San Francisco, Napa and Sonoma Valley California
May 2008 and May 2009

The photographs on the following pages illustrate the beauty and excitement of San Francisco, Napa and Sonoma Valley. The bustling city and romantic wine country serve as the perfect vacation destination and it is easy to understand why so many people are happy to call California home.

San Francisco

A trip to San Francisco is not complete without a scenic drive across the Golden Gate bridge and through the Marin Headlands or across the bay to Tiburon or Berkeley. Take a break from the city in the picturesque gardens of Golden Gate park or the Redwood forest at Muir Woods National Monument. For panoramic views of the city, climb Telegraph Hill, hop on the Powell-Hyde cable car line to Fisherman's Wharf, drive slowly down the sharp curves on Lombard Street or visit the "Painted Ladies" along Alamo Square. Dine at world-class restaurants such as Yank Sing and enjoy hot, legendary Irish coffee and brunch at the Buena Vista then experience the arts by attending a performance at the historic War Memorial Opera House, located across the street from the City Hall, or the Orpheum Theater.

Crossing the Golden Gate and continuing North to wine country offers a new realm of possibilities which are reflected in photographs beginning on page 67.

All photographs were taken manually with a Nikon D70S digital SLR, 18-200 mm, 70-300 mm and 10.5 mm (fisheye) lenses.

Heather Wendling
heatherwendling.com