The End of the Trip

Before I hit the road I stopped at the gift shop at the Schulz Museum. I didn't know there was a gallery of sorts upstairs so I had a last-minute treat.


This statue had signs asking to please not touch. It was very tempting as it looked like it was covered in fruit roll-ups. I resisted and took some photos. I really want to know the materials used to color the statue.

It was a really nice weekend. I needed a chance to get away and just be by myself, with a lot of time to just explore. I was able to see many California sights I have never seen before.

Famous Faces

Jack London State Historic Park in Glen Ellen.


The Pig Palace at JLSHP.


There is a redwood "forest" in the park and a hill for a good hike.

There is a vineyard in the park.


State Historical Marker


The House of Happy Walls


The Wolf House. It was destoryed before Jack and his wife moved in. There were no items in the house and no one was injured. The house was never repaired.


Luther Burbank was a famous horticulturist who made many of his own flower hybrids.


The grounds are pretty, but as it was February most plants and flowers were not in bloom.

After a ten mile hike and a casual stroll, it was time to return to the hotel for my last evening in Wine Country.

Calistoga of Sarafornia

When Sam Brannan came to California to open a resort, he found a hot springs area in Napa County. At the dedication of the town, he was drunk from all of his wine tasting. Wanting to name the town "The Saratoga of California" he mixed his words and dedicated "The Calistoga of Sarafornia."


Old Faithful in Calistoga is one of only three regular erupting geysers in the world. On this morning the geyser was erupting about every ten to twenty minutes.

I'm glad I got to experience this wonder of nature.


Also in the area is the National Petrified Forest.


A sign explaining petrification.



A petrified bear?



There is a candy store in Calistoga that has delicious fudge and the best variety of taffy I have ever seen. I would have purchased a big variety bag but there were many flavors I wouldn't want to try like black licorice, maple, buttered popcorn, and jalapeno. The flavors I did try, like chocolate, peanut butter, coffee, and watermelon were fabulous.


Sam Brannan's cottage





After a long day of hiking, walking, driving and adventuring, it was time to return to the hotel. I sipped a bottle of White Zinfandel and watched a movie. I had to relax before my next adventure in the morning.

A Weekend in Wine Country

Over the weekend I visited the Napa-Sonoma area for a winter break.


My first stop was at the Charles Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa. There are many items on display. In addition to the comics, there are statues, classic toys, hockey jerseys and scrapbooks in a rest area.



In the courtyard are character statues and a hologram birdbath. It's a nice place to people watch.


Charlie Brown and Snoopy can be found all over Santa Rosa.


At the Schulz Museum is the Redwood Empire Ice Arena, also known as Snoopy's home ice.


Skaters can warm up in the Warm Puppy Cafe. There are some delicious hot drinks, including the popular Peppermint Patty. It's a hot chocolate with mint, topped with whipped cream and peppermint sprinkles. It was really good.


I brought my skates with me, knowing I would hit the ice.


I certainly had my fill of Peanuts. After a night of skating and a day of exploring Santa Rosa, it was time to chill at the hotel. The next day would be abother one for exploring.