Old Faithful Geyser of California

Old Faithful Geyser of California. . , Water for the Old Faithful Geyser of California comes from an underground river that is 350°F (177°C) and lives 2 miles below the earth's surface. When it flows over the hot molten magma deep in the earth, it boils, expands and is collected in large cavities. Under tremendous pressure from the heat, the water is forced through the fissures and fractures and erupts with an outpouring of steam followed by a fulmination of hot dancing water. At the time of eruption, temperatures of the water and steam drop to 122- 140°F (50-60°C)., In the early days of the National Geographic Society, Old Faithful Geyser of California was declared one of only three "faithful" geysers in the world because of its regular eruptions. It soon became one of the most visited places in the American West. The rainbows that form in the predictable sprays of mist are a wonderful feature in this serene setting at the top of the Napa Valley. To this day, Old Faithful Geyser of California remains as one of the most photographed places in the State of California., Legend of the Healing Waters , Centuries ago, the people of the native Wappo Indian Tribe believed in the "Legend of the Healing Waters." The Wappos noticed steam rising through the earth and the mineral waters bubbling out of the ground. Having discovered the healing properties of the waters and their restorative affect on tired -and aching muscles, the Wappos used the mud to treat bee stings and sunburns with great success. Before long, word of the legend spread leading people to travel great distances in order to experience the benefits of the healing waters. Visitors would detox in bamboo sweat lodges, soak in the natural pools, and take in the serenity of Mount Saint Helena., Inset Image: Old Faithful Geyser of California was featured in the December 1948 issue of the National Geographic magazine article titled "My Life in the Valley of the Moon" by retired Army General H. H. Arnold. , WARNING: KEEP YOUR DISTANCE FROM THE GEYSER. HEAT AND STEAM PRESSURE CAN CAUSE SERIOUS BODILY INJURY. DO NOT THROW ROCKS OR DEBRIS INTO THIS WONDER OF NATURE.