We picked up the hire car this morning and after the usual faff getting out of SF drove north. We stopped at Sausalito for coffee ( lots of nice shops and a huge marina) and the John Muir Woods on the way. The Muir Woods necessitated pre booking a car parking slot and driving 20 miles up a steep windy road ( how does anyone manage without a phone or app these days?)  It was worth it though - you got to walk amongst the giant Redwoods some of which are 2000 years old. Really special - I think these are some of the oldest and tallest trees in the world. I’m afraid my blips don’t really do them justice. After a snack we drove onto Napa - across arid dry plains and on busy roads. Judging by the number of vineyards we saw this is certainly a huge wine area.