So Its Farewell To

The Candle Light in Napa as today we drive 50 km back down to drop the car off in Vallejo and catch the ferry back to San Francisco. 

I still suck at selfies … where am I supposed to look!!

One last photo at the front of the house as I do love the whole non-symmetrical look.

Final look around the arty bits in Napa, not sure what the artist was trying to create but lets just go with a bunch of grapes … well maybe after you have had a glass or two of wine juice 😂 

Cute man sized squirrel in the main street

A huge wall of colour to brighten up a work site behind

Very Handy, but a bit too big for our suit case

Finally into the old wharf section of Down Town Napa and where this incredible and moving tile mosaic was.

There was a huge brass plaque explaining this work of art

Life is Brief Buy Art Endures

Alan Shepp’s historical mosaic reveals the Napa Valley’s role in the epic of the American West. The work of art captures the essences of the Napa Valley story, its glories and its tragedies.

“The Glories” of the Valley’s evolution are represented by images of Native American culture, the Spanish conquest, the aras of Mexican domination and early homesteaders. The mosaic also depicts the development of agriculture within the valley, which at times included livestock, wheat, prunes, grapes and wine, bought to market by horse and boat. The Hispanic, American and Chinese communities all played vital roles in this development. These glories survive in our institutions, laws, culture and historic buildings.

“The Tragedies” include the elimination of the Napa tribe Wintum Indians by smallpox and harassment. Actions of some residents led to the burning og Napa’s Chinatown and support of Klu Klux Klan measures directed against Chinese, Catholic, Jewish and African Americans. The tragedies lie buried in dusty books.

By bringing the past to light, Alan Shepp’s Mosaic fountain will help create a more hopeful future.

The Living River

The mosaics beneath the waterfall reflect the flora and fauna living in the Napa River. The several varieties of fish and fowl survive within the environs of sunken boats, wagon wheels and other vestiges of land based civilisation.

 Back saftly to the waters edge in Vallejo, car returned without a scratch. I have to say that the driving around Californian country side was enjoyable … just remember its tight rights and loooooose lefts.