2013-10-06: Del Norte Coast Redwoods
No matter how many times we see them, it's always a thrill to drive through the redwoods soon after crossing the border into California.
2013-10-06: Elk
We had an huge elk herd sighting but unfortunately we couldn't find a place to safely pull off the road. I was able to click off a fast picture and capture a few of them.
2013-10-06: Valley Fog
As we rounded a corner we saw this incredible view of the valley fog and mountains.
2013-10-06: Gallaghers Irish Pub
Lunch today was in old town Eureka at Gallaghers Irish Pub. It is located in the historic Eagle House Victorian Inn that has been sitting majestically in Old Town Eureka since the 1880's. The rich carved woods and antiques scattered around the pub created a wonderful atmosphere to partake of a yummy lunch.
2013-10-06: Carson Mansion
A trip to Eureka is not complete without visiting the historic Carson Mansion. This Queen Anne Style mansion was completed in 1886 at a cost of $80,000 for William Carson, one of Northern California's first major lumber barons. Since 1950 it has been home to the Ingomar Club, a private members-only club and is never open to the public.
2013-10-06: Sweasey Theater
Opened on December 16, 1920 as the Sweasey Theatre, this building was taken over by Loew's Inc. in 1921 and renamed Loew's State Theatre. In 1929, the interior was destroyed by fire and it was renovated. In June 1943, another fire did some damage and also considerable water damage was incurred. After years as a movie palace, it was closed in 1973 and was turned into Daly's Department store. Daly's closed in 1995 and the building was abandoned for over ten years. And its decaying state became something of an eyesore. It was purchased by the Arkley's in and in 2007 it was re-opened as the Arkley Center for the Performing Arts.
2013-10-07: Richardson Grove
As you drive Hwy 101 you go in and out of several Redwood Forests. The highway through the Richardson Grove winds around these majestic giants - this is quite easy to do in a car but not so easy in a motorhome towing a car!
2013-10-07: Alexander Valley
Our campground in Cloverdale is on the Russian River and in the middle of many wineries, most of which are part of the Alexander Valley Winegrowers. It's always fun to get up close and personal with the grapes!
2013-10-07: Wild Turkey
On our way back to the campground, a flock of wild turkeys ran across the road right in front of our car!
2013-10-10: Monterey Canning Company
We drove to Monterey today and enjoyed a stroll down Cannery Row. It is the site of a number of now-defunct sardine canning factories. The last cannery closed in 1973. The canneries failed after the collapse of the fishing industry here in the mid-1950s, which resulted from a combination of factors, including unfavorable oceanic conditions, over-fishing, and competition from other species.
2013-10-10: Monterey Aquarium
During our visit to the aquarium we got to see many interesting and unique things. Among them was this mermaid's purse that is the leathery skate embryo egg case. It is anchored in the sand for a year at which time on edge opens and out comes miniature skates. We also saw...
2013-10-10: Octopus
...another huge octopus!