Creatures of Habit
I am thinking about how we can miss things along the way, by repeating our familiar patterns of doing things, whether it be a mundane task or a pleasurable activity. What pops into my vision this moment is The Silverado Trail, a long meandering road of peaceful beauty beginning in Calistoga, California winding its way down to Napa. Just waiting to be discovered are breathtaking vistas of wineries alongside vineyards which line the hills with perfect rows stretching across fields along the way. How had I missed it for most of my adult life? It was right there in plain sight on any road map and now made even easier with map apps.
We came across this gem while we were visiting Calistoga for a respite from our everyday calendars with a stay at a local B & B. How many countless times had I ventured since my teens, driving just shy of Calistoga on Highway 29 and then turning back down the same road, (which is a joy in itself), but this time the Silverado Trail was drifting to the surface of my memory of roads on the map, so we broke the pattern of conformity.
It was the end of a warm, well actually hot summer's day and the thought of returning to our sweltering, non-air conditioned, upstairs room at the B & B inspired us to go for a drive to cool off. With the top down on our little convertible we drank in the cool evening air, first driving north on a curvy road with an umbrella of evergreen trees that resembled a fairytale. That was delicious and we were eager to explore a little longer. So, as we drove back through town, we headed south and stumbled onto the Silverado Trail, just as the wineries and lodges were flipping their light switches to the "on" position, twinkling against the backdrop of the hills and night sky. It was one of those magical moments that sticks in my brain and has become a permanent resident. Today, when we visit Calistoga, we look forward with anticipation to the gift of the Silverado Trail at the end of our stay as we wind our way home. 🦋
P.S. Calistoga has an enticing bookstore called "Copperfields," just in case you are tempted to find the Silverado Trail someday.
