Sacramento Area Miata Owners Association
On a sunny Monday morning on October 18th, eleven Miatas including one driven by Katrina Reed from the Bay Area Miata club (BAMA), left the Arco station in Winters for a relaxed and sometimes spirited ride to see the Children’s Bell Tower in Bodega Bay. The ride was going to take a few hours, so a few stops were planned along the way.
After the twists and turns we experienced on Highways 128 and 121, a stop was in order in Napa for a quick bio-break and refreshments. Back on the road again through the wine country, we saw some of the most beautiful homes and vineyards that make Napa and Sonoma one of the finest wine producing areas in the world.
About an hour later in Petaluma, we ate our lunch made by Dandy Sandos Sandwich Shop. After good conversation and lunch, with our tops down, we continued on to Bodega Bay with the idea of another stop at Wild Flower Bread in Freestone. There, some of the group bought specialty breads and chocolate-raspberry scones for later.
Back on the road once again, we drove the last ten miles to the Children’s Bell Tower where we took some time to reflect on the history of the tower, and why it was erected. It is a memorial dedicated to seven year-old Bodega Bay resident, Nicholas Green. He was the victim of a botched highway robbery in Italy where his family was vacationing in 1994. His parents donated his organs to seven recipients in Italy. Their names are inscribed on the center bell which was blessed by Pope John Paul II. Another 140 bells donated by Italian schools, churches, ships and mines hang with it.
This was the end of the run for some, but the rest of us stayed in town overnight at the Bodega Harbor Inn to continue the next day. Overlooking the Bay, some of us had a little wine, crackers and great company.
After having dinner at the Boat House Restaurant, some of us went to a house that club members Rick and Delcy Thut happened to be renting at the same time we were there. We played a marathon game of Farkle, and had some pretty good laughs! For those of us who stayed overnight, we set out the next morning heading home, stopping at Duncan’s Mills for some shopping, and then a late breakfast at Northwood Golf Club.
Another beautiful ride! Thanks to all who attended, and making it such an enjoyable trip!
Bodega Bay Run
By Bob Castelli
