At 12.6 miles, the walk meandered through vineyards where the Santa Lucia mountains are host to some 50 estate wineries. Although some vineyards were in full swing of harvest, others were still waiting a few days on account of their buyers. A name I had come across quite frequently is "Andy Boy," apparently the name associated with one of the largest growers here in the Salinas Valley, the D'Arrigo Bros. Co. Their history is fascinating--well worth one's time. The D'Arrigos have grown the cactus pears for quite some time, and interestingly, a nice volunteer at the mission (Kristen sp?) who gave me a ride from the mission to the motel in Soledad has an interesting connection. Her grandparents are the land owners where the cactus grow--probably hundreds of acres. It was remarkable to see row after row after row of cactus sprouting their prickly pears.
Mission Soledad, 13th to be established by 1791, was staffed by four lovely lady volunteers who knew about Steph, Ron Briery and his book that I've used for my routing, as well as the horsemen ahead of me. See the pics below of the mission and today's highlights.
