August 15
Today was certainly one of THE highlight days as we traveled to Calistoga and boarded the Napa Valley Wine Train for a three-hour, "Vista Dome - Gourmet Lunch" adventure. The drive was without incident and we were at the train station in about 45 minutes - again, kudos to Kim for getting us there smoothly and safely. I checked us in with the pre-paid ticket and was given our "boarding pass" as we were assigned to be in "Group A" - the first group to board. We had about fifteen minutes before they called our group and we exited the train station, crossed the platform and walked to the domed dining cars near the back of the train. We had a table for four right across a table for two, where Kim and I sat. The waiter was excellent and kept a good flow of personal conversation with our group, mixed with his general commentary to the entire car. He went through the menu, explaining we had a four-course meal in front of us and he explained the various options and gave his recommendations. Soon we were on our way and traveled for about two hours with vineyards and wineries passing us by constantly on both side of the train. Very peaceful and panoramic views as lunch was served course by course. At about the two hour mark we stopped at a winery where an excursion group - which had NOT been in the domed lunch car, exited for an hour-long wine tasting experience as we continued our journey for 30 minutes, then doubled back to pick them up. It was a very relaxing day and it was just wonderful. The most "interesting" part of the adventure came on our trip home. Kim set the GPS for the house and instead of taking us on the flat, highways home took us up the mountain with dozens of hair-pin turns, and then back down the mountain through even more hair-pin turns. Our driver was exceptional in handling the roads, and did not display an ounce of nervousness which made our white-knuckle passenger ride easier to "enjoy." Tomorrow is the final adventure of the trip as we have a "Long Table Lunch" at a local winery where as we taste various wines we'll enjoy wood-fired pizza and Caesar's Salad!
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