Templeton Feed and Grain Silhouette at Sundown

Last week while I was driving the back roads of Templeton, the sun started to go down. I happened to be trying to get a photo of some uncooperative quail while parked near a farm east of the river. I never got that photo because the birds would disappear the minute they detected I was near. I did, however, get several views of the sky. I liked this silhouette of the Feed and Grain Store from the side not often seen. The Templeton Feed and Grain Store is the building that towers over all the rest on Main Street, and what usually comes to mind first when I think of Templeton landmarks.

This photo shows the view most people see of the Feed and Grain Store during the daytime on Main Street.

 Canvas Wrap:Templeton Feed and Grain Sillouette Postcard Templeton Feed and Grain Store

The Survivor Tree in the Vineyard

I took the scenic route from Paso Robles to Templeton today so I could photograph the spring vineyards in their green outfits. The route I took from Paso Robles was from South Vine north on Kiler Canyon and then a left on Arbor Road where they intersect. This route leads through a rural residential area, past vineyards and wooded areas, and finally ends on Highway 46 West beside Summerwood. This spot is just north of the Summerwood tasting room. For that reason, I believe these vineyards are part of Summerwood. I don't see any other tasting room on this side of Live Oak Road, but I suppose someone else might own some of these acres.

I see there is some new construction going on near the large tree. Unfortunately, I've no idea yet what they are building there. Part of me hates to see buildings going up in the middle of acres of grape vines, but I can see why someone might want to live there or build an outbuilding related to the vineyard business.

If you click to enlarge the photo to full size, you will better see the tree that interests me most -- the little one on the horizon. I've been watching it for years. What used to be half of it is missing. I call it the survivor tree. I made this key chain long ago, as it looked when I  first noticed it, to honor its will to keep growing, even though part of it is gone. If you look closely at the key chain and compare it to the photo,  you can see this little tree is making some progress as new leaves cover the what's left of the lost branch. The key chain is a bit more dramatic because I took the photo it's made from on a stormy day just after a rain, at dusk.

 Keychain-Oak Tree, I'm a survivor!

A Walk Down Dover Canyon Road from Vineyard Drive

Dover Canyon Road is one of my favorite walks. I normally park by the cemetery on the corner of Dover Canyon Road and Vineyard Drive and walk to the bridge. That is one mile one way with a climb of 113 feet. The walk begins at the Willow Creek Cemetery. When you get past the cemetery, the road looks like this if there has been rain recently. If not, this part of the walk may be hot and dusty and the meadows brown.


The day I took these photos was March 28, 2011, and it was a year we had rainfall and there was water in the creek running along the road. You can enlarge any photo by clicking it.

Eventually the road curves and takes you into a more forested region where you will find more shade in summer.

This is where the trees begin to get really interesting. The Spanish moss on most of them can make you think you are in an enchanted forest. 

Finally after going through the forest and maybe past a horse farm, you will reach a small flat bridge. From it you can see the creek flowing through the forest. 

I have never gone past the bridge. The road does not go through. I believe it ends in private property. You can also find Dover Canyon Road going north off Highway 46 West. I have a friend that lives at that end, but the two parts of the road do not connect. This is a walk I really enjoy in the spring or winter when the weather is still cool and there is a chance the fields are green.

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A Castle on a Hill At Dusk

On my way home from Templeton to Paso Robles tonight, the sky was so beautiful and the field around the vineyards so green, I found a way to park and get some photos of those fields before they turn brown again.  I love the rural areas when they are so green. That only lasts as long as we get rain. This is usually the last month we get rain until fall or winter.

After I took the pictures here, I crossed the street to get some photos of the wineries. I want to share this one of Tooth and Nail Castle from a distance at dusk. When I'm at the castle or too close to it, I don't get the full effect of it being on top of the hill.

Tooth and Nail Winery used to be Eagle Castle, and although I have heard from some people that the wine wasn't much to rave about, the castle itself was something worth seeing. Not so much now. All the lovely antiques are gone, but you can still see them as they were in North San Luis Obispo County's Other Castle: A Pictorial Album. 

Jack Creek Road in West Templeton

One of my favorite walking routes is along Jack Creek Road in West Templeton. It runs from Highway 46 West over Jack Creek, past Jack Creek Cellars, and around the bend until in places it parallels Highway 46 West until it ends at Vineyard Drive to the east. As you enter from 46 West you will pass a forested area. If you click on the photo to enlarge it, you will actually see 46 west to the far right with trees on both sides.

I usually park near the entrance to the left along a frontage road. Then I walk across this bridge over Jack Creek. Sometimes it even has water in it.

You can already see that this walk will take you past some large oak trees. One of them is not too far along the road after you have crossed the bridge. It is draped with Spanish moss, as are many of our oak trees here

As you continue on your walk you will  soon pass Jack Creek Cellars and its vineyard and tasting room. Remember, you can click any photo to enlarge it.

Shortly after you pass the vineyards, the trees are farther apart and the road curves. You will then pass some fields and an occasional house. It is here you have the best view of the mountains on the other side of 46 West.


From here to Vineyard Drive there will not be much shade as the trees get more scarce by the road. The closer you get to Vineyard Drive, the more houses you will see. You know you will be getting into that section soon when you see these trees ahead. From a distance they look like one large tree, but this is what you see up close. We did this walk in late afternoon, so it appears my shadow left its mark.

Which part of the road do you like best?

An Unexpected Horse Encounter

I had no idea where I would go photo hunting today, since time was limited. I had to go to Templeton, so I decided to explore a road to its very end, just to see where it went. I almost couldn't get on it because the road entrance was blocked by a huge tow truck trying to get a stalled motorist back on the road. They recommended I just go over the low curb to get around them. So reluctantly, I did.

The road I had selected was Twelve Oaks Drive that goes past the Doce Robles winery, vineyards, and tasting room. I had often walked part of that road, but I never had seen where it ended. It actually wasn't as long as I thought it might be. It's curvy and goes through a grove of oaks and then crosses over a dry creek on a sort of bridge. As I was crossing the bridge, I look over the edge and saw this. You can click on the picture to make it bigger.

I zoomed in to get a closer view. I could tell it was a beautiful horse.

I was parked on the bridge and had gotten out of my car to snap the pictures. That's when I discovered this lovely horse had friends.  I had gotten back in the car, and when I looked out the window, I saw the group moving toward the bridge and my car. They seemed curious.

I would have loved to have stayed and watched them longer, but I was parked right on the bridge and there was nowhere to park on the side of the road. The road ended on private property almost as soon as I crossed the creek. I reluctantly headed for home. Fortunately the road was no longer blocked.

Have you had any surprises today?

 Jigsaw Puzzle of Brown Horse Grazing Playing Cards : Brown Horse in Los Alamos

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Exploring a Small County Road

Miner's Lettuce Growing in Tree Crevice

Today I stopped to explore a place I've always wanted to photograph. I just never knew where to park that was not on private property. On the way from Paso Robles to Templeton today I discovered there was a public road where I could park and walk in. Time was limited, but I still got some photos. What I was delighted to see was an abundance of Miner's Lettuce. It was even more fun seeing it grow in the tree.

In fact, there was Miner's Lettuce everywhere along the road. I took the liberty of picking some of it and taking it home for salad tomorrow, since it didn't look as though anyone would care. I've never tried eating it yet because I've never been able to find it where it was not growing next to poison oak.  As you can see, there is plenty of it here. It is supposed to be very tasty.

As I continued down the road, I found myself with forest on both sides. The road is called Ambush Trail, which I thought was interesting. It's supposed to lead up to a vineyard. I wanted to explore more, but I was pressed for time. I will go back the first chance I get. I want to find out if it connects with Twelve Oaks Drive at some point. I love exploring the roads less traveled.

For more information about Miner's Lettuce and other edible weeds, see

Foraging California: Finding, Identifying, And Preparing Edible Wild Foods In California (Foraging Series) by Christopher Nyerges. It's the best book I've seen on recognizing and preparing California wild foods. It has all my favorites. 

Horses, Grapes, and Olives on Union Road

When I was ready to take my photo walk today, I was irresistibly drawn back to the scenery we had passed on Union Road last night when we did not have time to stop.  So today I drove back in the mid-afternoon. It was a beautiful clear day, with just enough fluffy clouds to make the sky interesting.

I didn't have to drive far. Just after I passed Barney Schwartz Park, I found green hills, oak trees, olive orchards, and vineyards. You can click to enlarge any photo.

Below is a closer look at the olive orchard. The oak in the middle dwarfs them.

Right across the street from these scenes was the 7 Chips Quarter Horse Farm. These are the inhabitants I caught on camera. I think the small one is a donkey.

All of these scenes were observed within about a two block walk (except there were no blocks) from where my car was parked on the side of the road.

Photos from A Short Visit to Steinbeck Vineyards and Winery

Steinbeck Winery Exterior Photos

I normally only visit westside Paso Robles wineries, but tonight I went to the east side to attend a meeting at the Steinbeck tasting room which you see pictured here. This is the side view.

Side View of Steinbeck Tasting Room, © B. Radisavljevic

Since we arrived late to the meeting, I couldn't take any pictures until after the meeting ended, and by then the sun was beginning to go down. I took the photo below after the meeting was over and people were talking outside near the entrance afterward.

Entrance View  of Steinbeck Tasting Room, © B. Radisavljevic

Historical Artifacts Inside the Steinbeck Winery Tasting Room

I was surprised at how different this tasting room was from most others I've visited. The Steinbeck tasting room is almost like a historical museum inside. The walls are full of artifacts, old photos, musical instruments, paintings, and other items that are related to the history of the winery. Since the tasting room was officially closed, there was not enough time to linger and learn more about what I was seeing. I know I will go back as soon as I have time.

I do want to show you some of that interior in the photos below. First is the old wine press used by the Ernst Family from 1884-1950.

Old Wine Press in Steinbeck Tasting Room, © B. Radisavljevic

The next view of the interior was taken from the middle of the room with my back to the entrance. You will see Cindy Steinbeck on the right in the pink shirt, talking to someone who attended the meeting. The chairs were put up just for the meeting.  I thought I should let you see some of the wine on the far wall. There are cases of it for sale on the front left by the window.

Interior of Steinbeck Tasting Room, © B. Radisavljevic

This corner of the tasting room near the door had a display on the walls that almost reached the ceiling. I loved seeing all those old instruments hanging there. There are also historical plaques and photos that help explain them and the other things you see on the wall. If you are interested in the history of the wine industry in Paso Robles and in the pioneering families, a visit to Steinbeck Vineyards and  Winery is a must.

Historical Artifacts on Walls of Steinbeck Tasting Room, © B. Radisavljevic

The Vineyard

I did want to get some photos of the vineyard before I left, but it was dusk and there wasn't a lot of light left. I was, however, able to capture this shot.  I hope it reflects the peace I felt  when I stood looking at it as the sun went down.

Dusk at Steinbeck Vineyard. © B. Radisavljevic

The Vine Speaks, by Cindy Steinbeck

 The Vine Speaks
Before leaving, I bought a copy of Cindy Steinbeck's book, The Vine Speaks. I'm eager to see her insights into John 15 as one who truly understands both the life of grape vines, as well Christian life. Read more about Cindy's faith and ministry.  I will review this book as soon as I've had a chance to read it. If you'd also like to read it, just click on the book cover to get a copy. It comes in both a paperback and Kindle edition.

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Viticulture Is Not a Nine to Five Business, Nor Is It Always a Quiet One

My house is surrounded by vineyards. Sometimes when I'm trying to sleep I will hear tractors as early as 5 AM, sometimes even when it's still partly dark out. Other times, like last night, I will see or hear my neighbor's tractor at dusk. I was walking from an outbuilding when I heard the sound, and I liked the silhouette of the driver and the vines against the sky. So, of course, I snapped a picture or two. I liked this one best.

When you get down to the basics, with all the mystique surrounding wine, it still comes from grapes, and those grapes must be tended carefully by those who know them best. Some seasons are busier than others. Planting seems to go on in the dormant months. Then comes cultivating and pruning. Finally, in autumn, there is harvest. Harvest is a joyful time, but not a quiet one. See for yourself in Life in Wine Country During the Grape Harvest.  

Although wine country isn't always quiet, it's almost always beautiful. There's nowhere else I'd rather live.

Poster of Paso Robles Wine Country
Check out Prints & Posters online at Zazzle.com

Caliza: Where Anderson Road Road Ends

© Barbara Radisavljevic

I was short of time for my photo walk today so I decided to drive to the Caliza tasting room parking lot at the end of Anderson Road. The tasting room itself was already closed, but I was given permission to walk around and take pictures. The first one is as I approached it.

It was still a short walk to the entrance, and I was accompanied by birdsong. The shrubs were full of color and some of them were also very fragrant. I was distracted by a jackrabbit crossing the street in front of me, but before I could snap his photo, he had disappeared into the bushes.

I finally got to the entrance. I photographed it from a distance because I knew that otherwise I would be catching my reflection in the door.

Caliza Tasting Room, © Barbara Radisavljevic

There are a number of wonderful views if you continue to walk the road behind the tasting room. I shot way too many photos there to post here. There are rolling hills and trees that belong to an adjoining cattle ranch. There is a road on the other side of the fence that seems to lead there, but it is gated. You can see part of that road below. In the past the cattle were close enough to photograph, but not today.

You will notice a slope that meets the woods on the left side. That's where I was surprised to find my jackrabbit friend sitting stock still. I walked to the curve in the road and back, and after almost twenty minutes he hadn't moved. I give you his picture below.

You can get to Anderson Road from Highway 46 West. It has the entrances to many wineries, including the Tooth and Nail Winery and Tasting Room. It ends in the Caliza Parking lot. There are five tasting rooms you can get to in that one short road, and it makes a scenic walk from one end to the other.

A Windmill on My Mind

Windmill at Castoro Cellars Vineyard

I love the scenery to be found in the Bethel Road Vineyards in Templeton / Paso Robles. One special subject I like to photograph is this windmill in the vineyard at Castoro Winery. On February 28, the clouds promised rain. After dropping off someone at our Templeton house near the time for the sun to set, I headed straight to Bethel Road, hoping to shoot the windmill with the setting sun as a backdrop. Before I could get there, it began to rain.

Did I want to risk getting my camera wet to get this shot? It seemed the drops were farther apart, so I parked along the road and sheltered my camera, trying to protect all I could of it while not shooting straight into the sun. These were not the best shooting conditions, and this is the best I could do under the circumstances. I had hoped to have the windmill in the light, but it would not have worked while the sun was still so bright -- in spite of the rain. Here's a different view I took of this same windmill and put on a poster at Zazzle.

Castoro Cellars Windmill in Golden Sunset Poster
by cawinecountry

For contrast I offer this photo taken on June 23, 2013, during the day, while the vines were green and the sky was blue. This photo shows you more of the beauty of the vineyard itself. If you ever visit Templeton, you should pay a visit to Castoro Cellars. The windmill is just an introduction to a great experience.

© Barbara Radisavljevic

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