Floating and Well in the Valley (a reflection on our wellness trip to Napa Valley)

By: Telana McCullough

The taste of early morning dew rested on my tongue as I looked into the eyes of an infant sun beginning to rise. Clean and crisp dawn air filled my lungs as I inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly. My breath connected me to the sky above me. The moment fully captured my attention. My feet were intentionally planted for stability as I observed the world around me. The peaceful waves of the scenery washed over my rested eyes. Here I was floating in a marvelous ballon over Napa at sunrise. An undertone of freshly cut grass in the clear air tiptoed on my nose. The sky was mostly clear, with a few small cotton candy clouds here and there. Most of the moments on the ride were quiet until we heard the faint voices of joyful children mesmerized by the towering balloon drifting by. Then, I graced myself with a moment of reflection on what the trip had served me.

This balloon ride culminated a weeklong wellness trip to Napa Valley in celebration of my birthday. The trip started with a mud bath experience, where I sank into healing Calistoga volcanic ash and drank refreshing mineral water. The therapeutic earth welcomed my worn body with open arms and did not release me until I received the rejuvenation my bones longed to hold. The mud bath was enhanced with a detoxifying clay face mask and a cool compress for my forehead. After the bath, I rinsed the mud off and soaked in hot mineral water while rehydrating with a cool drink of cucumber refreshment. The mud bath experience ended with me drying off and relaxing in a cool down room. I reclined and took in aromatherapy while wrapped in a chilled light flannel blanket under the glow of a salt lamp.

My partner and I savored a walk through downtown Calistoga and looked inside the quaint shops and adorable eateries. Never-ending rows of ripe grapevines captured our gaze as we drove to our accommodations that were tucked away in a serene green field in Somoma. On the first night, we found a mom and pop Mexican cafe where we were greeted like family. The atmosphere carried a warm spice and the food was soothing.

The next day started with a tour of a mysterious medieval-style Tuscan castle winery and ended with a birthday dinner fit for Queen Victoria. The details of this dinner deserve to be written in ink and stored for generations to come. The starter course elevated chilled celebratory champagne, caramelized onion crème fraîche, kaspia royal oscietra caviar, crispy onions, house potato chips, creamy spinach artichoke dip, cultured butter with sea salt, and freshly baked Parker rolls. The second course showcased the freshest Tuna Tartare that consisted of a medley of locally picked greens and diced cucumber tossed in mix of sesame oil, lime juice, and a dash of fiery chili oil on top of a bed of hand cut sushi-grade Tuna. The third course brought us California Rock Fish with a coconut-lemongrass broth, red quinoa, clams, mussels, shrimp, and herbs along with roasted cauliflower with rancho gordo chickpeas, garbanzo beans, cashew-tahini butter, mint, and cilantro. A birthday blessing of lemon cake, whipped mascarpone cheese, and huckleberry compote commanded the last course. Every chapter of this meal was daring while delicate and delightful.

The next day we boarded a vintage train that offered scenic views of wine country and farm to table American fare.  The sounds of the classic locomotive steam whistle lightly touched our ears as we journeyed to the countryside and enjoyed our lunch. The train stopped and we got to observe the curves and intricacies of grapevines up-close, feel the texture of their tough skin, and taste their bitter juice. After re-boarding the train, we were encouraged to explore the different carts on the train. We obliged and allowed ourselves to play and enjoy every nook and cranny the train held.

The next morning we attended an olive oil tasting of a rich variety of 100% California-grown extra virgin olive oils. We learned how to appreciate the taste of olive oil by distinguishing aromas and characteristics from delicate to robust flavors. We also mixed  balsamic vinegar with some of the oils for an even more layered flavor experience.

We roamed through sunny downtown Napa to grab the fluffiest freshly baked English muffins and check out a few more wineries and eclectic shops. We even ran into one of my favorite childhood actresses who was happily strolling in the Napa Sun.

I came back to the present moment in the balloon and realized that my time in the valley was coming to a close, and I didn’t want to let it go. The purpose of this wellness trip to refresh my soul, and that’s what I received. The mud bath, time in nature, observation of the never-ending rows of grapevines, and embracing the many health properties of the region’s jewels, grapes, and olives led me to a new reality. As we floated through Napa, I was moved by the grounding peace I felt in the balloon's shadow. Solace, Serenity, and Safety were the descriptors that came to me. After that moment, I knew it was time to take the peace I felt home and wear it around my neck as I continued my life journey. There are blurry mountains in the distance, but I am committed to keeping my peace through it all...

Napa Valley Hot Air Balloon Recap Video: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTLBMru92/

Napa Valley Mud Bath Experience Video: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTLBMNKxD/

Napa Valley Trip Recap Video: 

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTLBMkM2U/

The Valley Well Poem

By: Telana McCullough

Smoke. Soot. Ash. 

The cars crashed over and over again.

Screech. Scurry. Scathe. 

One of the cars hastily ran away. 

Danger was near. 

Damage and danger danced.

Get me out of dangers way. 

Please remove me with haste.

Pain. Bloody pain. Searing pain.

I was covered in gold pain. 

Wash the gold off of me. 

Pull me from the depths of harm I’ve endured. 

Walk with me in the valley.

Roll me in green. 

Anoint me with grapeseed oil.

Dunk me in the well. 

Lift my body and lower me down. 

The healing waters nourish my soul. 

The warm mineral water will hydrate my Sahara sprit. 

Let it flow.

Leave me here for a while. 

Let love lay with me. 

Tuck me in rest. 

Let the eucalyptus breeze release my tense tendons.

Ash. Solace. Serenity. 

The earth embraces my sorrow. 

Pensive. Playful. Peace. 

God is here. God is there.