Tom Huckaby writes:
VERY good point as well.  Very, very good point.  But sadly there is no river rafting.

I fondly remember those idylic days of slowly rafting down Zayante Creek into the San Lorenzo River when I was a young tyke. Perhaps not the river rafting many people think of, but damn those were good times.

Dan King

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away.
 --John Lennon

Garland:

I find it hard to believe that anyone would live by Pinot Noir or Sauvignon Blanc alone, particularly a visitor who has plenty of great quality such where he lives.

I'd also hold up Russian River Valley Pinots against those from Southern Oregon.  I'm no wine expert but I'd have to guess the area makes some quality SB also.

But no matter, the first point is more powerful.  If sampling wine overall is to be valued, then you'd have a very hard time convincing anyone of the worth of Southern Oregon over Napa/Sonoma.

What you need to prove your point is a river-rafting Pinot-only wine aficionado.  That person should LIVE in Southern Oregon, let alone visit there.

 

Ash

I've visited Monterey three times from Australia.  Your wife will enjoy Carmel, just make sure she has a very low limit credit card, or your golf could be very expensive. .  Yosemite is about a day's drive away, but you've probably seen that many glaciated valleys in the South Island that it won't have the same impact as for some of us.

If your flight times are similar to those from Oz, you will land in San Francisco first thing in the morning, before you left! (remember that date line thingy - my nephew forgot about this when he travelled, and had a hire car and hotel room booked for the next day ).  You will also have just 'enjoyed' a 13 hour flight.  I recall visiting Alcatraz on the first day in the afternoon, and my wife and I both falling asleep at 3pm in the theaterette.  Try to stay in the daylight - the jet lag and time delay will get you.

Because of this, I stroingly suggest you don't schedule the most important parts of your trip (eg the golf) on the very first day or two.  You will be going through the motions.

All the best with the plans

James B

Ash:

First choice is Monterey, but u should really try to do both plus play Pasatiepo, Olympic and/or SF Golf

Cary

While Huckster has certainly given you his opinions by now...  

As a thought, wife permitting, you can probably get three rounds on Pacific to one round on CPC.
It isn't really a 1 to 1 ratio when you are at the behest of others - although if lucky the "others" can make the trip even better.

Have fun deciding.  

I think you will find that Ash has decided that it's Monterey Peninsula.

Bob

For a golf only trip, Bandon.

Pat, I knew it must be too good to be true. Thanks for the first taste of the hollidays. Bob knows all the comings and goings in the Carmel area.

Thanks to everybody who has contributed.  The decision has been made very easy for me, especially when transport and off course issues are factored in, it has to be the Monterey Peninsula.  

Pete is right, you will not be disappointed.  You are in for quite a treat.

Now.. the waiting is the hardest part.

Tim Bert,

With respect, if you could play CPC, two rounds at MPCC and a round at Spyglass for $245.00 how on earth could you recommend Bandon Dunes?

Bob

I'd go with Monterey just to have dinner at the Whaling Station . Monterey is a wonderful place to spend a week relaxing with friends, golfing, and dining out. With that said, Bandon is a pretty awesome time too, but the steak is not as good.