Here is a list of the questions and answers about Lockwood Ranch for your information. As I continue to get great questions about the ranch I will continue to post them with my answers here. - John Q: What kind of a place is Lockwood Ranch? A: The ranch is a beautiful place! (see "Photos") And our sunsets are uniquely awesome. The property is forty (40) acres in size, with a fifteen (15) acre commercial walnut orchard and small berry farm (we are planning our first vineyard block). Yes, this is a "working ranch. We don't yet have horses or cattle, but most all of our neighbors do! We get to "watch" them without having to "feed" and care for them (a real treat)! Roosters at a neighboring farm "crow" in the morning. The area is reminiscent of Early California and the first inland mission is just twelve miles away (see "Mission San Antonio" in "Links") The area is still mostly cattle and horse ranches, with several new vineyards in recent years. The air is remarkably clean, and the water pure. And it can be so very quiet that you can hear the leaves gently rustle when the wind blows. You should see the stars at night! You don't need 4WD. The roads are paved all the way to the ranch, and my entry road is graded with hard packed "DG". When you arrive, come through our white pipe fence entry gate, drive up our sycamore and redwood lined entry road over our first hill, and looking south, you will see our ranch compound at Southpointe, which itself is several acres, the level top of a knoll over looking the walnut orchard, and seasonal lake to the south (see "Photos"). Q. How is the weather? A: As for weather, summer days are hot (85 to 105) and the evenings are cool (45 to 55). It cools off rapidly late each afternoon (around 5:30 P.M.), dropping about 50 degrees from the heat of day to the coolness of night (ideal vineyard country... quality wine grapes love the temperature spread!). It may be "breezy" if it is foggy at the coast (30 miles to the west). Breeze typically calms as the sun sets. Winters can be cold at night (25 to 35), but are lovely, clear and warm most all days (65-75). Please check our local "weather station" for "real-time" weather at: http://www.blackdiamondvineyard.com/weather/weather.htm Q: What should I wear, what should I bring? A: Summer I recommend wearing shorts and a short sleeve shirt, and of course, sunglasses and sunscreen. Do bring a sweatshirt or jacket, and jeans for the evening. Same for the winter. Tennis shoes and/or hiking boots for footwear. Running shoes if you wish to go for a jog (it is a mile around on the jogging trail around the ranch). And a swim suit in case we want to take the boat out on one of the nearby lakes. Make sure you fill up your gas tank before heading to Lockwood. Bring anything that you would want to eat, drink, or enjoy while at the ranch (although I keep the bunkhouse refrigerator well-stocked with beer, sodas, bottled water, and we have a nice wine cellar full of premium local wines). Q: What is with the gophers? A: The "gopher" thing is kind of a local joke. Everyone with country property suffers from gophers and squirrels, particularly if they have crops (I have 15 acres of walnuts, a 1/4 acre berry farm, and about 8 acres of landscaping). So... I am constantly "at war" with the gophers! Had major incursions this past spring, probably because all my new landscaping attracted more to the ranch. Over cocktails with friends in Paso Robles, many of whom have vineyards, and some of whom will be at the BBQ, we often compare stories about "gopher abatement" methods. Thus, I thought it would be fun to develop the "snarling" gopher mascot, and "No Gophers" logo for tee shirts, etc. Q: How far is the ranch from the South Bay. What is the approximate travel time? A:It takes about 1 hour 45 minutes under normal traffic conditions from the intersection of Highway 101 and Highway 85 south. So figure about 2 hours from Los Altos, maybe a bit more. Traffic southbound late Saturday afternoons is usually pretty free-flowing all the way through San Jose, Morgan Hill, Gilroy, Prunedale, and Salinas. From Salinas south, there is typically never much traffic, and it is a nice drive. The speed limit on Jolon Road (G14) is 55 MPH, and is fairly strictly enforced, particularly as you pass the base lands (Fort Hunter Liggett), as the MP's in training have nothing to do. Q: Do you have detailed maps to the ranch? A:We now have a map section on our web site so click on the link above and you can view and download the maps as Acrobat PDF's for yur printing pleasure. Q: Is the BBQ and and Gophher Hunt outdoors? A: The BBQ and party is all outdoors. If the wind comes up too strong, I will simply move and stack some hay bails as a wind break. Probably (hopefully) won't. We've had some lovely, calm, balmy evenings... Lockwood weather is "dry like Palm Springs (not humid). So even "hot" days are rather comfortable (I've worked outside up to 110 degrees without a problem). Q: Is there a bathroom nearby? A: Bathrooms are two (2) "Porta-Potty's" (mens, womens) like at an outdoor concert, but only mine are "clean" and fresh. Q: What type of guests are at your BBQ? A: Guests age ranges from late 30's to mid-60's, mostly 40's, but quite an even mix. Q: Is it true BBQ guests get a cool t-shirt? A: Everyone that shows up at the ranch for the BBQ gets a "Gopher Hunt & BBQ" tee shirt (if they want one!) And you don't have to "hunt" any gophers! Also, remind me to give you a jar or Boysenberry Jam (from the ranch) and walnuts. If the berries ripen in time, and if you get to the ranch a little early, you may even "pick your own" (berries, that is). Q: Where is a supermarket or liquor store nearby? A: There is a "country market" a couple of miles away, open 7 A.M. to 7 P.M. (the Lockwood Store). Q: Is there camping at Lockwood Ranch? A: For those that wish to stay the night, you are welcome to bring a tent, or whatever, (RV, etc.) and "camp out". I do have some extra electric and water hook-ups on the ranch. For those that may seek overnight "accommodations", check the "Lodging" page of the web site. Most rooms availability is currently (still) in King City (25 minutes to the north). The Hacienda is booked out for weekends through mid-October, as are many of Paso Robles' finer hotels and inns. |
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