Springs, Hikes, Wines

 From lush coastal redwoods, we headed inland to much warmer temperatures, drier air, springs, hills and vineyards as we traveled between Ukiah and Calistoga. Our first destination was Vichy Springs, established in 1854, and the only naturally warm and carbonated Vichy mineral baths in North America. It is located on 700 acres of hiking hills and trails. 

This area was inhabited by the Pomo native Americans over 5000 years ago, though the springs are over 5 million years old. Like today, the Pomos used the springs for healing and health. The gold rush brought white settlers and businessmen. One purchased the springs from the current Mexican land owner (California was part of Mexico). From there a series of investors and property managers have run the springs. Local and international celebrities of the times have visited the springs including: The Bhiradelli family, Presidents Grant, Harrison and Teddy Roosevelt, Mark Twain, Jack London, Robert Louis Stevenson to today's Nancy Pelosi, Dustin Hoffman, James Coburn and even Sandy Koufax. And now, me and the Turk!

we stayed in one of the original buildings from 1860's.

turk enjoying borax soak

one of the finds on a  morning hike

Turk finds yet another old truck

hiking near the nearly dry creek. Drought conditions

rolling hills of Ukiah area

 

rolling hills of Ukiah area with madrone woodlands

    

of course we found wine! Testa winery in Calpella CA settled by Italian family 1912. Still family owned.

more wineries going south from Ukiah

made it to Calistoga: 'our' hotel!

We explored the Napa area a bit more than usual because we were doing only a few winery visits. We discovered the Bale Grist Mill State Park in St. Helena, featuring the mill built in 1846. It is fully operational and while we were there, squatting since the park wasnt officially open (state was still opening after Covid closures), a couple of park rangers showed up and started turning the wheel to check if all the gears were still operational - they were!

water runs from creek up to this channel

channel releases water over the wheel

the park actually grinds grain with this wheel, and sells it

We ended up at Mustards Grill for dinner one night, sitting outside in a lovely area next to their vegetable garden which make the Turk very happy. 

happy Turk near artichokes

hiking along Napa River

croissants from Model Bakery, Oxbow Public Mkt

Beautiful produce at Napa Farmers Market

tasting at Chimney Rock - our splurge!