09.21.06
From the issue 'Tis the Season
The Russian River Less Traveled
Redwoods. Pinots. Rope swings. Not a bad combination. Head up to Healdsburg for a different view in a different canoe. SOAR Russian River Adventures puts you and two friends—or a pal and a pooch—in an inflatable canoe for a slow ride down a solitary stretch of the Russian River ($49 a head, the dog costs $10). Lean back and let the current laze you past parts of the river most paddlers never see; or release your inner Tarzan at riverbank rope swings and swimming holes. The scenery is free, and so is the SOAR shuttle back to your car—wet mutt included.
TIP: Arrive in Healdsburg Saturday morning and pluck fresh picnic supplies at the Healdsburg Farmer's Market (try the Middleton Farm raspberries and Springhill Jersey cheese). One block west of the Plaza, open 9 a.m. till noon.
