[A repeat from October 18, 2012] Donna and I just returned from a week in California. Two nights in Santa Barbara (the Canary Hotel). One night at the beautiful Summerwood B&B in Paso Robles wine country. A night in San Francisco (fabulous dinner at Rose Pistola). And then Napa to lodge in a wonderful place called the Oak Knoll Inn — a 4 room B&B in Napa (a place to which we could easily return – and spend a few extra days).
The drive from Santa Barbara to San Francisco along the “101” is amazing in terms of agricultural activity. As far as you can see — on both sides of the road for a hundred miles or more — literally everywhere — there is a hum of activity. Trucks, tractors, workers, boxes, irrigation, cattle. Everything moving (or moooooing). California has 4% of the nation’s farms but is numero uno in cash farm receipts. California has 15% of the nation’s receipts for crops and 7% for livestock. Say what you will about the Midwest and the prairie states but California’s Central Coast is truly an America breadbasket (and wine rack).
Afterword – Now if only California could comprehend some of the reasons for the terrible fires that are ravaging the state (see January 27, 2019).