No, we’re not staying in Talladega. But both Calistoga and Talladega have the same playful ring. I want to keep uttering them in different accents. Mr. Osh - can you hear me? Calistoga is like the lovechild of New Hampshire and Tuscany with a smattering of palm trees. Odd, but it works?
We’re staying at the Calistoga Spa Hot Springs. Charlie’s piggy nose dug this gem out of the bunch. Our hotel has all the elements of a perfect 2 night stay: multiple steaming pools right outside our door, nearby markets and restaurants of epic proportion (French Laundry is just down the road if that says anything..), picturesque landscapes and tons of things to do and see.
April is the time to visit this region. The hills are busting with green. The roads are empty and the air has a sweet freshness. Only set back...yeesh the wine is $!
Wakey wakey. Open the door and here's the view. A dip in these steamy pools launched us into Wednesday.
Our first stop was Chateau.Montelena. Remember the movie 'Bottle Shock'? Charlie and I swept through an insanely tasty flight of wines, while Sophia tugged on my arm asking (in a very loud voice) 'when can I drink the wine mummy?'.
Matching Montelena markings.
Just driving along...
Alf hitchhiking, again.
Flower sniffing is one of Sophia's full time occupations.