A Beacon of Light

“A bed and breakfast  is a home  away from home,   with better breakfast  and fewer chores.” Unknown Life is consistently full of surprises. When Kathy and I arrived in Eureka last Monday, we were pleasantly surprised to see our accommodations for the week. The Hydrangea Inn, a bed and breakfast owned and operated by Renée Chappelle,…

“Love is a verb, and kindness is its practice.” C.S. Lewis We’re packing up and leaving Eureka this morning. Before we go, however, we’ll spend one last bit of time visiting with Kathy’s brother, John, and his wife, Linda. Kathy and I decided to stay in a bed & breakfast during our visit here in Eureka, but we…

“The redwoods, once seen,… create a vision that stays with you.” John Steinbeck   Kathy and I have been in Eureka for for only four days, yet we’ve experienced exactly what we came here to do: (1) spend quality time with Kathy’s brother, John, and his wife, Linda; (2) explore the beauty and history of the region; and (3)…

“The place where the redwoods meet the sea.” Kathy and I were treated to a tour of the coastline north of Eureka yesterday afternoon by Kathy’s brother, John, and his wife, Linda. After visiting the small island of Samoa, we drove up to Arcata, home of what was once known as Humboldt State University. This is where…

“California the way it used to be.” Humboldt County Visitors Bureau Tucked away in the northwest corner of the State of California is the port city of Eureka. Kathy and I are here for a week to visit with Kathy’s brother, John, and his wife, Linda. In lieu of a written post about Eureka, I offer this photo blog…

“…ambassadors  from another time.”John Steinbeck Kathy and I have visited Eureka, California only a few times in the past 42 years. Our last visit was 30 years ago, in July 1996. I remember it vividly, as that visit coincided with the 1996 Summer Olympics, which was marred by the bombing at Centennial Olympic Park in…

“One of the  most spectacular  North American  train trips.”  New York Times Operating in Mendocino County since 1885, The Skunk Train has earned acclaim for its scenic route through the redwood forest. Yesterday, Kathy and I enjoyed a ride on the Wolf Tree Turn, a breathtaking two-hour journey departing Willits and traveling over the highest…

“Small towns are  beautiful reminders  that community  and connection matter.” Arthur Vance I’ve been a “City Kid” my entire life. Born and raised in San Francisco (population 826,000), I’ve spent my adult years living and working in San José (population 874,000). I’ve grown accustomed to traffic congestion, multiculturalism, and the convenience of having just about…

“If you want  to go fast,  go alone.  If you want  to go far,  go together.”  African Proverb So many things in life are relative. For example, in San Francisco, any temperature above 85º is officially classified as “extreme heat.” Due to The City’s coastal marine layer, standard summer highs only reach the low 70s.…