Santa Rosa is the largest city of Sonoma County and the largest producer of California's Wine Country which includes Napa, Menodocino and Lake Counties. Considered part of the BAY area which consists of 99 cities and nine counties.
In 1943, Alfred Hitchcock's movie Shadow of a Doubt was filmed at a house on McDonald Ave, Santa Rosa (a rarity for Hitchcock to film interiors on location but, because the movie was made during WW II, and wood, as well as many other materials, was being rationed - it was allowed in Hollywood, without its elaborate sets). Hitchcock spent three weeks in Santa Rosa and grew fond of it - later returning to shoot The Birds at Bodega Bay.
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| The Town of Bodega - surf shop, general store, hair salon and casino |
Bodega Bay, on the eastern side of Bodega Harbor, an inlet of Bodega Bay on the Pacific coast. The site of the first Russian structures built in California (early 1800's). The town (population of 1,077) markets itself with the film BIRDS in many ways - a Birds-themed Visitor's Centre, a statue of Alfred Hitchcock in front of the general store and the location was featured in the cult horror movie Puppet Master (1989). Opening scene filmed in Bodega Bay for Sleepwalkers (1992).
St. Teresa of Avila (Roman Catholic church). The population in the mid 1800s grew rapidly - mainly due to dairy farming (Italian and Swiss Italians). The area later became primarily Irish and the Catholic community and church expanded. 
In 1968 when the church was designated a State Historic Landmark, the tower bell found a permanent home at the entrance of the property.
Made a day trip to the beach: about 70 miles thru Petaluma, down to Point Ryes and back through Tamales Bay, to Sebastopol and Santa Rosa.
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| BODEGA BAY |
A particular stretch of coastline (dubbed "The Red Triangle") has been the world's leading site of great white attacks on humans since scientists began tracking shark attacks. The triangle stretches about 100 miles from Bodega Bay, north of San Francisco, to Ana Neuvo Island near Santa Cruz, with the corner marked by the infamous Farallon Islands.
The dogs are thoroughly enjoying the waves!
As there is vast parkland, grass lands and farms (mainly dairy) deer are a common sight.
Back "at the Ranch" - Annadel State Park for some mt biking. 5,092 acres of recreation including horseback riding trails, hiking and mt biking.
The dominant tree species are the California oak, Douglas fir, with Garry oak, Black oak, Bigleaf maple, manzanita and California laurel. Common animals are black-tailed deer, gray squirrel, raccoons, skunk and opossum. These woodlands and grasslands are host to poison oak and ticks so signage warns to stay on trails and wear long sleeved tops, and pants.
Oh yes - it's not uncommon to see a wild turkey or two!
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| Honky Tonk piano play from Petaluma |
Staying at the Fairgrounds, there are often scheduled activities on weekends; this weekend was the Gem and Bead Show, Science Fair and CPE Dog Agility trial from the Bay Area.
GEM AND BEAD SHOW
Got one quick & blurry photo before security came over; he was great - said he can't figure out why no photos "not like you're going to sell them to the Russians!"
SCIENCE FAIR
Whipping up some Nitrogen Ice Cream
Friendly scorpion
Science Fair was fun for all ages; some fascinating knowledge for upcoming young scientists - including biology, stem cell research, physics, astronomy and marine biology.
Slowly 'catching' up on the blogging - next post will be our first day trek with the kayaks. Not sure if its the same for all computers but you should be able to click on the photos & view them in larger mode.
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