A Trip to the Country

Last week we were more than tired of our own walls and decided to take a drive in the country. We packed a simple lunch and hit the road. It was a beautiful day to be outside. Our destination was the wine country, about 30 minutes away from us. Specifically, Durant Winery in Dundee. We’ve actually had their wine since moving here but haven’t visited the Winery, which we understood to be quite beautiful. We weren’t disappointed! Click on an image to revel a larger view.

Just being out in the wide-open spaces was such a treat. The vines are not much to look at just now — we’ll have to return in late summer to really appreciate them. The winery has more than wine, they have an olive press and sell their own olive oil. The grounds were laced with a path we were encouraged to walk. It took us about an hour — with much stopping to appreciate things along the way, like this huge large-leaf maple tree. And yes, the sign talks about the tree and includes an admonishment not to climb it. I wish they had indicated when it was planted.

Here is a close up of another large-leaf maple in bloom. I love the long cascade of blooms.

Much of the path was layered with hazelnut shells, a big product of Oregon.

The owners of the winery also have a small herd of sheep. And what a perfect time of year to see them!

The babies were bounding everywhere, quite oblivious to us. We lingered quite a while here to enjoy them.

As we circled back toward the nursery and main buildings, we passed by some of the olive orchard.

We visited the gift shop which was open for light retail therapy. Keeping safe distancing was easy since we were the only folks in the shop. They were not pouring wine, of course. We were the only people perched on one of their large patios enjoying a fabulous view.

On the way home we stopped at Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm. Under normal circumstances, their annual festival would be in full swing. We were thrilled to know that the grounds were available to drive through (a well-marked, one-way route) and the gift shop was open with plenty of bunches of breath-taking tulips.

Tulips of every imaginable size and color

as far as the eye could see!

I scooped up 5 10-stem bunches of the flowers for $20 and shared them with friends on our floor. Here are some I kept for us to enjoy.

With all the restrictions we are living with now, it is nice to know that a drive in the country is still quite possible. It was so renewing.

What are you doing to refresh yourself during these days of confinement?

Be strong. Be patient. Be kind.