A mere 27 miles to Bodega Bay

How about this for an easy day's drive to a fabulous location.  As the temps heat up to the 90s in Petaluma, we looked for an escape to cooler climes.  Doran Beach, a Sonoma County Regional Park is a favorite.  With a wide stretch of sandy beach in one direction and the large Bodega Harbor sporting a parade of boat traffic in another, we certainly got cooler fast with a bit of nasty wind thrown in.  No worries with these views though...

A short drive around to the other side of the jetty gives access to the mighty Sonoma coastline with its pounding surf far below the steep bluffs....

But...a really big part of our decision to venture all this way was the opening of salmon season May 1st.  Our local markets are selling fresh wild salmon for $29 a lb!   Paisano Bros.,  at Spud Point Marina, broker the fresh catch right off the fishing boats for $10 a lb. The only catch is, you have to buy the whole fish and filet yourself; or rather that would be Howard!

Mostly fishing boats at Spud Point Marina

Howard models this 8 lb beauty

Let the filleting begin...

Yep, went back for a 2nd.  Gotta stock up when you can!

The Petaluma family drove over for Mother's Day and treated us to a grand buffet brunch at the Bluewater Bistro.  Omelettes with all your favorite fillings, lox and bagels, fresh fruit and pastries, carvings of prime rib and turkey  Oh and shrimp shooters...did I mention champagne!

For starters...

We came back to the park for a visit and walked down to the beach, though the wind about blew us away!  Cheers....

Huddling for warmth...

Norm, Wendy, Christina the Bean!