Fall colors of Napa Valley (California)

Post by **taosports** » Fri Nov 09, 2007 10:56 pm

I love the wine country. Just after harvest is my favorite time to visit.

There's a crispness in the morning air which turns the vineyards into
a multi-colored canvas of greens and browns and reds and yellows - a
photographer's playground.

I took a trip out to Napa Valley (about an hour from my house) today
to pick up some wine at one of the wineries I'm a member of. Great
excuse to take the bike out for a spin. Took my camera along with me
and thought I'd share. Hope you enjoy the photos.

This statue on Highway 29 greets visitors to Napa Valley. It's called The Grapecrusher.
The bronze sculpture by Gino Miles, was erected in 1987 and is dedicated to the workers
who labor in the vineyards.

The obligatory bike shot - my bike in the vineyards.

Beautiful colors everywhere you look.

A red tail hawk soars above the vineyards looking for lunch.

And finally, I came around a corner on the Silverado Trail to see this pink bull munching in the vineyards - a winery
owners sense of humor - probably for those wine sippers who had just a bit too much wine tasting for the day.

Thanks for taking a look at my photos - time to enjoy that wine I bought!

R4R&R · Post by **R4R&R** » Fri Nov 09, 2007 11:48 pm

Thanks for sharing. Did you really take those pictures? They look very professional!

Post by **DJ Downunder** » Sat Nov 10, 2007 5:53 am

They look very professional!

I agree...

...Thanks Michael

DJ

Post by **Biff's R** » Sat Nov 10, 2007 6:02 am

Why not share some of the wine with us?

Post by **Buckster** » Sat Nov 10, 2007 7:26 am

You're good! Very nice!

Ves · Post by **Ves** » Sat Nov 10, 2007 8:33 am

Nice. What kind of camera do you use?

Post by **Boxer** » Sat Nov 10, 2007 8:50 am

Ahhhh! Love it!

We are indeed fortunate to have you on our board to show us that California countryside with such remarkable clarity and vision.

Keep'em coming Michael. We all appreciate it.

mad1150 · Post by **mad1150** » Sat Nov 10, 2007 10:36 am

Wow!

Those are beautiful photos!

The colors are so vibrant out there. Here in IL this year we just didn't have the colors, it was all shades of brown.

So take another ride and post some more please!

munchmeister · Post by **munchmeister** » Sat Nov 10, 2007 11:21 am

R4R&R wrote:Thanks for sharing. Did you really take those pictures? They look very professional!

He is (a pro) !!

Simply gorgeous photos, Michael. Always enjoy your photography and the wine country in the fall appears to be perfect for picture taking. Not to mention a nice ride and the resulting product. Gotta get out there soon. I almost bought an '04 1150GS to replace my RR, but will wait till spring or so (if I can !!). The California coast, Mendocino, and the Wine Country are all very high on my "must ride" list.

--Doug

Post by **Motomo** » Sat Nov 10, 2007 6:49 pm

I agree with all the posts above, your pics are GORGEOUS!!

Makes me mad that I left Sacramento. Dallas really doesn't compare. Looks like a really nice ride.

Post by **iowabeakster** » Sat Nov 10, 2007 7:05 pm

Michael,

as always....

Yep, for those who aren't aware. He is a pro. Go back and look up some of his old posts and "GREAT RIDES". We are very fortunate to get his ride photos shared here.

mnnden · Post by **mnnden** » Sat Nov 10, 2007 8:01 pm

Awesome!!! Wonderful pictures, Den

Sunbeemer · Post by **Sunbeemer** » Sat Nov 10, 2007 11:24 pm

WONDERFUL WINO!

Your picture of grapes made we want to eat one, but then I remembered an old Italian saying,"A grape eaten is a grape wasted."

Thanks for posting. These pics are a pleasure to peruse.

Post by **Dr. Strangelove** » Sun Nov 11, 2007 6:39 pm

beautiful pictures, Thanks

JOhn

Tormentor · Post by **Tormentor** » Mon Nov 12, 2007 8:59 pm

Fantastic pictures. You really do have a remarkable sense for colours. Thanks for sharing them.

Post by **machew01** » Fri Nov 16, 2007 7:37 am

Michael, I am in awe of your talents. Thank you for sharing them with us.

mac

Post by **GypsyRR** » Fri Nov 16, 2007 8:08 pm

Cool, Michael. The photos are stunning again. I especially liked the ones of the purple grape clusters. We're privileged to get to see your 'off assignment' work. Thanks always.

When you have a chance, would you do another fly fishing ride report from California, please?

Post by **boxermania** » Tue Nov 20, 2007 6:14 am

Michael

The color on those grapes!!!!! I would have painted my R that color.....Yeah!!!

Great pics........

Post by **Caroanbill** » Tue Nov 20, 2007 4:32 pm

taosports wrote: Finally, I came around a corner on the Silverado Trail to see this pink bull munching in the vineyards - probably for those wine sippers who had just a bit too much wine tasting for the day.
- time to enjoy that wine I bought!

Hmmmm. I think you might've already enjoyed some wine. That's a cow ... I think ... I might've grown up raising beef (herefords), but I worked in enough dairies on university berak to know what an udder looks like ......

(.. or is that something more .. ummm .. male ... obscured by the grapes and should I put down my merlot?

)

the pics are superb!

Post by **taosports** » Tue Nov 20, 2007 8:33 pm

I sure don't see an udder in that photo Caroanbill! Maybe I need to drink some of your merlot.

I've never seen a cow with horns so that's why I assumed it's a bull. Besides, it's pink with green polka dots so who really cares what it is!

Now pass me that bottle of fine Aussie merlot

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Fall colors of Napa Valley (California)

Fall colors of Napa Valley (California)

Re: Fall colors of Napa Valley (California)