Page:Motoring Magazine and Motor Life October 1913.djvu/10

S. G. V. car and tourists at the Geysers.

the highway is under construction for several miles, which wouldn't be so bad if the contractors were but thoughtful enough to provide "turn out" signs, as they are required to do by the Highway Commission. The lack of these caused us some delay, at night particularly, as we were returning, for we wandered far into some Stygian wilderness of redwood trees and live oak, and experienced difficulty in finding the main road again. This delay, and extra mileage, cost us more than at first appeared, inasmuch as we arrived at the ferry just ten minutes too late to catch the last boat for San Francisco. Ours was then not altogether a cheery outlook. It is quite certain that whatever Sausalito's charm, it is not her fine hotels and caravansaries, nor her restaurants. Suasion, neither moral, ethical nor monetary, was of avail with the ferry boat officials, who politely refused to run a boat unless at least four machines of equal misfortune were at hand. Alas, we were but one: no others came, and we turned to a night watchman who, with mellow unction, suggested several most unprepossessing alternatives. But he was a friend indeed; and after a few glances at the various rooming houses nearby, which did not appeal, he led us to a thirty-foot launch, in which, a few minutes later, we snorted out upon the rolling bosom of the bay. This was about 2 a. m. We considered this trip a fitting finale for the day. The automobile was left in care of the watchman overnight on the Sausalito side, and was called for the next morning, or rather that same morning—later.

Petaluma was passed through at 9:20 a. m., and Santa Rosa at 10 o'clock. Going over the rolling hills of Sonoma County was very good, and in the cool, clear air of the morning, very refreshing and invigorating. We reached Healdsburg at 11 o'clock. The road between Santa Rosa and Windsor, on the way to Healdsburg, is being improved by the Highway Commission for a distance of about ten miles. "Turn out" signs are here in evidence, and with one or two exceptions these byroads are in good condition, save for dust. In one place, however, it is necessary to follow an improvised road that runs alongside of the main highway. This is unpleasant going, but will not be in use but a short time, as the main road at this point is nearly completed.

We drove into Healdsburg, and to the Plaza, or main square, turning to the right, then left, to the highway that runs out of town for three miles to what is known as the "Forks Road House." Taking the right hand road, which is plainly marked as the one leading to the Geysers, we passed through several gates, which, owing to defective opening and closing mechanism, we were compelled to operate by dismounting from the car. These, for the sake of the many tourists that pass this way each week, should be put in working condition. A very simple matter indeed, and calling for no great expense.

Twenty-two miles in second speed came next, over roads that are twisted and curved most tortuously, and which are so narrow that the element of danger is very great. It will be at once observed that a car of long wheel base will meet with much difficulty here, as the curves and turns are of the hairpin variety, with steep declivities falling away from the outer edge of the road. The man unused to driving in the mountains must be very careful. Speed is to be deplored, while the constant sounding of the horn is absolutely necessary. The scenery, though, is magnificent.

Two separate ridges were climbed ere the descent to the Geysers began. The altitude at this point is very close to 4,000 feet, and as is to be supposed, an excellent sweep of country—valleys, mountain ridges and timber—may be studied from here. At the Geysers we were advised that the altitude there was 3,300 feet.

Our speedometer registered 99.2 miles when we pulled up in front of the Geysers Hotel, which will be found to snuggle in quaint outline among the wooded steeps of the canyon. Although the season was over October 1st, yet we were given an excellent, if impromptu, dinner, but a very few minutes after our arrival. By the time this narration appears, however, it is quite likely that the hotel will have closed for the winter; and unless the tourist fancies a typical "batch" dinner