Get on the Platypus Bus

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In January 2009, the Husband and I rode the Platypus Bus through Napa Valley.  It was truly the best activity of our honeymoon.  When I realized that Jenna and I would have a free day in wine country, I e-mailed Platypus Bus and asked if they’d host us for the day.

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The limo bus drives you to a variety of smaller wineries, provides a snack, lunch, and dessert, and serves as your designated driver.  What more could you ask for!

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The Platypus Bus took Jenna and I and two other couples to more than 7 wineries!  By the end of the day, I was wined out.  But it was an awesome way to see the Dry Creek area of Sonoma.

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Our first stop was the Family Wineries, a grouping of 5 or so smaller wineries around one central spot.  I loved this spot because there was truly something for everyone.

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I tend to favor sweet whites, sweet reds, and then spicy reds, but truly – I like all wine and will try almost anything.  My favorite winery in the area was Kokomo, and I walked away with two bottles – one for the Husband and one for my Dad.

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The second best part of Kokomo?  The many winery dogs they had running around!  Riley and I shared a special connection (and animal crackers):

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Other wineries pets included Red and White:

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I guess I’ve matured a little bit since the last time I was in wine country, because I didn’t finish many of my pours.  I tasted over 40 wines over the entire day, so I’m glad I tried to play it straight!

 

After the first two wineries, it was time for a SNACK!  Platypus Bus provided us with an amazing cheese + cracker spread.  I dove right in!  I’m definitely still making up calories from yesterday’s race.

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Next up was a fabulous winery called Passalacqua.  I liked most of the wines we tried, but didn’t feel motivated to buy any bottles.

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Afterward, it was time for lunch!  One of the things that the Husband and I most liked about Platypus Bus was the healthy lunch.  I was excited to see many of the same items on the menu today.

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I had a croissant sandwich with hummus, lettuce, and tomato; pear and cheese; and a quinoa salad with cucumber, squash, and parsley.  I went back for seconds of the quinoa salad – it was fabulous!  Must recreate at home!

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Around lunch, Jenna and I began to hit a wall.  We were both feeling dehydrated and sore.

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So… we began to chug water.  Tour de Water 2010!  Over the course of the day, I drank more than 9 bottles of water!  I simply couldn’t get hydrated fast enough (and, of course, the wine didn’t help… but it sure did cure those aching leg muscles).

 

We eventually resorted to stretching out our poor legs at the bars.

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We looped back to Family Wineries for a while, and then we headed to Hawkes.  I cannot believe the view from the tasting rooms of some of these wineries.  Can you imagine being a tasting room associate and getting to stare at this all day long?

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More vino, please!

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After Hawkes, the wonderful Platypus Bus driver served up a healthy dessert – a sort of nut mini muffin with a smear of cream on top.  I ended up inhaling 3.  I truly feel like I can’t eat enough today!  Refuel, refuel, refuel!

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We went to one more winery, but Jenna and I were completely spent and just hung out in the bus instead of tasting anymore wine.  After a while, it all starts to taste the same!

 

It was a great way to spend my last day in California!  I’ll miss Jenna when I leave.  🙁

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My Dad is coming over to say goodbye, and then we’re going to reheat some stuffed shells for dinner.  I think we’re going to call it an early night -  I have an AM flight back to the East Coast tomorrow morning.

 

If you could travel to any US state, which would it be?  America is SO big and SO different… I really need to explore the West more.  I’d love to see the Grand Canyon, too!

{ 84 comments }

 

  • Hillary [Nutrition Nut on the Run] May 24, 2010, 9:30 pm

    You and Jenna are the cutest friends.

    She’s rocking those red hot flats ; )

  • Whitney @ Whitinspired May 24, 2010, 9:31 pm

    I’ve been to almost every state in the US, but I would LOVE to go back to Colorado and visit Mesa Verde National Park. It houses and protects cliff dwellings of the Pueblo indians. Walking around the archeological sites is amazing!

  • Camille May 24, 2010, 9:35 pm

    What a fun day!
    I have been to a lot of the states, but one that I really want to see that I haven’t been to before is Maine. I hear it is beautiful! Especially in the fall 🙂

  • J May 24, 2010, 9:42 pm

    Come explore Denver 🙂

  • Danielle (Runs on Green) May 24, 2010, 9:45 pm

    It looks like the perfect day 😀
    I would love to go to Hawaii!

  • emptynutjar May 24, 2010, 9:45 pm

    I live in Canada…so the states are kind of a “dream” to me. I keep picturing both New York and California as amazing. Florida seems great. Gosh, I don’t know to be honest. I hear Texas has nice parts, etc.

    I’m like a little farm girl…seems like big stuff to me!

  • Cindi May 24, 2010, 9:47 pm

    I’d love to go see Alaska! It’s so intriguing, HUGE, and has endless outdoor activities (and breathtaking scenery!). Plus I’m dying to see the Aurora Borealis!!!

  • Evan Thomas May 24, 2010, 9:48 pm

    I would travel to Orlando since that’s where all the cool healthy bloggers are 😀

    Your tweets were hilarious this afternoon

  • ashleigh May 24, 2010, 9:50 pm

    It looks like you and Jenna had a blast. You both deserve it after your amazing accomplishment yesterday.

    I have always wanted to go to CA. I’ve seen the whole East Coast and CA has always been calling my name!

  • Erin May 24, 2010, 9:51 pm

    This looks like such a fun day. I’ve been to some amazing states–Alaska, California, Arizona, New Mexico–but really want to visit the west and see big sky country.

  • Julie @ Pickley Pear May 24, 2010, 9:55 pm

    I’ve never been to Boston or the Carolinas. I finally went to NYC last year for the first time.
    You girls had such a blast, I’m surprised you made it as long as you did though. Live it up!!

  • Melissa Cari May 24, 2010, 9:55 pm

    OMG for riding 100 miles yesterday, you two look amazing. So happy to hear you had such an enjoyable day!

  • Joanne May 24, 2010, 9:56 pm

    California. I love California and could easily spend the rest of my life at Carmel-By-The-Beach.

  • Mindy May 24, 2010, 9:58 pm

    I am so totally doing that the next time I’m in NorCal!

    I would love to explore the West as well. I’ve been to California twice (even lived in Santa Cruz for a summer), but that’s the extent of my time in that part of the country! Phoenix, Seattle, Portland, Santa Fe, the Grand Canyon…so many awesome places to see!

  • Genevieve May 24, 2010, 10:02 pm

    What a fun day…esp. after all your hard work! Ive only been to San Francisco so Id love to explore the rest of CA. Ive also only been to one of the islands of Hawaii so I’m definitely liking the idea of seeing what each island is like. Go to Colorado…the Great Sand Dunes are mindblowing!!!

  • Krystina May 24, 2010, 10:03 pm

    You two are adorable. I’m so inspired by what you both accomplished.

    I’d love to visit the Pacific northwest (primarily Portland and Seattle), California, and Georgia.

  • Kellie May 24, 2010, 10:07 pm

    What a fun day. I agree that by your last winery they all start to taste the same. Enjoy your last night in CA.

  • Lisa May 24, 2010, 10:09 pm

    Wine tasting can be a chore if not done right! I learned pretty quickly that I didn’t have to drink the wines I didn’t like and to most definitely drink water and eat!!!

  • Jenn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) May 24, 2010, 10:11 pm

    Looks like a super fun day!! 🙂

    I’d go to Alaska or Hawaii if I could go to any state. Preferably Alaska in the summer.

    Jenn

  • Heather (runningwithsass.com) May 24, 2010, 10:11 pm

    sounds like a fun day!
    I would love to go to California!

  • Janelle May 24, 2010, 10:15 pm

    Alaska has been on my “bucket list” forever – hopefully I get there soon!

  • Ellen Collis May 24, 2010, 10:16 pm

    Cheese+wine+designated driver=PERFECTION! What a fun day! I’ve been to a lot of great places in the US—Jackson Hole, Salt Lake City, LA, down south all over, all over the east coast…so hmm…I actually have never been to Connecticut, and I’ve always had it in my head that I want to go there. I have no idea why? So either there or somewhere random like South Dakota, just to say I’ve been 🙂

    http://www.firednfabulous.blogspot.com/

  • Melissa May 24, 2010, 10:17 pm

    What a great concept, that Platypus bus! Any state in the US? Hard to decide — I’d say Washington State, as I’ve never been there and it looks so beautiful (but that’s if we are only including the contiguous US).

  • Mary May 24, 2010, 10:19 pm

    Looks like you had an awesome day!! 🙂 so much fun

  • Stacie @ Imperfectly Healthy May 24, 2010, 10:22 pm

    That looks like such a fun day!

    Your question is hard! I think I would like to go to California since I’ve never been there!

  • Heather @ Side of Sneakers May 24, 2010, 10:24 pm

    What an amazing day!! 9 bottles of water- I’m impressed 😉 California wine country is honestly on the top of my list of places to visit in the US. Also Boston, Grand Canyon/Yosemite, and Colorado. (And every where else too!!)

  • Angharad May 24, 2010, 10:24 pm

    The north east is on the top of my agenda! New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont – I’ve never been to that part of the country at all!

    Your day sounds fabulous. I remember doing a wine tour very similar to that in New Zealand and it was immense but similarly, by the end we were just DONE with wine!

  • Hayley H May 24, 2010, 10:29 pm

    Beautiful ladies! Wine, cheese, and crackers- foods I could live off.

    I’d really like to visit the east coast. I haven’t spent much time out there at all, but New York, Boston, and Philly seem like fun cities.

  • Wei-Wei May 24, 2010, 10:36 pm

    You two both look so gorgeous! Maybe post-race glow? 😉 I’m glad you guys had a fun day.

    The state that I remember most is New York. (Is that a state?) I don’t really know about the differences between the states, though. :S

    Wei-Wei

  • tasha - the clean eating mama May 24, 2010, 10:37 pm

    What a great day! I love wine tasting!
    My husband and I have always wanted to travel to Vermont, and to this day is still considering it a place to live. My top destination on my list is Boston, though.

  • Maya May 24, 2010, 10:37 pm

    What an amazing day!

    I would love to go to Arizona or New Mexico. I have seen so little of that area of the country!

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing May 24, 2010, 10:45 pm

    Wow what a fun day!!! When I go to wine country one day, because I AM, I will definitely look into the platypus tour, that’s too cool!
    And I am in LOVE with Jenna’s shoes!
    I’d really like to go to Oregon.. always have!

  • kate May 24, 2010, 10:48 pm

    I want to explore North Carolina. And Im so impressed that you wore those shoes all day! Im such a baby when it comes to my feet.

  • Lindsay @ Summit Sandwiches May 24, 2010, 10:51 pm

    I’m from Colorado, so I’ve explored the Western states a fair amount. And I went to school in the Northeast and currently reside there. With that said, I haven’t seen much of the South. I really want to check out Charleston, South Carolina…and New Orleans…and Savannah, Georgia. I’ve heard wonderful things about these places.

  • Jenny May 24, 2010, 10:51 pm

    Looks like such a fun day! your pictures of california are beautiful!

  • liane May 24, 2010, 10:59 pm

    I love wine tours! They are so much fun 🙂
    I would love to travel to NYC and explore everything that city and area has to offer!

  • Amanda May 24, 2010, 11:00 pm

    I need to do much more traveling in my life for sure. My favorite city that I have been to by far is San Francisco. I would love to go back! I’d also love to visit Portland and Seattle, along with NYC and Chicago.

  • John May 24, 2010, 11:09 pm

    First state would be to California as I haven’t been home to visit family in 10 years. After that probably some place I’d do an Ironman?

  • Still Life in Southeast Asia May 24, 2010, 11:13 pm

    That looks like an awesome day. I’m impressed you were able to even move after your bicycling day. If I stay in Napa, I will definitely contact this bus. I prefer someone else driving during the tasting. 🙂

    If I could visit anywhere, I would go to New Mexico. I have never been, and I think it would be beautiful.

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) May 24, 2010, 11:15 pm

    I loved NY and Hawaii SO much!! I would love to go to San Fransisco, Seattle, Boston, California, and Florida.

  • Dominique May 24, 2010, 11:18 pm

    I’m not much of a wine drinker but your day looks like it was lots of fun! I love that there are options like the Platypus Bus that serves up healthy fare and acts as the DD. To be honest, after a 100-mile bike ride, I would probably just want to sit on my couch and eat all day long. You’re a total trooper!

    I haven’t visited the States very much despite being your neighbour to the north. Last summer BF and I took a trip to NYC and the year before that we went to Cape Cod. I’d love, love, love to visit California. I feel like it would be my big foodie dream come true. BF has been there before when he was younger and thinks I would definitely like it.

  • Deva (Voracious Vorilee) May 24, 2010, 11:30 pm

    I want to go back to California at some point in the future, and loved Texas when I went in December. The Boy and I are going to Boston later this summer, and we’re both excited to explore a new city that neither of us have ever been to, in a state we’ve never explored, too!

  • Brooke May 24, 2010, 11:33 pm

    I would love to visit Washington. I’ve always wanted to live in Seattle.

  • Katie@peacebeme May 24, 2010, 11:36 pm

    The West is the Best! 🙂 Come visit Colorado! It is amazing here. Sorry, i am proud of my state! 🙂

    If I could visit somewhere I haven’t been, I would like to see the Great Lakes.

  • Amber K @ sparkpeople May 24, 2010, 11:40 pm

    Sounds like a great day. That is really neat that they not only drive you around, but feed you amazing food!

  • Kristina May 24, 2010, 11:41 pm

    oh, you’ve taken me back to my college days… 3 girlfriends and I used to go on Napa winery tours, cannot recall if it was Platypus?? it sounds similar, except we were always dropped off at a SPA after the day, and we’d go get in the steam.

    you two are so cute, and again I give you CONGRATS, you are both inspirational athletes to this girl just getting back into running!

    until our recent vacation to Santa Fe, New Mexico, that is where I’ve wanted to go for a while… my new US destination is Chicago.

    I know, I know… I cannot attend because one of my Best Friends is getting married the weekend of HLS. *I’ve already suggested HLS 2011 be in Portland, Oregon for our fitness + bicycle + vegan friendly ways… 🙂

  • jenny (green food diaries) May 24, 2010, 11:59 pm

    yay for refueling!

  • Espie May 25, 2010, 12:44 am

    I’d love to do an outdoorsy tour of places like Oregon and Colorado. One day…

    Glad you enjoyed your time in my state (I live in the South Bay)! Have a safe trip back to Florida!

  • Samantha @ Food Edu May 25, 2010, 12:50 am

    I want to do more East Coast exploring for sure! What a fun wine tasting trip. Wine and a good friend–can you really ask for more?

  • Michelle @ Give Me the Almond Butter May 25, 2010, 12:50 am

    That is so cool that they served such a healthy and fantastic lunch! I would love to see some place serve me quinoa. It seems like nobody has heard of it.

  • Karla May 25, 2010, 1:23 am

    Fun!! I love wine tasting!

    I moved to the East Coast in August of last year. I’m having a fun time exploring that coast since I’m from California.

  • Freya @ Brit Chick Runs May 25, 2010, 2:30 am

    That looks like a fun day out (bar the wine tasting…:p), but 40 wines!? How were you not completely drunk!??
    I’d happily take any state in the US to visit – the US itself would be good enough!

  • Julia @ www.britbride.com May 25, 2010, 3:51 am

    Wow – looks like such a fun day out – what a reward!!

    Julia
    http://www.britbride.com

    BTW Caitlin, you have inspired me to try vegetarianism. I’m going to try a month starting next Monday (need to use up food we already have beforehand).

    • caitlin May 25, 2010, 9:28 am

      awesome!!!

  • Helen May 25, 2010, 4:30 am

    I’ve never been to America so I think I would have to do a road trip across many different states!! It looks like you had a good time at the wine tasting. The best bit for me would have been those cheese and crackers!

  • Jessica @ How Sweet It Is May 25, 2010, 6:34 am

    I would opt for the West, too. I’d love to see Colorado and more of California!

  • Tina May 25, 2010, 7:53 am

    I’ve never been out west so I would love to go to California or Colorado or even Washington.

  • Cassie @ A Very Busy Mind May 25, 2010, 7:54 am

    Aw I bet it was so nice to just chill and drink some vino after riding your face off yesterday.

    I definitely need to see more of the West, too. I’ve been to Cali a few times, and it really is a totally different world out there (a world I REALLY like!). I also need to experiece NYC.

  • eatmovelove May 25, 2010, 7:57 am

    Oh my God – I’d give my left arm to go to California – and LIVE – :(…definitely the Grand Canyon too…

    Great day for you guys 🙂

  • Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) May 25, 2010, 8:03 am

    Oh what a fun way to end the trip! 😀

    I’m with you on wanting to travel out west a little more. I’ve seen a lot of New England, some of the south, and not much at all out west. There’s so much to see! 😀

  • Sarah May 25, 2010, 8:09 am

    Looks like a yummy day!
    One of the places I REALLY want to go is the Grand Canyon, as well as all of California and Hawaii.

  • Lee May 25, 2010, 8:27 am

    I would like to to go Colorado.

  • Nicole @ Geek Turned Athlete May 25, 2010, 8:30 am

    That is such a great idea to take that bus around! It looks like the hubs and I might be doing that when we are in the area ( I don’t know when). I heard the Napa half marathon and marathon serves wine on the course which is how all my European races do it! I will be right at home (sort of)!

    As the grand canyon, it is absolutely amazing. I hiked 21 miles in the that thing when I was in 8th grade in Ked knockoffs, not really hiking shoes (I was really poor growing up), and a backpack that literally weighed half my body weight. I grew up in the west, and I absolutely adore it. The hubs and I are moving to Spokane in July, and if you ever want to venture up to WA state, let me know. I will show you around!

  • Juli D. May 25, 2010, 8:39 am

    Hawaii! Never been and right now it’s on the agenda in 2 years.

  • Joey May 25, 2010, 8:46 am

    I love that you love Kokomo wine! It is named after my hometown (Kokomo, IN – where the owner is originally from as well)!!! 🙂 Small world.

  • Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman May 25, 2010, 8:58 am

    I can’t believe after riding 100 miles you guys both didn’t wear sneakers. Talk about champs.

    If I could visit any US state I’d visit Texas. I’ve never been and I hear Austin is really cool. I loved California, but I’m trying to see other places I’ve never been. Georgia is on my list, too. I’d love to check out Savannah. (Can you tell I’m from New England and need the warmer climates?)

  • barbara(Blood, Sweat and Heels) May 25, 2010, 9:06 am

    Glad you guys had fun in the wine country. I was just there and miss it already:(

    I’d go to NYC in a heartbeat since I’ve never been!!!!

  • Lauren @ Health on the Run May 25, 2010, 9:09 am

    If I rode 100 miles, I definitely don’t think I’d be able to wear high heels the next day! Very impressive. 😉

    Your winery tour sounds so fun! The food, wine AND scenery all look so amazing! As far as which state I’d want to visit…it’s hard to choose only one. I definitely want to get out west more. I’ve been to CA before, but was in SoCal both times. I’d love to explore the northern part of the state more. And I’d also love to go to Hawaii and Alaska….ideally by cruise ship. 😉

  • kalli@fitandfortysomething May 25, 2010, 9:10 am

    what a fabulous day! love wine tours-so fun…….i would love to check out austin texas!

  • Nicole Y. @ An Adventurous life May 25, 2010, 9:18 am

    Those nut muffins with cream look insanely good!! Looks like you both had a great time! 🙂

  • Corinne (breathe and savor) May 25, 2010, 9:37 am

    absolutely adorable! stretching your sore muscles at the bars. aw. i have def. done that too. looks like you had a blast! keep hydrating 🙂

    i would definitey travel to northern california. wine tours and day trip to san fran!

  • Daisy May 25, 2010, 9:42 am

    Oh cailtin you really are going to miss jenna. you two are the cutest! I’ve done my fair share of traveling to US states.(I’ll be in your neck of the woods come October!!) I have actually never been to AZ and like you, I’d love to see the Grand Canyon. I’s also love to visit New Mexico. I want to ski Taos.

  • Mackenzie @ Whatever, Gatsby May 25, 2010, 10:18 am

    Aaah! Puppies and fancy food! My dream! 🙂 You guys look like so much fun, I wish you guys stayed in Florida/ weren’t moving away, I live in the Dr. Phillips area and you guys look like so much fun! 🙂

    Good question! It’s my absolute dreaaam to live in San Francisco at least at one point in my life. I’d also love to go back to Chicago, probably my favorite city. I’m hoping to live there within the next few months if I get enough dollar dollar bill$ 🙂

  • Heather (Heather's Dish) May 25, 2010, 10:30 am

    your tweets were cracking me up yesterday! if i could go to any US state right now it would either be Hawaii (where I’ve been), or Rhode Island (where I’ve never been). I don’t really have reasons why, I just wanna go 🙂

  • Kelly May 25, 2010, 10:32 am

    I’ve never been to California so I would love to go there, and Chicago.

  • Beth @ www.DiningAndDishing.com May 25, 2010, 10:34 am

    Actually, I’d pick California! I’ve never been there and it looks AMAZING. I would dieee for all that gorgeous wine, food and scenery.

  • Mary @ What's Cookin' with Mary May 25, 2010, 12:01 pm

    The Grand Canyon is SO BEAUTIFUL… especially if you get to watch a sunrise or sunset. I saw the later and I’ll NEVER forget it. It brought tears to my eyes… but I am a total nature nerd 😉

  • Kait May 25, 2010, 2:22 pm

    I’ve never been to California before and I would LOVE to go there! The wine tour looks incredible, I love wine but I’ve never been to a tasting/winery before…its definitely on my to do list!

  • lisa May 25, 2010, 3:50 pm

    I’d love to go to Alaska, and I would want to visit for at least two weeks.

    The Grand Canyon is incredible…went there this past winter and loved it, and it was especially beautiful and quiet (very few tourists!) in the winter with snow.

  • Jessi May 25, 2010, 9:54 pm

    Oh wow, I absolutely love the idea of the Platypus bus. Like….seriously?? What a great way to go wine tasting.

  • Alycia @ FitnFresh May 25, 2010, 11:56 pm

    Lately I’ve really been feeling Boston, but I’d also like to hit up San Francisco! I’m not sure which one I’d prefer. That bus looks really cool, such a great idea so good call on that one! Glad you guys had fun (:

  • Carolyn @ lovinlosing.com May 26, 2010, 10:46 pm

    Any state…presumably one I haven’t already been to…Vermont! It seems so picturesque.

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