Dad and I in Santa Ynez in front of his beautiful hotel.  Topaz and I really enjoyed our stay in the suite.  We could stand up, there was a TV, a couch, and a heart shaped bath tub.  Way different from the van.  I met many of my Dad's co-workers and tried to explain my crazy life on the road.  Dad and I had a really good visit.  We stayed up way too late on school nights, but I think the good conversation was worth it.  What do you think Dad??

Big change! Big! Huge change from the big black van.

Beautiful rolling hills country side in Santa Ynez.  Of course, Rachel would say "All of California is beautiful"!

On the drive through Santa Barbara to Santa Ynez there is a wonderful smell in the air - fruit, lots and lots of it!  Rachel took a great picture of all the lemons.

Beautiful rolling hills, but with cows.

I went on a tour of the Firestone Winery.  Same family that started out with tires and the grandson was on The Bachlor.

Inside the firestone winery.  Huge vats of wine everywhere

Merlot vines.  Most of the grapes here are hand picked.