Girls Trip to Napa

Ah, Napa Valley! There is so much more than wine – but don’t get me wrong, I love the wineries. The expansive rows of vines stretching through the valley and up the mountains are a sight to see. The wineries themselves are quite impressive: the beautiful buildings and masterful landscaping adorn the valley. I enjoyed watching vineyard after vineyard as we drove through the valley. Linda and I had an extremely good time on our many adventures in Napa! But two experiences from the trip stick out in my mind.

Due to the weather, hot air balloon companies had been cancelling flights during our stay. Fortunately for us, we pre-booked the right day, the perfect day for the right wind, and we were able to go hot air ballooning. We floated through the air with dozens of colorful balloons. It was a perfect morning as the sun peaked over the mountains and the horizon was filled with other balloons.

Our second adventure was not as beautiful and peaceful, but equally as interesting. After diligent research, Linda booked us for an afternoon at a spa in Calistoga, in the northern part of the valley. Sorry there are no pictures as cameras were not allowed in the spa – hallelujah! A mud bath experience was ours to enjoy: we began the afternoon lounging naked in big vats of mud, only to get out looking like the Loc Ness monster, which then required a shower to scrub every nook and cranny where mud has settled! After our shower, we soaked in big tubs of aromatic laced hot water. The spa attendants kept cool cloths on our foreheads to keep us from overheating! Our next stop was the steam room, which was so hot they had created little square cut-outs in the wall so you could stick your head out for fresh air! We were then walked to relaxation beds where we laid down, covered up with warm blankets and listened to music. The treatment then ended with a massage. At least that’s what we were told – we slept through the whole message! We slithered out of the spa like two wet noodles, barely able to walk or talk! Yes! Another successful girl’s trip – taking care of our mind, body and spirit!