Category: California

Museums, historic locations, and other oddities in California

Calpine Geothermal Visitors Center

In an earlier post, we discussed The Geysers geothermal operation in the Sonoma and Lake Counties. This steam field and its power plants are part of the Calpine Corporation*, the Nation’s largest renewable geothermal producer.  As part of it’s outreach role, Calpine established the Calpine Geothermal Visitors Center, to educate the public on geothermal energy production and what makes The Geysers location unique.…

Old Faithful Geyser of California

Many of us have made the journey to Yellowstone to observe Old Faithful.  Fewer are aware of California’s contribution to the name: the Old Faithful Geyser of California. This roadside attraction in Napa County has a rather apt name, given the geyser’s regular eruptions. At the time of our visit, eruptions averaged 10 minutes apart and 20 feet high. This is…

The Geysers Geothermal Operation

Along with its famous, sprawling vineyards, Sonoma County holds another notable natural resource, less known to tourists but a point of mystery and fascination to locals: The Geysers.  The Geysers are tucked away in the folds of the Mayacamas Mountains, ranging along the Sonoma and Lake county borders. Within the 45 square miles of steam fields are 333 steam wells feeding…