Submitted by: Gary Pieroni

The first November drive was a delightful mix of history, architecture, wine studies, eating, and scenic driving through the East Bay regional hills and the Alhambra Valley.  The event attracted a record-breaking number of attendees for a First Sunday Drive!  We gathered on a sunny Sunday morning at Peet’s Coffee in Orinda before starting our engines to pursue a scenic drive along Bear Creek Road to Alhambra Valley Road.  Bear Creek Road is a broad two-lane road that undulates through the relaxing hills with wide turns.  Our first stop was at the historic John Muir house. The US Park Service were our hosts and they began our tour by showing us an interesting video that summarized John Muir’s life and his monumental efforts to protect the nation’s vast natural environmental treasures.  His efforts were instrumental in the creation of the national park system. After the video, we toured Muir’s impressive family Victorian home where he wrote and raised his family. The home was staged with many of his papers and family portraits and period furniture.  The highlight of the tour was seeing his home office with his papers scattered and piled on the floor, wondering what he thought about when writing at his desk facing the window overlooking the valley below.  The volunteers were very knowledgeable about the history of the home, the orchards and ranching activity in the 1800’s in Martinez, and the life and political activities of John Muir.  The group was totally into the experience because it was hard to move people onwards to go to the lunch and stay on schedule.  Lunch was a short three miles away at Troy’s Greek Restaurant in historic downtown Martinez.  We filled half the restaurant and engaged in much friendly socializing.  After lunch, we traveled a few miles back into the Alhambra Valley to go wine tasting at William Welch Winery.  The historic family adobe and winery is still owned by a decedent of the Welch family, who graciously hosted us to sample their incredible wines.  The day ended around 5:00 PM after a day well spent.