Charles and Camilla head to northern California, and go all-out organic --

[DeepModem Mom]

....The prince and duchess are spending more than three days in California's Bay Area, as their weeklong U.S. tour shifts from the power centers of New York and Washington to remoter communities, and issues close to the prince's heart -- organic agriculture and sustainable food production.

The couple spent Saturday night at a luxurious rural lodge near Inverness, where officials said they enjoyed a "convivial" -- and organic -- dinner with leading figures from the food world, including winemaker Robert Mondavi and Eric Schlosser, the author of "Fast Food Nation," which assails the fast food industry.

On Saturday, the heir to the throne received a robust welcome in the staunchly environmentalist town of Point Reyes Station.

Several hundred people lined the tiny town's main street to greet the couple on a visit to an organic farmers' market. Some waved Union Jack and U.S. flags; others held signs protesting telephone masts and pesticides, placards declaring "War is not organic," and even a handwritten sign proclaiming "Charles for governor."

The prince is a firm supporter of environmentalist causes and runs an organic farm on his Highgrove estate in western England. He also has a multimillion dollar line of organic foods, Duchy Originals, whose profits go to charity.

The couple spent more than an hour touring Point Reyes' farmers' market, chatting with vendors and sampling some of the organic produce on offer....

CNN/AP: http://www.cnn.com/2005/US/11/06/royal.visit.ap/index.html

(Note: We lived in the UK for a while, and those Duchy cookies -- biscuits, as they're called there -- are good, especially the crispy lemon ones!)

[CatWoman]

1. they haven't gone back home yet?

[DeepModem Mom]

3. They went to a cool-sounding Episcopal church, and then...

were going to picnic, and paint the Bay area landscape. Sounds like it's turned into a more private holiday.

[TallahasseeGrannie]

2. Okay, I'll admit it

I kinda like them.

Sorry, I don't think it is a very democratic attitude.

But cut me a break; I'm old.

[DeepModem Mom]

4. TallahasseeGrannie, I saw your Lounge post...

and I don't want to do without you here. (Just had to say it.) You are wise -- and funny!

On edit: I alert every one of those religious-war posts in GD. I think they're divisive, don't belong in this forum, and should be in the Religion and Theology forum. They're allowed, but I try.

[TallahasseeGrannie]

5. I think I love you.

[DeepModem Mom]

6. Likewise!

:toast:

[Carla in Ca]

7. I'm glad to see they stopped in my state.

Diana's death was tragic but her two sons will always be a reminder of her life. Having said that, I wish Charles and Camilla all the happiness they deserve. Surely two people who love each other is better for the country than an arranged, loveless one.

[TallahasseeGrannie]

8. I would imagine he has paid

many times over for his bad decisions, and so has she.

It was a tragic comedy of errors. Worthy of Shakespeare.

[Carla in Ca]

11. Yes, I absolutely agree

I can't imagine having to sacrifice my happiness for the good of my country although many have done it throughout the ages. Charles did what was expected of him, unlike Edward in 1936.
Indeed, Shakespeare could write an excellent play about this, with a happy ending.

[Cha]

9. What a contrast between

New Orleans and the Organic Farm region of Northern Cal..but both issues close to Charles.

"On Monday, the couple planned to visit a Berkeley school organic garden sponsored by chef Alice Waters. The tour wraps up on Tuesday."

[Gormy Cuss]

10. They also stopped for a pint

In the saloon in Pt. Reyes Station, and Charles made friends with the saloon keep's ancient dog.

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2005/11/06/BAG4MFJPBM1.DTL

Note to visitors: It's often gray and foggy for part of the day, but Point Reyes National Seashore is a wonderful place.