Last night went to a party at a bar in Port Costa. Until last night, had no idea that this town existed in the bay area vicinity at all. As we were driving to Port Costa, was surprised at the numerous small towns just 30 miles north of SF. It is technically a short drive, minus the traffic... about 30-45 mins, but a world of difference. Port Costa is near Crockett and is located right on the Delta. 100 years ago, if you were sailing up to Sacramento on a steam ship up river, you would have seen it.

The bar was the only local watering hole but is infamous for tart drinks and serving over 200 types of beer. They even have Czech beer, which is impressive. The interior looks like one of those western bars, with huge lamps, from the gold mining era, large bar counter, and swinging doors, where you'd sorta expect someone like Clint Eastwood to walk in in his boots and spurs. The bathrooms, oh I have to mention the bathrooms! When you walk into the bathrooms, you see all the cubicles and no doors. And this city girl stood flabbergasted for about 30 seconds. There were no doors. I suppose this wouldn't reall be a problem for the men, but I kinda like my privacy when doing my own business... and I don't think I'm the only woman out there like that. Between a 30 minute ride home with a full bladder, or doing it without a door, I chose the latter. I don't think I ever prayed to pee quickly before until last night.

Outside the bar is a huge deck, where most people hung out smoking and enjoying the stars and view of the entire delta. The neat thing is that they even provide the blankets so you can actually sit outside during a regular bay area night (which, without a blanket, would certainly induce hypothermia). Apparently there is a steak barbeque this Sunday out on this deck, if weather permits. That, right now, sounds like a marvelous idea.

This bar, apparently is the place where my friend K and her now bf, M, had their first date. But we're not supposed to say it's their first date, because they were only hanging out... whatever! One hot saturday afternoon, they both drove out here, swam in the river and then hung out at the bar for the rest of the day. That, I suppose, was the beginning of an illustrious affair.

As great as this place was, I could not enjoy myself. I always have a certain anxiety attack that gets triggered by being in small towns. I feel trapped in them. Last night, I did not drive there as I was hoping to drink myself silly. When I got there, however, was struck by how tiny and inaccessible this town was. There is a winding 3-mile road you have to take in order to get here from the freeway. There are no buses, cabs and was not about to walk in the freezing cold to the 80. I watched the designated driver down 3 drinks and decided that even though I can't drive a stick, I was going to stay sober in case we got stuck here. Yes, I am ever the city girl. Middle of nowhere scares the shit out of me.

Some people, however, were excited about this quaint little town. About half the people in the party, were going to stay across the street at the local "hotel" which I am told used to be the brothel that serviced this bar. Yes, think Clint Eastwood getting a drink here and then walking across the street with his damsel for a good time. That's what this place was. Was invited to stay over, but decided I did not want to cramp into a room with another 6 people on a bed fit for 2. Could be interesting, but clean sheets and my own bed are much more tempting.

Maybe will come back here one of these days since hotel prices are $29 a night. For a gorgeous view and fantastic beer, might be a good idea. But I'll be certain to drive... so I can get out when I want.