July 30, 2016
We’re driving along Highway 101 along the Oregon coast. Wow, what an incredible view. Just before leaving northern California, I had Curtis pull over and snap a picture of me hugging a big redwood tree. When we were at the Humboldt Redwood State Park yesterday, I was so caught up in capturing pictures of Curtis and Nyah and the beautiful scenery that I forgot to have them take one of me. It was an amazing hike around the ancient groves of huge living monuments. I could breathe easier and I felt so small and insignificant up next to them.
We had a pretty eventful day yesterday that began with a hike around Fern Canyon in the Redwoods National Park. Then we ventured around a few beaches near Arcata with our host, Sarah, who has lived in the area for nearly 30 years. At 63, she’s a young spirit at heart who makes a living working on a marijuana farm. She’s lives alone in a duplex she shares with Robert, Rosie and a little one named Robby. The small backyard area behind their duplex consisted of several redwoods, hastas and beautiful flowering bushes. There was a spot roughly 12’ by 12’ that was clear and flat enough for our tent; it was perfect.
Sarah and Robert share that backyard space with another neighbor, Crystal, Jah Sun and their kids, Sage, Damoni and Tasia. Their friend, Joe, also lives there and I could be missing someone as their were several people in and out. You could tell they were a fun family who opened their home to friends often. We missed the opportunity to meet Jah Sun, who was on the road touring. We were told that he is a well followed reggae musician and we can see why once we listened to some of his music Sarah had on CD.
Just as we were getting to know them better, it was time to pack up and get back on the road, but not before visiting the Arcata Famers Market which is said to be the oldest one in California. Before leaving for the market, we met Alvarado and Clint who stopped by to pick up Sage for work. They also work at a marijuana farm. This time of year, they are ‘pulling tarps’ which is essentially to control the sunlight on the plants this time of the year. They shared with us about their experience seeing a mountain lion while working this week. Definitely a great reminder of the wildlife we are subject to while in the area.
The North Coast Growers Association’s Famers Market was held on the square downtown Arcata. The vendors were all set up around the edges and there was a stage for live music set up near the middle. The band reminded us of a modern day Janis Joplin. They sounded great and added a lot of energy to the event. People from all walks of life gathered to purchase locally-grown produce and hand-made goods, sample food and celebrate free enterprise. Nyah tried pluots and fresh fig for the first time and we walked away with a bag full of treasure to take to Portland with us.
While Nyah was on a mission to find a bracelet to add to her collection, I ducked into the Heart Bead store to purchase some cordage and clasps for hand-made jewelry. While we were at Trinidad Bay, I picked up some Humboldt County driftwood with some artistic creations in mind. If all goes well, I’ll make some necklaces, bracelets, incense burners and wind chimes out of my finds. There were so many small, naturally buffed pieces of redwood that I couldn’t resist the urge to collect it. I have some small dreams of making lots of salable items that would display nicely in my massage room once I begin practicing again. We’ll see.
As we are getting closer to Portland, we’re planning are time in the Pacific Northwest which at this point consists of a day at the beach tomorrow, rafting the Deschutes River on Monday and a day in the city on Tuesday before leaving on the 3rd to begin making our way up through Washington. When I write again, I hope to have some exciting stories to share.
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