The Elements Blog

Elements, “better than the pictures”

Michael — Thu, 10 May 2012 16:15:41 +0000

I just received one of the best compliments and note from a departing guest:

“I wanted to say thank you for opening your home to our group! It was even
more beautiful than the pictures….which is hard to imagine.
You have a spectacular home…and honestly…I am saddened to be leaving. This
was one of the best trips I have ever been on!
As a thank you we also left you 2 bottles of wine. I hope you enjoy them as
much as we enjoyed your home.”
Thank you again,
Randi

Randi was the first guest from the new AirBnB website, and I was delighted that her experience at Elements was “better than the pictures”. As a host I can’t ask for a better compliment, and its something I get the greatest pleasure providing. When a guest can visit the Elements website, and then physical time at the property, this is exactly the kind of compliment I really appreciate.

Three reasons for a Russian River Getaway

Michael — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 18:08:07 +0000

I love spring. I don’t mind the mixed weather (we have had it all this year). Its the sunlight, and the sounds of running water that act as soothing backdrops to everyday. That simple change in the backdrop of nature also means that the local businesses are open again after being closed all winter. Like any local, I have a few favorites that really seem their best in Spring.

The best change of the season is when Raymonds Bakery re-opens. The term “bakery” doesn’t quite cover everything. Mark and Elizabeth have an incredible array of baked breads, and sweets (fanatic brownies and croissants for instance). But its Friday night that the locals wait for, Pizza Night. Its really the best pizza I had had, and I often run up to grab one for dinner at home. But last year they added entertainment, and now there is no resisting and night under the stars listening to great music and watching the dancing. Last week they had Dag Nab It, and of course party of the entertainment was watching Mark and Elizabeth jitterbug (they are pro’s!). Raymond’s is also the hub of the small village of Cazadero and I think its the best spot to pick up a picnic lunch for a driving tour to the coast.

The drive to the coast is so convenient and dramatic, its a seasonal favorite. I like to take the drive as the season changes. The small country road really gives you amazing views of the ridges and canyons.

Click here to view the embedded video.

That view becomes even more stunning with the reds of fall, or the bright greens of early springs. The old highway isn’t often used except by locals. It winds along the old stagecoach route, and brings you into the back of Ft. Ross along the edge of the land grant. Everytime I come over the grade the view is different. Its always stunning, whether its crystal clear or a bank of heavy fog. Ft. Ross is the natural stop and a great way to understand how the coast line supplied mail and supplies to the valley.

The drive back to Elements via HW 1 is really the perfect backdrop for lunch or dinner at River’s End Restaurant. When you see its perch, you start to anticipate the view from the inside. And that does not disappoint, since you are gazing at the Russian River as it meets the Pacific Ocean. The surf, the rocks, and the lagoon all become a living mural. The food never disappoints me. They obviously specialize in local seafood, but even their “hamburger” has the house’s own unique touch. But if you can take the time to go at sunset, it just adds another dimension. The alignment of the sunset, with the ocean, river and lagoon is truly breathtaking and very unique.

Redwood vacation rentals

Michael — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 17:45:04 +0000

the morning mists around the redwoods

My time at Elements is often very similar to what a guest experiences on a vacation rental in the Russian River. The one unique thing everyone enjoys; is waking up in the redwoods; with those views and fragrances. And everyone can’t help wondering what it was like when this area was covered with “old growth” redwoods. These were gigantic trees, hundreds of years old and they covered the Russian River area.

The redwoods were heavily forested before the great earthquake, but it was the rebuilding of San Francisco that changed this area profoundly. Entire sections of land were given away for simply logging and delivering the redwoods to the train. The great redwoods you see all around the Russian River, are really secondary growth of the original trees. are now part of parks (like Armstrong), or on private land and protected.

Elements has its own “old growth”, albeit a runt. It wasn’t harvested because it was too irregular and small to be of value, and it stood near the campsite of the original loggers. Now it is part of the landscape at Elements, and its canopy shelters the outside kitchen. Although I bought Elements in 2007, I never knew the runt was there, even though I saw it everyday. It was a neighbor, and old timer, that pointed out the tree to me and passed on its history.

the "runt" now shelters most of the terrace

All weather vacation rental

Michael — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 17:12:50 +0000

I arrived yesterday at Elements really to enjoy a nice week off from the city and to enjoy the first real storm of Spring. Northern California has had an unusually dry, and it really seemed Spring arrived early; until last night. The storm started late in the evening, but by early morning I could hear the deluge outside, accompanied by a familiar hum. The standby generator was running.

A generator may viewed as a luxury, and it really is. Appliances work, the internet is up and running, and voila you have heat and hot water. But for those very same reasons I argue that it is a necessity. Its nice to contemplate being “free” of the basics, and getting back to nature. But I need time to plan for that kind of event, and not something I want to face in the morning.

Whenever I look for a vacation rental in the Russian River, or Pacific Coast (my two favorite areas), I know appreciate the term “all weather vacation rental”. I know that my host has thought ahead and tried to cover the unexpected. Once you experience “being off grid“, you appreciate those basics that we all take for granted. I can ride this storm out in comfort, and stay to enjoy my week in the Redwoods.

Spring in the Redwoods, time for a getaway

Michael — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 17:47:26 +0000

Although its March, Spring is really begun in the Russian River. Since I drive so often between San Francisco and the river, I really notice the different changes as the season changes. Its especially evident in the vineyards, where I already see the teams doing early pruning and tying. And in some areas, there is already bud push on a lot of the vines. The redwoods are also starting their growing season, and the hill sides are already filled with wild orchids. The native’s, like the cyanothsis are already starting to bloom, and the bee’s are there gathering early nectar. Its Spring, and a great time for a getaway from the city.

soon the entire bush will be covered with blossoms

I treat each time at Elements, like its a true getaway. And although I miss those deluges of winter, we have had enough rain to keep the local streams and Austin Creek at steady levels. I love the sound of the waterfalls as I walk around Elements. An the highlight of many afternoons is to take Hudson for a walk to Austin Creek. We seldom see anyone else on our walks, but we enjoy the park like atmosphere of the creek. The Beech Tree’s along the bank are ready to leaf out, and the creek is constant entertainment for Hudson. It is such simplicity and similar moments that make me recognize how important a getaway can be.

playtime at the creek is another reason for a getaway

Winter play time at the creek

Michael — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 23:06:59 +0000

This has been an exceptional year in the Russian River and Austin Creek area. We haven’t had our normal rains, and even some of the native species like the cyanothsis thinks its Spring.

Austin Creek which can be raging this time of year, is running at its mid summer levels. And although its scary for the water supply, Hudson the dog thinks its perfect! Our simple walks to the creek are good for both of us. There is a tranquility to the creek, even though you can hear an occasional car. The trees always betray the season and its amazing to find yourself ”rocking” (think shelling) as you wander. We have never been able to do it this time of year. Its like a special gift of winter. And as the dog looses himself, swims and drags around old sticks, its enough to convince you to the old adage about the simple things.

Click here to view the embedded video.

The rains are finally back

Michael — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 23:43:56 +0000

There are certain times of year that can’t be predicted. Everyone can “look up” the holidays but no one can predict that first rain. That capricious occasion is at the whim of nature and its only by good luck that I ever am at Elements for the occasion. Why would anyone head to Sonoma and the Russian River in winter, let alone before a rain storm? In the redwood canyons of the Russian River, there is an amazing rebirth every year of our local streams and waterfalls. Those are the streams and waterfalls that you don’t necessarily notice as you drive by. But they cut through every hill and canyon of the area and their birth on the first rain is a once a year event without any true timing.

the stream is running again

You are really never quite sure when the stream returns in hours and minutes. At first its noise is blended only with the rain. And only when the rain cuts back, and you venture outside do you realize that the stream and falls are running again. And each time the rain breaks, the sound becomes a noise and then a roar. That happened today. Cazadero holds the record for being the wettest spot in the western united states.

The stream has started video

Austin Creek and The Cedars make the news

Michael — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:42:51 +0000

A great article appeared recently in the San Francisco Chronicle about Austin Creek area. It reminded how unique Austin Creek really is, and how I should appreciate those rocks and boulders I walk around so easily. I have been to the Austin Creek State Recreational Area, as well as the adjoining Armstrong Woods. But I never realized that we had a spectacular natural formation so close and that figures so prominently with Austin Creek.

Sonoma County’s Cedars: a rare geologial wonder

The “Cedars” is the headwater for Austin Creek which flows through our canyon. Besides being one of the most pristine water sources it appears that the headwaters for the creek is a rare geological event. This is one of the few areas where the earth’s mantle is exposed and we get to see the transformation of mantle rock into serpentine. Most people will recognize the name, but around Cazadero we recognize that its one of the reasons behind the dazzling colors in our streams.

Austin Creek with its deep color of green

The deeper pools of Austin Creek are lined in Serpentine, and the great green hues just saturate the water. The article also explains why we always find so many interesting rocks when we walk the banks of Austin Creek. With all the geological metamorphosis going on at the headwaters, its natural to find all sorts of rocks while we walk along the creek. Though we have beached combed the creek for years, I didn’t realize how close we were to the “source”

a whitmans sampler of rocks at Austin Creek

I use to think of a walk on Austin Creek as a way to meditate, or get exercise. And my dog Hudson fervently believes its the best place on earth. And now I understand more about how much nature continues to make and remake this remarkable area.

Two Christmases in Cazadero

Michael — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 20:42:47 +0000

Its not every year that you get to celebrate Christmas twice, but Cazadero is beginning to make it a tradition.

Last year Thom and I went to the Annual Cazadero Christmas Parade. We noticed the posting at the general store. The parade was such a hit before that everyone in the general store was talking about what a good time they had, and how much the kids enjoyed playing in the snow.
We managed to get there early, and caught the local snow makers in the act. The following parade and Santa’s arrival was so picturesque that we decided to make it a tradition.

Cazadero Christmas 2010

Traditions always take a while to get right.

This year we arrived late, and missed the parade. But we still had an incredible time. Every year there seems to be more local vendors, and some of the gift ideas are terrific. I was especially impressed this year with the home made can goods. There were jelly’s and jams of every description, and all might right here in the canyon. The kids played, and everyone lingered around the barbecue waiting for more Christmas beef and trimmings.

Flicker Album Cazadero Christmas

Winter Hours at the Russian River

Michael — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 17:09:09 +0000

Winter is still my preferred time for enjoying a vacation retreat at the Russian River. The days are shorter, and the evenings are filled with an amazing light as the sun sets slowly. Of course its also time for our usual rains and storms. This year hasn’t been normal yet. We haven’t had our usual fill of wind driven, heavy rains that are so typical. But I know they are coming.

Winter is always a great excuse to cook inside, watch a streaming video and enjoy the fire in the big room. The commercial range and oven give added warmth to the entire room. The real reminder of the weather is just outside the windows.I grab my Ipad and head to Epicurious. Since I often cook in the “bold and fearless style”, I usually have a back up plan, i.e. “my favorite haunts for great food”.

This year the “Winter Hours” signs seem to go up in unison. My favorite (and only) pizza in Cazadero, Raymonds are “Closed” without the slightest hint of being open for Christmas. And that takes out not only sandwiches and pizza, but also the best croissants in the morning.
Sam’s Holey Cow also went to winter hours. But thankfully they are open during the weekend (Friday through Sunday for breakfast and lunch). And they have added a “community dinner ” on posted weekend nights.

Almost all the dining spots like Boon have followed suit in Guerneville. So at this point the Redwoods are perfect for weekenders, and it gives the rest of us a chance to study up on Epicurious!