Redding Sacramento River Trail

In Redding, CA for a week or so. No smoke from fires and high temperatures are forecast to decline after this weekend so I'm looking forward to enjoying the area. From my campground, I biked to the wide and paved Sacramento River Trail.  Will explore more of the Redding area in the coming days.

Sacramento River.

Wide, paved trails.

Arcata and Eureka

My southern migration takes me to the Arcata and Eureka, CA area. Arcata is a small (about 15,000) college town dominated by Humboldt State University. Eureka is a larger (about 30,000) town about 7 miles south. Didn't spend much time here but the towns ha a good vibe; lots of young people.

The deserted Arcata beach on a cloudy day.

Humboldt State University in Arcata.

Baked goods in the Cafe Brio on the square in Arcata.

Arcata plaza (the square).

40 Days in Oregon

From Burns to the coast, the past 40 wonderful days were spent exploring Oregon! This isn't my first trip to Oregon, having climbed Mt. Hood and a bit of climbing at Smith Rock State Park. Over the past several years I've also made several business trips to Portland; however, this trip was all leisure!

Most of the past 40 days were spent along the coast (driving from Astoria to Brookings). In addition to taking in its great beauty, the Oregon coast is the perfect place to escape the summer heat and fire smoke. Now that the fire season and heat are on the decline, I'm heading south and inland; planning to spend time in northern California.

The beautiful Oregon coast!

Gold Beach

Yesterday, I drove 30 miles north to the small, quiet town of Gold Beach, OR. I like the many coastal viewpoints along Hwy. 101 (from the north and south) as one approaches Gold Beach.

New Tote

After lunch I returned to the Brookings-Harbor Saturday FM to take a second look at the artisans. I've been looking for another tote for shopping that is a bit less tacky than my Trader Joe's reusable plastic bag:) Lois Ware had just what I needed; her handmade totes are beautiful and functional!

My new nautical theme tote!

Lois at her tote stand.

Brookings-Harbor Saturday Farmers Market

Saturday's FM includes artisans, produce vendors, bakers, and a brewery. I only recognized one vendor at today's market from Wednesday; luckily, it was the farmer I'd purchased tasty tomatoes from so I was able to stock up. Two bakers were present so I purchased something from each - a nine-grain sourdough loaf of bread from The Village Baker and a chocolate muslei bar (new to me) from Bakery by the Sea - delicious!

Saturday's FM is along the Brookings boardwalk.

Bakery by the Sea is located in Brookings; they only had sweets at the FM but have bread at their in town store.

The Village Baker (of Ashland, OR) displayed an amazing diversity of breads. 

Nine Grain Sourdough.

Crescent City

Yesterday, I drove about 25 miles south of Brookings-Harbor, OR along Hwy. 101 to Crescent City. Named for the crescent-shaped shoreline, it seems like a small quiet town. Given its small population (about 7000 people), I was surprised to see a Home Depot; they also have a Safeway. After driving around town, I spent time at the port and jetty watching the waves, a few sea lions (including a dead sea lion washed up on shore), and gulls.