place as I took deep breaths and noticed how the stress seemed to fall away with each wave; it was as if my soul was calibrating back to factory settings.
This week I challenge you to look up from your busy-ness and notice your surroundings. Maybe make a plan to play tourist and take in some of our amenities and remind yourself how wonderful it is to live here in our amazing Sonoma County.
Juliana LeRoy wears many hats, including wife, mother, paraeducator and writer. She can be spotted around Windsor gathering material, or reached at ml****@so***.net.
