The last big road trip

 

 

Looking back at the blog this morning, I could hardly believe the last time we were in the Napa Valley was September 2016. Ten years ago, is that possible? 

In fact, that was also our last big road trip (I don't count going back and forth to Twisp.) John was still working and what a fun vacation we had, with overnights on the Oregon coast and California redwoods.

We even stopped to see friends and family along the way.

 My niece and nephew, April and Jordan, cooking up a gourmet meal in Medford.

And friends Bill and Estelle in Portland. Sadly, Bill is no longer with us, but what happy memories.

The Napa Valley was our go-to spot in California for years, and part of the charm was Calistoga stayed pretty much the same through the decades. 

Big changes came with the pandemic, and the family run Dr. Wilkinson's Hot Springs Motel was sold and converted into more of a luxury resort. We really have no intention of going back. It would be painful to spend $600 on a gussied up room we once got for $80! (We're trying a different old spa motel this time called Golden Haven.)

Anyway, we will soon see how much the town has changed. Good news, some of our favorite restaurants are still here, just three times more expensive ha! 

And the familiar sights to check out again, like The Old Faithful Geyser on the outskirts of town. 

And the wonderful petrified forest...

 

Not to mention, the many beautiful wineries. We are only staying four nights so no road trip this time, we're flying non-stop in and out of Santa Rosa, about 30 miles from Calistoga. We're looking forward to doing things both familiar and new.