Really do love the Yamhill AVA

A couple weeks ago, we decided the fall color warranted a trip into wine country. We headed west at first, but found the coast range was already putting many vineyards in the shade now that we've turned back the clocks and the days are shorter. We headed into unknown territory and ended up at Lemelson.

Unfortunately, the tasting room had already closed for the day, but they let us take some photos and made a recommendation for us.

They sent us over to Anne Amie, and indicated their tasting room would still be open. As we turned in the driveway, the sun was making the maples behind the grape leaves glow.

As we headed up the hill, we had a feeling there'd be pretty views.

We we not disappointed, although the sun went down too quickly!

The wine was good. The pinot blanc was too sweet for us, but the 2011 Winemaker's Selection pinot noir was very tasty, as was the 2011 syrah.

We took a couple tastings outside to catch the last rays of sun. Very pretty spot in the Yamhill AVA.

Playing with the new camera at Silver Falls State Park

So, I finally upgraded to my first digital SLR. The Nikon D3300. It is awesome. I'm still getting used to it, but its maiden outing was a pretty hike in the Willamette Valley.

This is Silver Falls State Park. You can actually walk behind this waterfall, which is very cool. There were lots of photographers out the day we went. AND a marathon in the park. It was still a splendid day.

Cute baby mushrooms growing inside a log. These were about half an inch tall at most. Adorable! We took a nice, leisurely hike, staying out until our tummies rumbled. 

On our way back north, we stopped for lunch in a little dive Mexican joint. Delicious! Hope we can find that place again! The fall colors were definitely peaking. Thank you, new camera, for getting me out into nature!