Driving from California’s central coast toward the Sierras, we passed through some amazing terrain. To us, in winter this hilly cattle range east of Paso Robles looks like it’s covered in velveteen.
Further east of Paso Robles, was Mission Trails Taproom where Glenn tasted crafted meads and jerkum (think hard plum cider). If you enjoy mead, cider, perry, cherry wine and the like, this is the place is for you. Glenn pronounced everything he tasted as delicious. If you want to try some for yourself, you can order online and they’ll send you some!
Right next door was the the James Dean Memorial near the site of his fatal crash in 1955.
Upon arriving in the valley, we drove through Avenal, “the pistachio capitol of the world.” We passed mile after mile of pistachio orchards in bloom. The air was heavy with the syrupy scent of the pollen. Based on our quick drive through the town, we can say you won’t miss anything if you don’t stop here.
Countless honey bees were all busy working the fields, flying to and from the portable hives their keepers were hired to place on the farmer’s property.
