Around Napa Valley

Since Mom has a caregiver today it is time for us to get out of the way and let them get acquainted and begin some sort of routine. Since we got a late start, our first stop was The Rutherford Grill for lunch! Yes, we recently ate here but I was so hungry for a steak! After seeing the menu I could not resist the ribs after all and John had a burger. We shared the most delicious heirloom tomato and Buratta cheese salad for an appetizer. That salad was one of the best things I have eaten in a long time. Tony was such a good boy at the restaurant (we ate on the patio) even though another very large dog was there growling at him!

Heirloom Tomato & Buratta Cheese Salad

After lunch we took care of some business at the St. Helena Public Cemetery and drove on for a short visit through Bothe State Park. It has changed so much in the past many years but it was interesting to see again. There were several empty sites, I wonder if it is always that way? It is a very economical place to stay in this valley! We picked up a brochure and noted the warnings for poison oak! Further north we crossed the threshold into Calistoga and drove by the house where I lived when Deb was born. Just a few miles further north we arrived to Tubbs Lane, the turn off for Old Faithful Geyser. We paid our entrance fee ($12 reduced from $14 because John is a veteran) and eagerly awaited the next eruption that was to happen in about 30 minutes. We were told the eruptions have been lasting up to 20 minutes since the Napa/Yountville earthquake about a year ago. We were not disappointed! Even if the area is very commercialized it was still interesting to see. They have cabanas and picnic tables, you can bring your own picnic and your own wine in and enjoy. Your entrance is good for all day. There are things for children like a small petting zoo and they are working on some gardens as well. 

Calistoga Old Faithful Geyser

Next we drove back to Calistoga and through the middle of town to pick up the Silverado Trail for our journey back. We figured we would try some sparkling wine tasting at Mumm Winery. I know they used to have a patio and that would probably work with Tony along, and it did! We had a delicious snack and wine tasting, Tony was even given a doggie bone for a treat!

Wine Tasting at Mumm Winery

On the way back to Mom’s we drove through the grounds of the Veterans Home in Yountville since John had never been there. When I was growing up some one of my friend's father worked there and their family lived there. It was sad to see so many vacant buildings and homes. Why can’t our Veterans utilize this property? They could rebuild, restore, and live here. I think it would be healing for many of our Wounded Warriors? During our meandering visit we were startled to see at least 6 deer feeding among the trees. Of note, on subsequent visits we saw more than a dozen deer and even a fox!  It was a nice, relaxing day. We are really looking forward to The Wine Train tomorrow.

Deer – Yountville Veteran’s Home