Fern Canyon: Seeing is Believing.

During a recent trip to Arcata, my friends and I took a day trip north of north to beautiful Fern Canyon.
The drive took 50 minutes and was stunning the whole way.  Mid-morning the fog began to lift as it does on the Humboldt coast in September.  Love it!

The 8 mile dirt road drive through Prairie Creek State Park was the last leg of the trip.  There are a couple of spots where the road goes through a stream.  There’s no bridge, just drive straight through the shallow water.  It passes a beach and then we parked right before this beautiful Alder lined trail.  All of the trees twist and reach for the sun.

And then the trail turned us in to the canyon.  It’s simply magical.

The walls of this steep canyon are covered in ferns.

It’s just breathtaking.  Visitors stroll along this low creek with redwoods and alder up above.  If you go, be prepared to hop over logs and jump over water.  Most crossings have little wood planks over the shallow stream.  I was able to get out with dry feet.

It’s incredible to think that this place has been like this for thousands of years.

After the coming out of the canyon the trail turns up above the cliffs and back out to the parking lot.  It’s about a mile and a half loop.  There’s also longer hikes that you can take throughout the forest f you want more sight-seeing.  It’s one of a kind!

Laid Back Arcata

Charming Arcata, CA is near and dear to my heart because it’s where I went to college at Humboldt State and I have family in Humboldt County.  It is tucked away behind the redwood curtain, which is what they call the vast redwood forest separating Humboldt County from the rest of Northern California. On the coast, its 5 hours north of San Francisco, 2 1/2 hours west of Redding, and 1 hour and 45 minutes south from the Oregon border.  It is because of this seclusion that Arcata and the rest of Humboldt County stay so unique and natural.

There is no mistaking that the Arcata Plaza is the center of this close community.  In the middle is the landmark sculpture of President McKinley.  Families, traveling hippies, students, and visitors all congregate at this beautiful open city block.

On Saturdays farmers and shoppers congregate on the plaza, as well, for the Farmers Market.  Not only can you get some tasty local produce, but you can also get some great plants for the garden.

This guy and his cacti have been regulars at the market for over a decade.

When the weather is nice everyone is outside, like this juggling troop that frequents the Farmer’s Market.  Everybody is encouraged to join in.  I call this photograph Hoola Hooping Hippy Hug. 

Side note: People hug more in Arcata.  Even when just meeting for the first time people will sometimes hug instead of shake hands.

Like Los Bagels, many of the buildings are painted brightly and have murals – which also brightens things up during the long rainy season.

Speaking of weather… This report is very typical of a normal Arcata day.  Whether its raining or sunny it’s usually about 55 − 65 degrees.  If you want to catch more sun, go in September when you will probably be able to wear a tank top and flip flops.  But always bring layers.

Arcata has great antique stores, clothing boutiques, interesting import stores, galleries, restaurants, gardens, the Arcata Co-op, and more, all within walking distance from the plaza.

Don’t mis my favorite, Vintage Avenger, for a really fun selection of consignment, vintage, and new clothes.  The owner makes found object garment sculptures.  Check out that bra dress!  Too cool!

Arcata has such a laid back vibe.  Theres a slower pace than in the rest of California.  So much so that it’s common to get waved through at a stop sign even if you pulled up second.  So if you want to get away from the rat race and spend some time slowing down, I definitely recommend beautiful Arcata, CA.

Maybe I’ll end up living back there some day…

I mentioned that it’s by the beach, right?

Just for Fun

From Oakland to Sac town

The Bay Are and back down

Cali is where they put the mack down

Give me some love

- 2pac

An Excellent Stay at Meeks Bay.

Welcome again to Tahoe!

Recently I went camping at Meeks Bay Campground with some gal friends.  It was awesome!  For this Cali Travelista post I am going to share with you the PG version of our trip.  Rated suitable for all audiences.

June was a great time to go.  The weather was beautiful.

TIP: Make your reservations well in advance for summer weekends.  We got what seemed to be the last site left in all of Tahoe.  This is a popular California destination.

We took a morning trip to Emerald Bay.  Check out that view!

TIP: On the weekends, parking at Emerald Bay is horrid.  Go early and use the restroom before you arrive.  The facilities here are, shall we say, rather unpleasant.

The hike over Eagle Falls is so picturesque, though.  The mountain air will take all your cares away.

It was a steep hike, but not that long.  After about a mile or two we had to turn around because we didn’t have the proper permits.  If you want to hike further, be prepared!

This hike is a loop trail, so you get some different scenery on the way back down.  Breathtaking!

Back at camp we made sandwiches for lunch and then headed down to the lake.  Meeks Bay is a 2 minute walk from the campsites, which is so convenient.  We just brought a small cooler and a big blanket and laid on the beach.  Wear sunscreen!

Hey, that cloud looks like a spaceship!

Check out the Canadian Goose prints in the sand!  They were hanging by the beach, too.

Camping is a great way to bond with your friends.  We slowed way down from the pace of city life and enjoyed the beautiful outdoors.  We joked, ate, drank, and had a ball!

A Full Day Near Half Moon Bay

Last week I was on the San Mateo County coast and had a great time.  I was inspired to go to Half Moon Bay because of an National Public Radio story about how the town is facing a lot of financial cut backs.  But let me tell you, it doesn’t show in this charming little community.  The streets and buildings look great and there’s a lot to do for the visitor.

Half Moon Bay is a thriving agricultural area.  When driving in I saw several adorable farms and nurseries.  They have a huge pumpkin festival in the early fall.  So it made sense that one of the cutest stores on Main Street was a feed company.

I was hungry when I arrived so I got an excellent plate of organic molé enchiladas at Chez Shea on Main Street.  I scarfed them down.  Enough said.

One thing I couldn’t help but notice was the amount of public art in Half Moon Bay.  Murals and sculptures line Main Street which add a lot of local flavor.

Right behind Main Street is the original jail which has one room with two cells.  Very Mayberry.

No trip to the San Mateo coast is complete without a visit to the lighthouse by Pescadero, which is also a hostel.  It’s a short drive south from Half Moon Bay.  So cool!

A couple of miles in from highway 1 is the town of Pescadero, which was in full bloom with its cute gardens.  Well done!

Pescadero has very neat antique stores, a steeple church, and a remarkable country store with an assortment of counters for whatever you are craving.  The town isn’t very big, but what they lack in size the have in looks.  It’s a great place to get lunch or coffee and take a stroll.

Also near Pescadero is San Gregorio State Beach.  The creek widens and runs out to sea here.  The view is a great reason to stop and walk around.  There’s an estuary behind the highway which attracts tons of birds an other wildlife.

Look at these rock formations on the top of the cliff overlooking the beach…

The weather on the coast in May is usually overcast, but not too chilly.  Bring layers!

Sea lions!  They were taking a little rest before fishing for more steelhead.

May is a great time to get out to see all the native plants blooming, see some wild life and check out the quaint towns on this part of the coast in San Mateo county.  It’s a great get away!

Planning my Trip to Half Moon Bay: Support for a Town with Cut Backs

I was listening to NPR yesterday on the radio on my way to work and heard this story about how Half Moon Bay is facing some major financial problems.  Over half of all the town’s municipal employees have been laid off, the city can’t afford to police itself anymore, and the parks and recreation department is going to be outsourced, too.

All of this because Half Moon Bay lost a legal battle with a developer because they wouldn’t let them build.  Now they are having to pay millions from the lawsuit.  If you ask me our seaside towns should be left as quaint and untouched as possible, allowing the natural beauty of the California coast take the spotlight.  I admire the people of Half Moon Bay for standing up for their land, but now they are hurting to keep their town alive and safe.

This is why I’ve decided to visit Half Moon Bay on my next trip, spend a little money there, and bring attention to their plight.  I hope you will go and support this seaside town as well.

Photo From NPR’s site.

Click here to listen to the full story. 

It’s My Napa Time

Most folks probably know that Napa is distinguished for its wine, scenery and money.  Limo rides escorting ritzy wine tasters around the valley comes to mind.  Expensive tasting charges, valet boys parking luxury cars, and nose-in-the air pourers tisking the novice visitor for not knowing the difference between a sirah and a shiraz.  You get my drift.  So when I made up my mind to go to Napa I decided to let go of my preconceived notions, hop in the car, and find out what Napa had to offer me on a budget.

Little did I know.  Little did I know.  Familiar with Northern California, I am no stranger to the vineyard lined highways and scattered wineries.  But Napa Valley is a whole new ballgame. It is like Disney Land for winos, and just as manicured.   In town, after talking to a local I headed down to the river front and went south to the Napa Mill.  This renovated old mill houses several shops, restaurants, and is near lots of places to stay.  It was refreshing to me after passing so many newer buildings, which are only made to look old.

I wanted a true Napa lunch, so when I saw Celedon my attempts at budgeting just got weaker.  I do know, however, that lunch is the best time to eat at more expensive restaurants, so I took a chance and asked for a table.

Their patio is mostly indoors and is well-lit by the skylights above this gorgeous room.  I began snapping pictures from my corner table and my waiter, a fellow photographer, took interest in my camera.  I ordered the mahi-mahi sandwich and a glass of the Girls in the Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc from Lake County.  Aghast!  A wine not from Napa, but still delish!

My meal was very good, but I think I liked my surroundings better.  Having a camera out in a restaurant is a funny thing.  People notice.  Steve, the manager even came by to welcome me to the restaurant (I think he thought I might have been a critic).  So Steve, if you are reading this, I liked your place!  It was gorgeous, with great service, and tasty, with a price to match.

I was interested in checking out the nearby Lake Hennessy, but my waiter suggested driving down Silverado Trail to take some photography instead. Once again I went with the advice of a local.  Now, Silverado Trail is not a hiking trail, nor does it a have anything to do with the western movie.  It is a road full of wine.  Nothing else, just wineries, and these places are fancy!

I visited four wineries to take pictures, but only tasted wine at one.  Even at the ones where I just shot photos, the staff was still nice and informative.  The first spot was Robert Sinsky Vineyards.  The grounds there were magnificent!

Next was Chimney Rock.  This is a beautiful mission style building, which the staff told me used to be a golf course.

Then I went to Pine Ridge, which has a lovely rolling hills, rose and veggie gardens, and seven caves that you can tour.

Then finally was Black Stallion Winery, also beautiful, with a fun younger staff who were all flirting with each other.  How cute.  Here I had a flight, which means a line up of small pours of different wines.  The price was $10 versus the other wineries where it was $20-25 a flight.  I ended up buying a bottle (that’s how they get you) of pinot grigio, which my pourer told me was a great white wine to serve to people who prefer red, especially if serving white meat.

I also learned a bit about tannins and casks and different blends which either make it buttery, or fruity, or dry.  All of that jargon is actually a lot of fun when sitting down and getting a little lecture while sipping.

So you might be wondering, what about the drinking and driving?  I was in Napa for about five hours and had the equivalent of two glasses of wine.  So I figured I was good to go given the weight/time/drinks ratio.  But on the way home I was driving behind a no-question drunk person.  This car was swerving from the yellow to white line like it was bumper bowling.  I had to pull off to get some distance.  So my recommendation is to either get the whole limo package (expensive), or get a friend to be the D.D. (lame for the friend), or just don’t drink that much (difficult).  You can taste and spit but that’s kind of no fun and a little gross.  Maybe get a room close by?  I don’t know.  It’s an age-old problem.  Don’t ask me.

But regardless of whether you are there to taste or buy wine, Napa is just really nice.  I know nice is a word one shouldn’t use went writing, but that’s all I could think, “this is all so nice”.  You can go for a getaway and see a lot of beautiful scenery, even if wine isn’t your thing, there’s a lot to see.  It’s easy to get caught up in the romance of the area.