When we are old and gray we will look back and remember these days. We were young once. We will remember how we ate and drank all night and watched the sunset over redwoods, and of tender moments 'neath the northern star. We thought nothing yet of the big picture.
It was all for Morgan's birthday. A big house in the middle of a redwood forest, in Guerneville, by the Russian River. T and I could manage two days while others could do the full five days. We drove up the coast, the long way, and met up with our housemate and his Swiss friend by coincidence. We saw zebras by Hearst Castle, pulled over immediately, sent a picture text, and found out we were all in the same area. We then saw elephant seals and the majesty that is McWay Falls together before splitting up again. I will remember that I almost hit a deer that seemed to come out of nowhere, feeling proud that my instincts are stronger than myself.
We woke up with the sunlight and hiked the local trails. Sabrina brought organic, farm fresh meats and eggs from the local farmers she knows near San Francisco. She runs an independent raw & organic cat food business called RAWR, so she has done her research where the best meats are concerned. Dan grilled everything. Some napped by the river while others swam.
We cooked well. And drank often.
On the second afternoon, Sabrina made the watermelon jalapeño margaritas.
watermelon jalapeño margaritas
inspired by boulder locovore
ingredients:
2 jalapeños
2 cups tequila
juice of 1 1/2 limes
4 cups watermelon puree
3 tablespoons maple syrup
margarita salt for rimming the glass
directions:
muddle the jalapeños in a shaker or pot
add the tequila, lime juice, watermelon puree, & honey and mix well
add ice & mix well
strain mixture into a pitcher. or not. we didn't do this and it was delicious.
rim each glass with margarita salt, add a cube or two of ice, and pour mixture into each glass
garnish with watermelon & lime