Eureka, CA 2015

August 29, 2015

Took a drive south to travel the 31 miles thru the Avenue of the Giants.   For those that have never seen a majestic Redwood tree, this area is filled with them.   You can pick up an auto tour guide and it explains the 8 stops that you can make along the route.   Even though they suggest the 8 stops, there are many groves of Redwoods that you can stop at and take short to long walks thru these beauties.  

We stopped several times and took anywhere from a 1/2 mile to about 3/4 mile hikes.   I must say I'll never get tired of see these trees.  Also we wanted to go drive thru the tree, but out truck was to wide.   The gentlemen said we'd fit but the little car in front of us just barely made it thru so we didn't try.   Bobby did back the truck down to the truck just so I could get the pic.

At several of the stops, we got to see where the tidal wave of 1964 had come thru.   It's amazing to see that the water was at 35' above ground level in some spots.  For those that don't know, this tidal wave killed my paternal grandfather.   At that time, he was living in Crescent City, CA.   Along with him, 10 others lost their lives that day. 

Also stopped at a local stand and bought a home grown tomato, nothing better than fresh from the garden.   The owner also allowed me to pick as many zucchini I wanted at no charge....end of the season.  They were the perfect size for making cookies and muffins.

On the way back, we took a drive through Scotia, this is where I was born along with my two sisters.   It's not a big town and not a thrive town to say the least.   Pacific Lumber Company used to run the mill here, but like so many other mills, ran into hard times and closed in 2008, sad as they started their business in 1884.  Today Humboldt Redwood Company runs the small sawmill only, sad as this was once the largest Redwood company in the USA, operating two sawmills.

Water maker from 1964 flood

In the town of Lolita, we stopped to visit the Lolita Cheese company.   Had the opportunity to watch them make White Monterey Jack cheese.   They still make it the old fashion way, not automated like so many companies are today.   This is another company that Diners, Drive-ins & Dives has visited. 

Got home around 2:30, will probably make zucchini muffins with zucchini we bought.

August 28, 2015

Weather is nice but not as nice as yesterday, as we have overcast skies.   Expecting rain late tonight.

First stop was Fort Humboldt in the heart of Eureka.  This fort was built back in the 1800's to protect the settlers from the Indians.   Lots of history here, in fact, Ulysses S Grant was station here for a short period of time.   There is only two remaining buildings left and you are allowed to tour them.   They also have several piece of old logging equipment that you can look at.   Sad but most of the lumber companies have shut down in this area, including Pacific Lumber Company.

Next we headed to Woodley Island to look at the lost fishermen memorial.   It a incredible piece of art depicting an old man trying to catch fish with a net.

Not far away is the Samoa Cookhouse, so we drove out to see it.   We got there around 10:30, to early for lunch but we might go back.   This was once a facility to feed the employees of the Vance Logging company.   Today they feed visitors family style food.   They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, but you never know what the main item will be until you get there.   Today for lunch it was short ribs and dinner was pot roast.   Prices were reasonable for an all you  can eat facility.

Drove around Samoa island, viewed the bay and ocean and then headed to Old Town to look thru a few shops and view some of the 30 murals they have.

Walked around old town and viewed the many murals that Eureka is famous for plus visited a few of the shops.   Found the Cafe Nooner and had clam chowder for lunch.   This is one of the restaurants that Diners, Drive-ins & Dives has had on their show.   The chowder was excellent.

Stopped at Costco, bought a few items we needed and got back around 3.   I worked on my new creations (wind chimes), redid the one I didn't like yesterday and Bobby watched TV.   The wind chimes look marvelous, even if I say so myself.

Going to dinner at the lodge tonight, they're serving ribs.    Should be wonderful!

August 27, 2015

We left the Elks lodge in Brookings around 8 and went to Les Schwab, where they fixed our air test gauge on the right rear tire.   Aired up the tires and hit the road around 8:30.

Coming through the redwoods was smoky from the fires near Crescent City.   Thankfully it did not cause us any problems other than it made the coach smell like a campfire.   We arrived at the Eureka Elks lodge around 1:30, had lunch and then I went into town to get brochures on the area.   Stopped at Michaels to get some beads to create my wind chimes using my driftwood.   Bobby helped by drilling the holes.   Must say, the one looks great, but will redo the other one tomorrow.   It will look great once I'm finished!