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Plan a Visit to Old Faithful Geyser of California<br />
by Alexandra Charsley<br />
“Isn’t Old Faithful in Yellowstone?” That’s what<br />
my husband asked when I told him we were going<br />
for a visit! I was surprised to learn that there are<br />
actually three “Old Faithful” geysers in the world<br />
with one being right here in Napa Valley. The term<br />
“Old Faithful” refers to geysers that erupt on<br />
regular intervals. Water for the Old Faithful<br />
Geyser of California comes from an underground<br />
river. When this water flows over the hot molten<br />
magma deep in the earth, it boils and expands and<br />
is collected in large cavities. Under tremendous<br />
pressure from the heat, the superheated water is forced through the<br />
fractures and erupts with an outpouring of steam followed by hot<br />
spewing water.<br />
Palm trees and thick bamboo surrounds the geyser and makes for<br />
a relaxing setting. There are picnic tables with umbrellas and a<br />
covered seating area with excellent views of the geyser. The gift shop<br />
stocks ice cream bars, chips, and a variety of drinks to hold you over<br />
while you wait but since we are in wine country and there’s no limit<br />
on what you can bring in, why not stop off at one of the wonderful<br />
wineries along the way and pick up a gourmet<br />
lunch and a bottle of bubbly?<br />
When you go, their staff will tell you how often<br />
to expect Old Faithful to blow. The day we went it<br />
was every five to ten minutes but could take up to<br />
30 to 40 minutes before you see the eruption of<br />
steam and scalding water spraying up to 60 feet in<br />
the air. While you anticipate the next showing,<br />
check out the other on-site attractions.<br />
Wishing wells that were once used as hot<br />
mineral therapy pools remain on the grounds and<br />
contain some interesting facts. They have an informative<br />
exhibit area on geyser eruptions and earthquake<br />
predictions and also a brief history of the town of Calistoga. A<br />
short walk away you will find their petting zoo featuring the<br />
Tennessee Fainting Goats, Jacob’s Four Horn Sheep and Guard<br />
Llamas.<br />
Old Faithful Geyser of California is a great way to spend an afternoon<br />
in wine country and their gift shop is full of Old Faithful and<br />
Napa Valley themed souvenirs. They are open daily year round from<br />
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for seniors, $3 for<br />
kids ages six to 12 and children under age six are free.<br />
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