TO GUSH.

Calistoga, a destination of wine, water and wellness.

At the north of Napa Valley is a small historic town called Calistoga. Rumour has it that "Calistoga" is a cross between California and Saratoga, because Samuel Brannan who bought the place in the

1800's was planning on turning it into a resort like Saratoga in New York. Named a Distinctive Destination by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 2001, Calistoga enables a visitor to see wine country as it was before freeways and fast food - only two-lane roads lead there and fast food franchises are banned by law. Rich in history, rich in minerals, Calistoga is home of special water. This water is in the form off natural hot springs and sources beneath the surface. Calistoga Water Company figured that out in the 1920's and began bottling it. The healing waters have been attracting humans seeking health from early native american indians to the current well heeled traveler.



Geyser means to gush in Icelandic, home of the Haukadalur Geyser. Calistoga has a geyser. Well, the geyser has geyser like attributes and behavior. A geyser is a hot spring characterized by the intermittant discharge of water ejected turbulently and accomplished by a vapor phase. Rumor has it this geyser was the result of a man made drilling. Apparently, there are a lot of rumors about Calistoga. None the less, scientifically "Old Faithful" acts like a Geyser. Geysers are temporary geological features, the life span is at the most a few thousand years. So be sure to hurry.

Calistoga's Geyser is named "Old Faithful" because of its regularity (give or take 5-10 minutes). Apparently, if the regularity deviates, then an Earthquake is looming. This is the finding of Olga Kolbek who owns the Geyser and has been recording the geyser eruptions for twenty years. Women's intuition and as usual few scientists wanted to believe her, but Dr. Paul Silver of the Carnegie Institue validated her claims.

Geysers are generally found in areas of Volcanic activity, and Calistoga is rich in Volcanic Ash. Mix a little Volcuanic Ash, a little hot spring and voila, MUD BATH. Historically, the mud bath treatment has been used for centuries in Eastern and Western European spas as a way to relieve athritis. In Calistoga, currently, the typical mud bather is a seeker of the deep relaxation that the bath provides. The typical mud bath experience might include being immersed in a mud bath, followed by a relaxing natural hot springs mineral whirlpool bath, followed by a warming stint in a natural steam room, followed by a relaxing and restful blanket wrap. Most people follow up the mud bath routine with a therapeutic body massage. And then of course a night of fine wine.

In looking for the right spa for you, an important question is wether or not it is actually on or being fed by a natural mineral spring, unless you are ok with imported. In which case you may as well visit a spa anywhere and don't need to make the trip to Calistoga. Below is a list of Calistoga Mud Bath and Near By Mineral Hot Spring Fed Spas:

• Calistoga Golden Haven Hot Springs Spa & Resort, Napa Valley

Features: Warm Mineral Hot Springs Pool, Sundeck, Spa Treatments, Mud Baths.
Golden Haven Hot Springs, 1713 Lake St. Calistoga. 707-942-8000.
http://www.goldenhaven.com


• Indian Springs Spa + Resort

From their Website:
"For centuries, people have gravitated to this land and recognized its restorative powers. The Wapoo Indians settled here 8,000 years ago, bathing in the warm waters. The Spanish followed, naming the grounds Agua Caliente. Notable Californian Sam Brannan was an early promoter of the area and, in 1861, created the original spa, mud baths, and water plunge (now Olympic-size mineral pool)."
Features: Geyser Fed Mineral Pool, Volcanic Ash Mud Baths, California History. 1712 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga, California 94515
PHONE 707.942.4913
FAX 707.942.4919
Indian Springs Spa + Resort

Both of the above Calistoga Spas are wonderful. I personally prefer Indian Springs because I love California history, California early architecture, and antiques. Golden Haven is more modernized, but given the choice I would spend my time at the Indian Springs.
If you are more adventuresome, you might try Harbin Hot Springs or Wiblur Hot Springs, both of which are fed from springs, hot springs and natural mineral waters. These locations are clothing optional, alternative and restorative for the soul. I am not bashful, so I do enjoy the peaceful retreat. Both of them are very "private" places, not exclusive but private in terms of getting in touch with yourself.

• Harbin Hot Springs

A non-profit retreat and workshop center in the wine country north of San Francisco.
Harbin Hot Springs is simply a beautiful place to relax... over 1600 acres of privacy, surrounded by many more acres of undeveloped woodland. They claim to be the location in Lake County which features the cleanest air in California.

Large soaking pools let you enjoy spring waters as they come from Mother Earth... very hot, soothingly warm, or breathtakingly cold. Thanks to a state-of-the-art filtration system, even the large swimming pool contains absolutely no chlorine. Sprawling sun decks -- like the entire pool area -- welcome sunning, soaking and swimming with or without swimsuits. And on cooler days, enjoy the warmth of a steam room or dry sauna.

Harbin Hot Springs
www.harbin.org
18424 Harbin Springs Rd. ¥ Middletown, Ca. 95461
Information & Reservations: (707) 987-2477
California toll-free: 1-800-622-2477
Again, be prepared that the pools are clothing optional. People roam the 1600 acres, dine and enjoy the facilities in clothing. One added bonus is there are AA meetings on Tuesday nights. They call them "Any A" to include anyone of any 12 step program. Children are there, there is a children's pool, and it all works just fine. However it is a very quiet and meditative place for healing.


• Wilbur Hot Springs

Wilbur Hot Sprints Provided Me with a Media Kit which I found interesting, and I thought you might too. That is why there is more information here and why I should get a media kit. I have not ventured to Wilbur, but a girlfriend of mine and her whole family went there. (Father and Mother over 60, brothers and sisters, wives and husbands, nieces and nephews.) They all convened here in Northern California from all over and Wilbur was among their destinations. These are Republican (California Republican) parents and college educated people, slightly bohemian but not hippies. (Nothing wrong with hippies.) It is supposed to be wonderful.

LOCATION
Wilbur Hot Springs is a historic spa and resort in Wilbur Springs , Colusa County , California . Nestled in its own 1800-acre private nature preserve in Northern California's Coastal Range foothills, Wilbur is 22 miles west of Williams and 22 miles east of Clearlake. Accessible via main highways, the resort is just 2-1/2 hours northeast of San Francisco , or 1-1/2 hours north of the Sacramento Airport .

OVERVIEW
For centuries, the natural hot mineral springs now known as Wilbur Hot Springs have drawn those seeking their powerful healing properties. Since long before the days of the stagecoach, the mineral hot springs resort has been a source of respite, retreat, and rejuvenation for weary travelers. Throughout time, all those who have come here have left feeling better than when they arrived Ð having warmed the body, eased the heart and replenished the soul.
The spa at Wilbur Hot Springs is a true sanctuary for the self, where quietude is revered and conservation is a way of life. Owned since 1972 by Dr. Richard Louis Miller, Wilbur Hot Springs resort is a place where consideration and mutual respect reign, emphasizing a cooperative experience. General Managers Richard and Ezzie Davis have made Wilbur their home since 1988.
Most of Wilbur's guests are couples, friends or families who seek relaxation in a rustic, serene setting of beauty and peace Ð and who return to Wilbur again and again to find it.

ACCOMMODATIONS
Wilbur Hot Springs offers guests a selection of accommodations. Reflecting its turn -of-the-century origins, Wilbur's hotel offers 17 private guest rooms, each charming and unique. Some rooms feature queen-sized beds, while others offer extra beds for families or small groups. A spacious suite with a private bath and kitchen, and three optional adjoining bedrooms, is ideal for a larger family or group of friends. For those on a modest budget, there is a comfortable 11-bed Bunk Room. Reflecting the building's century-old beginnings, toilets are conveniently located, European-style, through the hotel. Private showers are adjacent to the Fluminarium.
In season, a few campsites are available for those who love to sleep under the stars.

DINING
Meals at Wilbur Hot Springs are unique. At most times, guests bring their own groceries and prepare their own food, creating the 'ballet of the kitchen' that most guests greatly enjoy. The professional kitchen is well equipped with cookware, utensils and dishes. Refrigerator, freezer and storage space are also provided. Guests dine in one of several dining areas, both inside and outside, weather permitting.
Periodically, the resort invites selected, well-known chefs for "Guest Chef Weekends" Ð a new program that has received rave reviews from guests who have attended. These weekends include five meals Ð Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast, lunch and dinner, and Sunday brunch Ð for an additional fee.

AMENITIES & SERVICES
Wilbur's greatest attribute is the natural hot mineral water. Sheltered by a Fluminarium, the water is channeled into three pools with average temperatures ranging from 98 - 109 degrees F. To further nourish guests' well being, there is a large, cool-water mineral pool, an outdoor hot mineral sitting pool, and a dry sauna. A sweeping deck connects these amenities, which overlooks Wilbur's Sulfur Creek and the surrounding mountains.
Wilbur offers complimentary yoga on weekends on the outdoor yoga deck, usually from April through October. Trained instructors offer various types of yoga and guests of all experience levels are welcome. In addition, Wilbur offers massage treatments year-round for a fee. Licensed professional therapists are trained in a variety of techniques, including Esalen, Swedish and deep tissue work.
A small country store features distinctive clothing, decorative items, snacks and bottled water for sale.
Wilbur Hot Springs is ideal for weddings, retreats, seminars, reunions and private gatherings. Attractive rates are available and vary with length of stay, days of week, and the time of year. Catering is available, and the entire facility may be reserved. Please call for details.

ACTIVITIES
In addition to the mineral Flumes, guests enjoy various outdoor activities. Hiking is very popular in Wilbur's private nature preserve, home to breathtaking valleys and ridges, high meadows and remnants of the century-old mining operations. In spring, wildflowers grow in profusion in the valley, which is internationally known for its quantity and diversity of its blooms. Bird-watchers are rewarded year-round; bald eagles, for example, are regular sightings. Mountain biking is also a favorite pastime, and complimentary bikes are available for guests to use. For a wilder adventure, river rafting is available nearby in Cache Creek Canyon .
In the evening, guests stroll under the stars, share stories with others in the Great Room, curl up with a good book by the gas fire in the Library, play music on a fine piano and selection of other instruments, or take another soothing soak.

RATES
Rates vary by type of accommodations. Private rooms begin at $150 per night, double occupancy. The apartment Ð featuring private bath, kitchen, living and dining room Ð begins at $235 per night double occupancy. The Bunk Room is priced at $75 per person. Special rates are also available for single occupancy (Monday through Thursday, excluding holidays), children and additional guests; please call for details.
All rates include unlimited use of the natural hot mineral springs, sauna, pool, 1800-acre nature preserve and other facilities.

RESORT POLICIES
¥ Clothing is optional in Wilbur's three mineral Flumes, located in the private Fluminarium. However, clothing is required elsewhere on the property. On occasion, the hotel hosts "Suits On Weekends," where bathing attire is required.
¥ There is a two-night minimum required for bookings on the weekend (excluding the summer) and holidays. One-night reservations are sometimes available by calling the prior night.
¥ Children are welcome at Wilbur. Children under age may stay for free, but by law, are not permitted in the pools. Children under age 12 are restricted to daylight hours for use of pools.

RESERVATIONS & CANCELLATIONS
In order to confirm a reservation, a 50% deposit is required or must be guaranteed with a credit card. The hotel accepts Visa, MasterCard, or personal California checks with identification.
Wilbur must be notified of cancellations no later than 12:00 noon, five days prior to arrival. For cancellations received within the five-day period, the resort will retain the entire deposit. No-shows will be charged the full amount. Note that all holiday periods require 10 days' notice of cancellation prior to arrival.

CLIMATE
The Northern California climate is generally pleasant year-round. In the spring and fall, the weather is generally warm and sunny, typically ranging from mid-50s to low-80s. Winter temperatures range from the low-30s at night to the low-70s during the day; snow is rare (but when it sticks it is extraordinary). Warmer clothes, usually in layers, are recommended for winter evenings. Summer temperatures are warm to hot during the day, and balmy to cool in the evenings. Note also that the area's very low humidity makes summer days more pleasant than the temperatures might suggest.

USEFUL INFORMATION
Attire is casual year-round: shorts or jeans, casual shirts, sandals, hiking or running shoes are appropriate. Bring some warm clothing for winter and cool summer evenings.

THINGS TO BRING
Remember that the Flumes are clothing optional, so guests should bring a robe and slippers or shoes to slip on and off. Towels are a must. A flashlight is handy. Things for fun could include: bicycles, non electric musical instruments, books and writing materials -- and of course a sense of humor.

RESERVATIONS
Wilbur Hot Springs
www.wilburhotsprings.com
Wilbur Springs , California 95987-9709
Toll-free: 888-8WILBUR (888-894-5287)
Local: 530-473-2306
Fax: 530-473-2497