Glenn's Birthday

For years Glenn has heard me tell stories of Cachagua, that forbidden, hidden escape in the Carmel Mountains. Cachagua is the family cabin owned by my friend and teammate Jill and her family. Going back to High School, Cachagua, has been a part my life story. Somehow, I had hoped Glenn would be able to see this magical place at least once. And so, the campaign has continued. July is Jill's month to use the cabin (having to split it with several different family groups).

I was shocked and amazed and thrilled that Jill agreed that Glenn could come to Cachagua this weekend. We had been thinking of places to go when we got the call. Glenn and I jumped at the opportunity. He and I say thanks Jill for letting us nag you into this great honor! HE LOVED IT.

In the past when we would come her for girl's weekends (before Alamo Ranch) we almost always came the weekend of Jill's Birthday. Coincidentally, Glenn's birthday is one day later. There were times I had missed his birthday entirely just to come to Cachagua.

This invitation meant we could celebrate both birthdays!

Patti Bott, left her husband at home, and also came up, on last minute notice, so, we were able to grab a couple of walks while we were there, leaving Jill's husband their dog and Glenn to fend for themselves. John, Patti's husband, had to fend for himself in Sausalito!
Cachagua store is about 2 miles away. They have a wonderful dinner here every Monday night put on by a catering company called Movable Feast. I haven't been there, but Jill was the second person who raved about it to me. LOTS of folks and LOTS of good food.
Take a look at some of the photos. It is a beautiful place. The photo above is where Jill would like to have her kitchen window someday. Some view.... it goes on forever!
These pictures are of Los Padres dam. During last year's basin fire they used the reservoir to scoop up water to fight the blaze. You can see the ridge top where they fought back the flames, saving Cachagua and a lot of truly beautiful but wild country. There are still signs on the road that say THANK YOU FIREFIGHTERS! I bought Glenn and I Cachagua Fire Department shirts. People who do work that dangerous, are never, never thanked enough.

The cabin is filled with history. Jill's family is an old California family dating back to the days when there was a Lower and Upper California. The cabin has little piece of that history at every turn. There was a diary we found on this trip, that was written in 1892 by Jill's relative, of a trip to Rome, via Gibraltar. There are quilted fabric Egyptian wall hangings that were brought home from around the same period. The knob and tube lighting, the screened in porch, a vintage stove, a boraxo soap dispenser, each adds a patina to the character of the place.

Some things are timeless; the way the river becomes a kind of shiny silver platter reflecting the trees and grass. How the breeze only disturbs the scene enough to remind you, the picture you see is on water. The sound of the frogs in the morning and the birds heralding the morn, wake you with the gentlest of gestures. The little fish at night when they break the still water to grab a juicy fly, and the crawdads as they ignite into reverse to escape danger all add to the rich and intricate dance of nature at Cachagua.

I am glad to have shared it with Glenn. I hope there will be other days when with or without him... I am invited back. It feels like another home to me. Thanks again Jill.

How far did we walk.... 7 miles one day and 5 they next. But please realize the 5 included 2.5 straight up and 2.5 straight down! And good news, that nasty achey knee is much improved.

Our WINE WARS continues to be completely awesome! I have secured THE BEST band in the Bay Area Go Kat Go! You will be kicking yourself if you miss it!

It's not too late for an invite but it could be soon... so let me know.

And it's never too late for a donation so DONATE!