Mobile Passport

Having just got back from an international trip I was reminded that I need to say something about an app offered by the US Government that will make entry into the US a lot easier.

Mobile Passport is an application that you can download onto a mobile device that lets you enter the same information that you would have to do on a declaration worksheet or kiosk before entering the US. It is easy to download and use. The first time you use it it will ask for a passport number, name, etc. After the first time you don't have to enter it again. You also take a picture of yourself that is attached to your data. After the first time all you have to enter is the normal questions asked on the declaration sheet.

Once you are able to turn off airplane mode and access the internet you submit your declaration. Now for the good part. When you enter the immigration area there will be special lines for Mobile Passport users. On this trip entering in SFO there was no line for me where the normal line was backed up. I breezed through and was on my way to the baggage area.

The app is free and will save you a lot of time.

F1 Season Starts This Week

Well, here we go again. The start of the F1 season is upon us with the Australian Grand Prix this weekend in Melbourne. Last year I was able to attend and have a lot of great memories.

Wine Country Get-Away

Chateau St Jean

This week we did a mid-week get-away to the Napa and Sonoma wine country.  Our son lives in Napa and it was a great opportunity to see him and enjoy the experience so special to this area. I also belong to a few wine clubs and I was able to pick up my wine in person.

We went with our good friends Sue and Mark who we like to travel with.

For the wineries we started at Chateau St Jean @chateaustjean in Sonoma County to pick up wine and do a little tasting. The winery has a large tasting room and gift shop where you can taste inside or if the weather is nice sit outside. The grounds are beautiful and has the feel like you are in Europe. They also have a nice picnic area. There is also a tasting room in the mansion that is more intimate. We tasted there and sat by the fireplace while we enjoyed their wine and a tray of cheese. Mid-week you should be able to taste in the mansion but on weekends the main tasting room may be your only choice as the crowds are larger.

Domaine Carneros

Domaine Carneros @domainecarneros which is on highway 12 between Napa and Sonoma. The winery is on a small hill and looks like a French Chateau. There we picked up my sparkling wine and also did a tasting. The grounds there are also beautiful. When the weather permits sit outside on the deck.

Tasting Room 24

Sue and Mark are big Packer fans so we also went to Tasting Room 24 @tastingroom24 which is owned by Charles Woodson who played for the Packers. This is a tasting room in Napa that also has sparkling wine and beer. The winery specializes in Cabernet. The tasting room is in an industrial area in southern Napa but off the main highway. The tasting room also has football gear related to his playing days from college to pro.

I want to highlight two places we dined at. First, for dinner we ate at Bistro Jeanty @bistrojeanty in Yountville. I have been there before and love this place. They serve not only the best tomato soup but the best soup I have ever had. I would go there just for the soup but the rest of the menu is awesome. Go hungry as you will get a lot of food. This is one of my favorite restaurants in the area.

Boon Fly Cafe

For breakfast we ate at the Boon Fly Cafe @boonfly. It is located on Highway 12 just west of Napa as you are heading toward Sonoma. The cafe is small so you may have to wait but it is worth it. I had the Eggs Benedict with a touch of jalapeno in the hollandaise sauce.  It's not hot but just enough to add a special taste to the sauce. They also have chicken and waffles and make their own donuts. For breakfast you can't go wrong. There is also a bar and we had Bloody Mary's with a strip of bacon in the drink.

Meritage

Overnight we stayed at the Meritage Resort and Spa @meritage. It is a large resort with many restaurants, bars, wine tasting rooms and even a bowling alley. They also have a very nice pool area. This is more than a hotel and if you are staying for a longer time this may be the place to stay. Across the street is a building with tasting rooms from different wineries.