We're equal opportunity adventurists. We're not too shy to admit we like a good wine tasting from time to time. We've also shown that we find that visiting a variety of places of worship is a good "investment" in our future, if you catch our drift. And both lift our spirits.

San Diego's back country is carpeted by thick vegetation known as chapparal and coastal sage scrub which is easily spotted by the low densely-growing shrubs. Driving out and about this stuff, some might find it un-interesting. Okay. That's pretty politically correct. Some might find it down right boring. After all, absent from the landscape are amber waves of grain, purple mountain majesties and even fruited plains. Though you might not be able to see the forest through the trees, you will make discoveries amidst the shrubs. You just gotta look for 'em.

If you're looking for a San Diego day trip, you might check out Highway 79. Highway 79 winds around through some of the rural areas of San Diego County. If you head to the Chihuahua Valley, you'll find something to bark about. The Chihuahua Valley is about 1-1/2 hours north of San Diego. It came into being around the 1880s when a "vaquero," or a wrangler from Chihuahua, Mexico came north with his herds. He was nicknamed "Chihuahua" and called what is now, Warner Springs, his home. "Chihuahua" marked his terriority and it has retained his name. For the next ten years, settlers and miners came to the area. The rush was on to find gold and folks came a-lookin' for their fortune until well into the 1930s. It never became a sprawling metropolis and still is very sparsely populated. Sparsely might still be an understatement. If there are 1,000 people living out there, that might be closer to an accurate population count. The good folk who live in those parts live out there for a reason. They don't want to be counted.

The land remains wide open. It does make for a great laboratory and a perfect environment for San Diego State University to set up shop for biological studies. To that end, the Sky Oaks Field Station has been in existence since 1980.

There's more history to the area, but we'll keep it short and simple.

As you drive along Highway 79, you just might think that you can't take any more coastal sage. Once the dust settles onto the hood of your previously nice clean car, you can find more to explore out on Chihuahua Valley Road. There are three wineries you can visit along Highway 79 and Chihuahua Valley Road.

NOTE: Be mindful of the motorcycles that might be nipping at your heels.

Two wineries have tasting rooms for you to enjoy. We had a splendid time at Hawk Watch Winery. This property is up on a hill with great breezes blowing and the sparkling sun glistens over the vineyards. Pack a picnic, buy some local wine and park yourself at one of their picnic tables. You're invited to just relax and enjoy being away from it all. It's so quiet you'll be able to hear the wind blow by.

The owner of Hawk Watch Winery works in the Temecula Wine Country honing his wine making skills while growing his own independent winery and nurturing his passion for the grape. Mike and Lisa Schnell greet their visitors and are proud to have you taste their wines.

We heard through the grapevine that there was something else out there in the middle of nowhere to check out.

From Hawk Watch Winery follow Chihuahua Valley Road (to the right) about six (6) more miles. On the left side of the road you'll see the unusual sight. There along the roadside is a gated property with the gates flung open. It looks desolate. It looks like a ghost town. Drive in and you'll get what driving and exploring is all about. There stands the Lieu Quan Meditation Center. While the center has been active since 1981, it has had some hefty additions as the years have gone by. You know you have arrived when you see the huge Buddha and iconic Asian sculptures dotting this remote property.

You may wince and think that this "Tip" is not for you. It may not be, Grasshopper. However, you should still check it out. As in true Buddhist practice, you'll find you have more questions than answers as you look around the property.

The practice of Buddhism affirms that there are things in life that give joy. Whew. Wine certainly brings joy to many people. Buddhists merely believe that all things that bring joy are are transitory in nature and ultimately we go on without them. We say, if your wine glass is half-empty, this is a way to fill 'em up again.

Whether you believe Buddhist principles or not is inconsequential to us. What we believe is that exploring is a joy that should be a constant in all of our lives.

Hawk Watch Winery
27054 Chihuahua Valley Rd.
Warner Springs, CA 92086
(951) 326-4692
Tasting room hours
Saturday & Sunday only
10:00am - 5:00pm

Directions from Hawk Watch Winery to Lieu Quan Mediation Center:
Map

Shadow Mountain Vineyards and Winery
Open Wednesday through Sunday
(10 a.m. - 5 p.m.), most holidays.
(760) 782-0778
34680 Highway 79

Orrin Vineyards & Winery
(No tasting room, but call for a tour!)
35288 Highway 79, Warner Springs, CA 92086
760.782.0480
von@orrinvineyards.com

Other wineries

(Call and check if they have a tasting room.)