Elizabeth Wilson — Record-Bee Staff
While the weather outside may be frightful, the worst of the winter storm that struck Northern California early in the week seems to be over. Meteorologists say the weather should be sunny and fairly clear through New Year”s day. Whether it rains or shines, there are many delightful things to do in Lake County to beat those post-holiday blues that may be creeping up on you.
Things to do to get over post-holiday blues:
n Get some birding under your belt while hiking
Boggs Mountain Demonstration State Forest off of Highway 175 on Cobb Mountain. Entrance to trail is 1.2 miles past Cobb when traveling north on Highway 175. Turn right at unmarked entrance a few yards past a blue sign “State Fire Station” and stop at the office for a map of trails and campgrounds.
Bureau of Land Management. Cache Creek and Cow Mountain. 468-4000.
Clear Lake State Park on Soda Bay Road in Kelseyville. 279-4293.
Institute for Man and Nature, call 987-2477 for information about hiking Goat Mountain.
Highland Springs Recreation Area 263-2341.
Middletown Trailside Nature Preserve 262-1618.
Rodman Park 262-1618.
Rodman”s Slough. Prime birding spot. Call Lake County Land Trust: 995-1398. In the past, the Audubon Society has hosted birding hikes at Rodman”s Slough on New Year”s Day, call 279-1242 for information.
n Wine tasting
Abbott Winery 987-0445
Brassfield Estate Winery 998-1895
Ceago Winery 274-1462
Monte Lago 510-599-LAGO
Ployez Winery 994-2106
Shannon Ridge 998-9656
Steele Wines 279-9475
Tulip Hill 274-9373
Wildhurst 279-4302
n Take in some lights
Take a drive around the county to take in the sights, and the lingering holiday lights. Check out pretty downtown decorations at night before they are taken down for the new year.
n Hike Mount Konocti
Guided tours with Top of Konocti Trails. Call 245-7322.
n Go for a ride on horseback
If you don”t have a horse, but you want to ride, here are some places to go: Rancho Del Ur 987-3157, Clear Lake Equine Enterprises 279-9388, Hidden Valley Lake Stables (Wilderness riding lessons) 987-4075.
n Dine out
Every town around the lake has a gem or two of a restaurant. Ask a local for the best picks.
n Visit a pretty place
This is proven to boost your mood, according to psychologists. Suggestions: sit by the fire in the lobby of the Tallman hotel 275-2244 and pretend you live there, visit the Lakeport English Inn for High Tea, the servers are in full Victorian costume 263-4317. Or watch the sunset over the lake.
n Soak in hot springs
Harbin Hot Springs 987-2477, also at Harbin: New Years Dance Festival, Dec. 27-Jan. 2.
n Take a look at the clear winter skies at night
Taylor Observatory Jan. 20 8-11p.m. lectures on the Solar System, a planetarium show and viewing through the observatory”s telescopes. $3 donation suggested. 279-8372.
n Go fish
As its name suggests, Lake County has ample lakes (18 bodies of water in total) and opportunities to try one”s hand at fishing. Try one of these fishing guide services:
Big George”s 279-9269
The Kind Connection 263-8856
Bass Guide Service 987-3734
Konocti Guide Service 279-0472
Clear Lake Guide Service 349-1427
Year Round Guide Service 279-4739
Bob Thein”s Fishing Guide Service 994-4886
Bassin” with Bob 274-0373
Get R Done Fishing Service 272-6640
