We love exploring local spots in our area as much as possible. There are so many things you can discover about your own neighborhood.
This trip took us to the Morning “Glory Hole” at Lake Berryessa. It’s a unique spillway at the Monticello Dam at Lake Berryessa. Since California has been experiencing drought conditions, it’s actually been 10 years since the glory hole has spilled over. This was the year we got to see it spill over. Our family has lived in the area for quite some time but I didn’t see it when it spilled over in 2006. Since the waters levels are so high, we strapped in the kids and made the easy drive to Lake Berryessa. It was an easy way to get the kids out of the house, get some fresh air and see something different.
The trip is very scenic, taking you on gentle winding roads and past rolling hills green with all the rain. The Napa River raged along side the road, fuller than we’ve ever seen it. Car and foot traffic bottlenecks the closer you get to the dam but if you’re patient there is easy parking along the road. We parked a short walk away and let the kids run to the top of the dam to get a view of the spillway.
Morning “Glory Hole” at Lake Berryessa
Their excitement was infectious as they begged to get a closer look.
Note to self: If someone happens to throw a rubber ducky into the water in front of your child, be prepared to deal with the horror of it when your kids see it sucked into the hole. ha ha! I assured the kids that the rubber ducky would appear on the other side of the river.
I’m not sure how long the spillway will be like this as the weather warms up. Drive along Hwy 128 and check out the sights.
If you miss it, I’m sure it will come back again. You can still enjoy all the wonderful camping and picnic areas that Lake Berryessa offers throughout the year. This summer should be wonderful on the lake now that water levels are so high.
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