Bale Grist Mill SHP

I just realized I've had at least one winter-time blog post in California's mixed oak woodland every year that I've been blogging. I made a mental note to put up some links when I do this post next year. This year, I'm relaxing with a glass of Sauvignon blanc and I don't feel like it.

We did the two-mile RT hike (Can we get a consensus that a 2-mile trip with half-a-mile of uphill in both directions makes it a hike, not a walk?) from Bothe-Napa Valley SP to Bale Grist Mill SHP. Bale built the mill in 1843. It was last used in 1905, and fell into ruins. Restoration, began in 1979, was completed in 2000. The wheel turns and everything! The trailhead begins at a small pioneer cemetery. There are about a dozen graves, but I think one picture will suffice.





There has been nearly no rain yet this winter. None in the forecast either. The creeks are dry and the hills everywhere, usually green, are summer-brown. Statistically, at this point, it is unlikely that we will catch up to normal. I'm afraid California will burn this summer.





We'll worry about that later. Like everything else.







We see this crustose, sage green lichen on manzanita all the time. I should learn its name.











The mill. Note Guy for scale.







You don't have to walk/hike here to visit the mill. You can drive right up off Highway 128, the main road through Napa Valley. Today was my winter break's last hurrah, so I wanted bit of a hike. I go back to school tomorrow, and expect to go blog-silent for most of the next few months. :|

Admission to the mill is $3, and that includes a guided tour if you want one.







Or, you can guide yourself.





Pun warning.