2006-10-07: Pastels On The Plaza
In 1850 when the Union Wharf and Plank Company laid out the town of Union, now Arcata, it had the foresight to designate block 167 as a park or common area. Today people gather on the plaza to visit and partake of events such as Pastels on the Plaza, a fundraiser for local children's organizations. We were lucky to be here to on this sunny, warm day to watch sidewalk art created...
2006-10-07: Purple Peppers
...to see unusual vegetables like these purple peppers,...
2006-10-07: Huge Apple
...this huge apple at a real farmers market (no craft booths here)...
2006-10-07: Music
...and to rock to the music of The Delta Nationals, a group playing tunes from their (and our) youth.
2006-10-07: Carson Mansion
After a wonderful lunch at the Samoa Cookhouse, we went into Eureka to enjoy some of their old Victorian homes. Our first stop was the Carson Mansion that is now a private club. It was built in 1885 for William Carson who was a pioneer lumber baron in Northern California.
2006-10-07: Pink Lady
In 1889, William Carson built this Victorian for his son Milton as a wedding gift.
2006-10-07: Victorian
This is another of the many beautifuly restored Victorians in Old Town Eureka.
2006-10-07: Carter House
The Carter House is now a bed and breakfast.
2006-10-09: Back Roads
We are camped on the Russian River in wine country. We decided to see where Geyser Road, a one lane highway, would take us.
2006-10-09: Geyser Road Bridge
This bridge, which was built in 1909, was relocated to this spot crossing the Big Sulphur Creek in 1937.
2006-10-09: Alexander Valley
The road climbed to about 2600 feet giving us an incredible view of the Alexander Valley below.
2006-10-09: Merlot Grapes
Back in the valley we passed through many vineyards with their vines laden with grapes. This is a perfect time to be here as it is harvest time.
2006-10-09: Processing
As we were passing the Murphy Goode Winery I noticed they were getting a truckful of grapes. Each bin of grapes dumped from the truck weighed about 2 tons. They were dumped into the hopper that had a screw conveyor that brought them to...
2006-10-09: Crusher
...crusher that then put them into the settling tanks. It was very interesting to first see the process and then go in and have a taste!