We expected wineries but photo buddy Karen took us on a special tour of Napa and Napa Valley. We didn’t see the touristy Napa Valley as described here, taken from the Napa Valley website: “More than 400 wineries dot the fertile soils of Napa Valley, one of the world’s premier viticultural regions. But wine, as visitors quickly discover, is only the beginning. Lavish resorts and top-rated chefs work alongside the farmers who tend this land: the result is something understated and exceptional.”

We saw the real Napa Valley. During our day we saw Lake Solano Park, Monticello Dam, rolling green hills, mustard tucked in between rows of vineyards, livestock grazing, alpacas and where her husband’s family ranch used to be. And we visited Napa City towards the end of day for some fantastic lighting.

Let’s see, what did I learn? I discovered the difference between llamas and alpacas, and again took the ultra wide lens out for a spin. So take a look at the Napa we saw on our recent visit with Karen.

We started out at Lake Solano Park.

I loved the red buds floating on the water.

Cattails are a favorite of mine.

What is this goose trying to tell me?

The road around Monticello Dam.

The expressive mountain across from the dam.

I liked the folds in the rock.

Workers were putting up netting to keep rocks from falling onto the road.

A pasture for cows and alpaca.

Okay, the difference between an alpaca and llama is the ears. Alpacas have short ears, as pictured, and llamas have longer ones.

Rustic fencing.

Sunlight casting a shadow on the fencing.

Mustard plants brighten up the vineyards.

A tree canopy.

I love this tree. On Thursday, I’m going to learn how to take out the front windmill!

One of the three bridges in Napa.

A Napa shopping center.

Bikes in front of a store.

A street lamp and the setting sun.

The sun casts a glow on the city street.