Going back to Cali

Hello all, Once again the DF summer tour has begun. After a very short trip to Brazil and short stay back at the hizzy in good old Jacksonville, we headed out to California for a three week tour down the coast finishing up with a 72 hour trip to Lisbon, Portugal to play a festival. 

     Our first stop took us to the town of Petaluma. I love this little town. Petaluma reflects the good aspects of small town living with the benefits of being in close proximity of a major city. The town is full of Hippie cowboys. Just grab your boots and hat throw on that tie dye and head down to the five and dime/coffee shop. We spent a couple of days at the Best Western Petaluma and enjoyed the not so fresh continental breakfast. At least it was the right price. The show was at The Mystic Theater in downtown Petaluma. The Mystic has a great vibe and a friendly staff. 

    The following day, we packed into the Sprinter and drove up to McCloud for a private party for members of the William Hearst legacy. The party was poolside at the Wyntoon Mansion which happens to be nestled deep down in the forest of McCloud. This place is off limits to the general public and can only be accessed by a two path road guarded by big black bears and mosquitos. This Castle was left by Willie to be used exclusively for direct descendants of his blood line. The main house is something out of a mid-evil story book. Each room is filled with furnishings, artwork and personal items of William and his children. The property has a fast flowing spring-fed river flowing around the house. There are giant trees securing any ariel paparazzi from stealing some photos. The party was fun and turned into an in the pool party for most of the guest. The best part was Pete's rendition of "Baby's got Back" which was topped off by Donny's perfect 10 one and half off the diving board in his manties. 

     The late night party finished up at smaller mansions down the road in the actual town of McCloud that was also owned by Hearst. We arrived at the house late so we could not see the layout of our accommodations but when I awoke at 5:30 am for lobby call and made to order breakfast, I could not believe my eyes. It was as if I clicked my heels and appeared in 16 century Europe. That is when I realized this is how the other half lives. Once again our schedule never allows for much down time and the rule of thumb is if the gig is at an amazing spot, there is no time to enjoy. I do feel blessed to have the opportunity to visit this beautiful place that otherwise would be completely out of reach. Now on to another place....