Mont Saint Michel

Just for the fun of it, I've been trying several kinds of virtual trips.  I miss being able to actually travel. A few days ago, I "went" to Mont Saint Michel with Context Travels Conversations.   It was the first time I tried that service, so I went on my own to see what it was like.  The program was supposed to be 90 minutes and it went over that, but it was OK because lots of useful information came up during the question and answer time.  The tour guide was Alexander Wilson.

The historical background was great.  The idea for a structure on the site began with Aubert the Bishop of Avronches in AD 708.  According to texts that have been preserved, he was visited three times in his dreams by the Archangel Michael who told him to build an oratory, or chapel.  He ignored the first two commands, but the Archangel poked a hole in his head the third time and so the Bishop obeyed. 

I won't go into all the details Mr. Wilson shared with us (about 65 participants by zoom) but, as the church became a pilgramage site, there was a need for a bigger structure.  The island is small, however, and very steep.  The solution was to build a sort of platform with the church on top.  It ended up as a three-storey structure, with common people using the lower floor, aristocrats on the middle floor, and the clergy on the top floor.  I think this was about the thirteenth century. 

During the French Revolution,  the monks were chased out and Mont Saint Michel became a prison.  The prison closed in 1863 and restoration didn't begin until 1874.  It was a huge project and restoration and research continues to this day.

Mr. Wilson took us through the main rooms of the cathedral as they are today.  My notes about that are not very good.  It is beautiful and I think I was taking in the visuals.  He then took us through the ramparts and village on the island.  He said very few people actually live there, though there are small inns and places to stay and many restaurants, including the most well-known;  La Mere Poularde where omelets are served. 

It was interesting, and worth the time and money, which is about $36 US dollars.  I think I like the longer, more intense virtual "trips" I've taken with Road Scholars.

Washington State Wine from Women Makers

Louisa, Chantel and I did another wine-tasting through Smithsonian Associates a week ago (March 5).  It was led by Eric Siegelbaum, who calls himself "SOMLYAY" and who also led the Northern California tasting last month.  This time, he focussed on women wine-makers in Washington State.  It was interesting to learn that the wine-growing region is very dry and dependent on irrigation.  The photo above shows the dry hills in the background of the vineyards.  Oh, I can't help mentioning that Eric had a great t-shirt "HERE FOR ALL THE RIGHT REISLINGS."

We again got the tasting wines in little bottles from Eastern Wine Bar, blocks from our houses, and  associated with Schneider's of Capitol Hill.  The wines were:

1. Sparkman Cellars "Birdie" Reisling, a Columbia Valley wine.  The winemaker is co-owner of the vineyards, Kelly Sparkman.  The grapes were ground by Lacy Lieback who grows over 21 varieties.  It arguably the best reisling I've tasted.  I usually avoid reisling because I think they are too sweet, but learned that there are dry reislings.

2.  Brook and Bull Cellars Chardonnay, also a Columbia Valley wine.  Ashley Trout is the winemaker.  I don't have further notes, but liked the wine.  I always like a chardonnay.

3.  Chateau St. Michelle, Cold Creek Vineyard, Cabernet Saugvignon also a Columbia Valley wine.  The winemaker is Leah Adint.  She has an interesting history and did graduate work in Austria.  I think this was an outstanding wine, very rich and robust.

4. Baer Winery "Ursa"  Another Columbia Valley wine.  Lisa Baer is the winemaker and Erica Orr is the consulting winemaker.   This wine is a blend of Merlot and  Cabernet Franc with Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec.  It was delicious.

5.  Cote Bonneville, Dubrul Vineyard Syrah.  This wine is from the Yakima Valley.  Kerry Shields is the winemaker and Kathy Shields is a co-owner.  The vineyard has been recognized as the best in Washington State.  This wine was rich and tasty.

6. Buty, "Rediviva of the Stones" is from the Walla Walla Valley: specifically, an area known as the "Rocks District of Milton-Freewater.  Nina Buty is the owner,  I have no more notes.  I'd had six glasses of wine by then.

It was fun.  Louisa and Chantel were at Louisa's house, but I was at mine.  I think Peter took a few sips, too, as he reported the Baer Winery wine was his favorite.