I have a bucket list of trips and adventures I'd like to take. Often they are added to the list by recommendations from friends and take special circumstances to materialize. The Blue Ridge Trail at Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve is just one of those trips.

Although it's relatively close to where we live, without a car it's difficult to make it up to the reserve but everything fell into place when our family was in town and I thought it would be great to get out in nature and take in some of the local vistas. 

We started the day off right at the Davis Farmer's market picking up crucial items like cheese, beets and some fresh apple cider that was a godsend when all four of us neglected to bring water along with us for the hike.

Then we headed to Putah Creek Cafe in Winters, CA. Folks at work swear by it almost as if it exudes magical food powers and it's been featured on the Food Network's Diners and Dives. It had to be good.