Not all of Napa is wine country. To the east of the Valley is a rugged crest of mountains stretching south from Mount Saint Helena. Nestled at the head of a small valley is Lake Hennessey, a less-frequently visited fishing and recreational area recently opened to more hiking.
The high point was a grassy hill peppered with gnarled oaks. The long steep off-trail slog uphill was rewarded by this highly textured view of the lake, just as the light turned magical. I’ve no idea if anyone else had ever been up there. There were no signs of visitation, just a tranquil quiet, time for some careful images.