Golden Gate

 My fabulous time in Wine Country was coming to an end, and I had a birthday celebration to attend. 

It was a perfect day to drive across the bridge, as it wasn’t hidden in Karla the Fog. 

Traffic was light, too. 

This is a sight that never gets old. 

One day I hope to drive across in a convertible. 

Everyone should have a chance to visit this bridge in person. 

Caalistoga's Old Faithful, Part Three

 There is an onsite geology museum which has people connected to Calistoga, along with theories about geysers, and the possible connections with earthquakes.

Up here in Northern California, we are very familiar with seismographs, as they measure tectonic plate movement - popularly known as earthquakes.

Calistoga has quite the history, in part due to Sam Brannan and his vision. Due to much of his wine consumption while visiting the region, it is how this place got its name.

 I wanted to see Old Faithful erupt one more time before leaving.

This is a great place to spend a day. Just try to plan after the northern part of the state has had a very rainy season.

Calistoga's Old Faithful, Part Two

 One of the many activities at the park includes picnicking. Bring your own food - and wine!!! - and enjoy the day.

There are benches, tables, comfy chairs, and lawn space for setting up your lunch and snack space. They even have a kitchen in the gift shop where you can borrow picnic supplies, such as plates, utensils, wine openers...

There is a barnyard enclosure with animals.

They have goats, sheep, alpacas, and horses.

There is animal feed available for purchase in the gift shop. The animals love to be fed, and it gives you a chance to pet them.

Be careful of that orange one - he loves to bogart the food.

There are a lot of photo spots here, plus activities such as cornhole and provided hula hoops.

Calistoga's Old Faithful, Part One

 I last tried to visit this geyser two years ago.

Due to the tragic droughts of California, there were very few eruptions.

But since the several atmospheric rivers that soaked California over the last two seasons brought the state out of the drought, witnessing a spouting was a guarantee.

Calistoga is also part of Wine Country, so of course much of their decor involves wine bottles.

A carved bear. I love it!

Wine barrels also added to the decor of the attraction.

Is this bench comfy enough for an afternoon nap?

I want one of these racks for home!

And there it is! One of only three active geysers in the world. Will it blow? When?

I waited...

And within minutes of my arrival, it activated!

I envisioned myself, cartoon-like, sitting on top of the spray and riding the wave.

With the palm trees in the background, this felt very "California" to me.