My name is Kevin Carroll. I was born and raised in San Francisco, California, where I attended Saint Ignatius College Preparatory. I am a graduate of both Santa Clara University and the University of San Francisco. Following a 40-year career in teaching and pastoral ministry, I launched a new career as a writer and speaker.

I live in San José, California. My wife, Kathy, and I have three adult sons and five precious grandchildren. I have much for which to be grateful.

I can be reached via email at kmc43sjc@gmail.com

My books are available for purchase online from Amazon. I also have copies of some of these titles at my home for those who would like to buy them directly from me.

A Moment’s Pause for Gratitude  (2017)

Cherries in the Summer  (2021)

The Ambassador of 38th Avenue  (2022)

Dad: 12 Questions…  (2023)

A Focus on Gratitude  (2024)

Through the Lens of Gratitude  (2024)

A Bahamian Odyssey (2026)

• August 2026
• July 2026
• June 2026
• May 2026
• April 2026
• March 2026
• February 2026
• January 2026
• December 2025
• November 2025
• October 2025
• September 2025
• August 2025
• July 2025
• June 2025
• May 2025
• April 2025
• March 2025
• February 2025
• January 2025
• December 2024
• November 2024
• October 2024
• September 2024
• August 2024
• July 2024
• June 2024
• May 2024
• April 2024
• March 2024
• February 2024
• January 2024
• December 2023
• November 2023
• October 2023
• September 2023
• August 2023
• July 2023
• June 2023
• May 2023
• April 2023
• March 2023
• February 2023
• January 2023
• December 2022
• November 2022

“Siblings are like  
branches of a tree.  
We grow in  
different directions,  
yet our roots  
remain as one.”  
Author Unknown

I had an absolutely amazing day yesterday. My brother, Tom, is in town visiting from his home in Los Angeles where he teaches at Loyola-Marymount University. Since he is a Jesuit priest, he stays at the Jesuit residence at Santa Clara University when he visits the South Bay. I picked him up yesterday morning at 6:15 and we drove to San Francisco.

We began with breakfast at Java Beach Café on Judah Street. From there, we walked the short stretch of Sunset Dunes Park from Judah Street to Lincoln Way, the location of the southwest corner of Golden Gate Park. The park is approximately 3.5 miles long from The Great Highway on the west end to Stanyan Street on the east. Our plan for the day was to walk the length of the park, wander around the Haight-Ashbury District for a bit, then return to the west end of the park. 

The photo below (which includes the windmill) was taken a little after 8:00. Then we began walking. The second photo below (Ocean Beach) was taken around 1:00, when we arrived back at the beach. In all, we logged more than 25,000 steps — 12 miles. Not bad for two old guys!

The highlight of the day was the conversation we enjoyed along the way. Much of what we discussed had to do with childhood memories of various sites in the park. Of course, we also talked about family, friends, growing up, and life in general. I could not have asked for a better day.

Bryan Pulsifer, a Canadian author, said this about brotherhood: “Once a brother, always a brother, no matter the distance, no matter the difference, and no matter the issue.”

I have always been, and will always be, grateful to have Tom as my brother. His positive influence in my life has been significant.

“Having traveled  
initially to get away,  
ultimately we travel  
to come home.”   
Mary-Lou Weisman

“All good things must come to an end” is a proverb that dates back to the writings of Geoffrey Chaucer in the 1300s. The saying reminds us that nothing lasts forever — that all things and situations are temporary. It is often used to express regret when something that brings us happiness comes to an end. The expression also urges us to consciously savor the good times in life, with an awareness that such happiness may not exist the following day.

I had this sense of awareness on Saturday as Kathy and I drove from Eureka to Willits. Driving through the redwoods, I was fully aware of what we were experiencing, knowing that with each passing mile, we were moving away from the grandeur of the redwood forests toward the chaos and congestion that awaited us in San José. 

I continued to embrace that awareness yesterday on the final leg of our brief journey. After a week of brilliant sunshine, we awoke to a blanket of fog resting upon the tops of the redwoods in Willits. After breakfast, we hit the road. Again, we were treated to spectacular scenery along the way.

When we got to Cloverdale, we decided to stop for lunch. We happened upon Pick’s Roadside Restaurant, which claims to have the best burgers in Sonoma County. We were impressed. The food was superb and the service was excellent.

After crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, which offers a very different kind of spectacular beauty, we stopped at Java Beach Café for a visit with friends and a scoop of ice cream. After enjoying about an hour of conversation, we began the final leg of our journey — one which took us over 700 miles from start (last Saturday) to finish.

So yes, after traveling to get away, we are grateful to be home. As much as I enjoy being on the road, there’s nothing better than a good night’s sleep in one’s own bed.

“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, far exceeded our expectations for lodging. For five days and nights, it became our home.

While there are rooms in the main building for visitors, we opted to stay in the Redwood Bungalow, a cozy one-bedroom unit with a living room, kitchen, and bathroom adjacent to the garage in the backyard of the main house. The place was clean and comfortable. It also provided a level of privacy most bed and breakfast venues can’t offer.

Each day, a home-cooked breakfast was prepared by Renée. It included a hot main dish such as a frittata or quiche. There was also a bowl of chopped fresh fruit and a cup of yogurt. A container of orange juice, which we found in the refrigerator upon our arrival, was refilled every day. There were also appliances and supplies to make coffee, tea, or hot chocolate each day.

When we arrived back at our room each evening, we were greeted with warm homemade cookies. We most definitely did not go hungry!

The Hydrangea Inn is centrally located in Eureka, in close proximity to the Old Town District, the Carson Mansion, Sequoia Park Zoo, the Clarke Historical Museum, and the Eureka waterfront trail. For our purposes, it was a convenient eight-minute drive from Kathy’s brother John’s home in the Cutten neighborhood in southeast Eureka. Getting around town was not a problem at all. 

As much as we enjoyed the Hydrangea Inn itself, getting to know Renée was one of the highlights of our trip. She truly is a Renaissance woman, quite accomplished in a variety of careers and totally content to spend her retirement years hosting visitors to Eureka in her beautiful home. Kathy and I honestly feel like we’re returning to San José with a new friend. 

Eleanor Roosevelt once quipped, “True hospitality consists of giving the best of yourself to your guests.” This is precisely what Renée does each day at the Hydrangea Inn. Kathy and I are incredibly grateful for the experience.

We are heading back home today.

“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 spent a considerable amount of time at John and Linda’s home and traveling around to various parts of Humboldt County with them. The level of hospitality they provided for us went above and beyond anything we might have hoped for.

Over the past couple of days, we visited the towns of Arcata and Trinidad, as well as numerous sites here in Eureka. A couple of weeks ago, Kathy and I visited the San Francisco Zoo. We were quite disappointed in the experience for a number of reasons. Sequoia Park Zoo here in Eureka was a much more pleasant adventure, which included the opportunity to take a walk through the redwoods on the Redwood Skywalk, a walking path 100 feet above the forest floor. It’s an experience I will never forget.

Last night, John and Linda took us to Old Town Eureka where we enjoyed a couple of hours at the Eureka Friday Night Market, which featured local food vendors, artisan makers, and live music. Being together for this event, as well as the drives we took in and around Eureka, provided ample time for excellent conversation. 

Just one block from John & Linda’s home is the western edge of the McKay Community Forest. This park, filled with towering redwood trees, includes approximately 31 miles of multi-use roads, multi-use trails, hiking trails, and mountain bike trails. The purpose of these amenities is to provide a place for residents and visitors of all ages and abilities to enjoy walking, hiking, mountain-biking, wheeling (in mobility devices), horseback-riding, learning, and connecting with the natural world.

At the western end of Eureka is Humboldt Bay, which features a flat, paved 14.8-mile multi-use trail connecting Eureka and Arcata. One stretch of this trail passes through the Arcata Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary. It’s an ideal venue for for walking, running, and bicycling, with gentle grades accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.

Kathy and I are tremendously grateful to John and Linda for their gracious hospitality during our visit. As I mentioned in a previous blog post, our last visit to Eureka was in 1996.  I’m fairly confident that we will not wait another thirty years before returning. 

“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) embrace the serenity a place like Eureka offers to visitors and residents alike.

Over the past thirty years, Kathy and I have seen John and Linda on numerous occasions — mostly on holidays and at weddings or funerals. Each of these visits was in the Santa Clara Valley. The last time Kathy and I visited Eureka was thirty years ago, in July 1996. It’s been an absolute pleasure to spend time with John and Linda on their turf, sharing meals, conversation, and memories. This brief visit has reminded me of the importance of slowing down and appreciating loved ones.

I have thoroughly enjoyed being in and around the ancient redwood forests, driving or walking through towering trees that inspire awe and humility. Spending time in this environment invites and encourages me to reflect on my life… with gratitude.

We have enjoyed exploring Eureka’s “Old Town,” the waterfront, nearby beaches, and the calming influence of Humboldt Bay and the Pacific Ocean. It is quite a contrast to the hustle and bustle of living in the greater San Francisco Bay Area.

Eureka has a unique character and vibe. The local shops in historic Old Town, the Victorian architecture evident throughout the community, and the redwood forests surrounding the town create a sense of appreciation for the way history and nature blend together in the community.

The sense of serenity I’ve felt since arriving here has been an absolute blessing. Time with family, awareness of the gift of nature, and the slower pace of life conspire to create an undeniable sense of inner peace.

This visit to Eureka has provided much more than just a mental health break for Kathy and me. It has been an opportunity for us to spend time together in a historic town situated between magnificent redwoods and the Pacific Ocean, to reconnect with John and Linda, and to renew ourselves and our relationship. 

Our July 2026 trip to Eureka has been a memorable experience filled with love, serenity, and gratitude. 

“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 John played football for two years and earned his college degree. In recent years, the name of the school has been changed to Cal Poly Humboldt, though the name change has not been well-received by locals and alumni.

From Arcata, we continued north on Highway 101 to Trinidad, California, a seaside community surrounded by redwood and spruce trees. Trinidad is located 44 miles north of Eureka. It sits on a bluff overlooking Trinidad Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The village is commonly referred to as the place where the redwoods meet the sea.

Again today, I will share a few photos from yesterday’s outing. 

“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 of images.

“…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 Atlanta. Our three boys were ages 10, 8, and 4 at that time. On those previous visits, the purpose of the drive from San José to Eureka was the destination — just getting here. This trip has been different. Certainly, arriving safely, which we did yesterday afternoon, was a priority, but rather than focusing on the destination, on this trip we prioritized the journey itself.

For this reason, after departing Willits yesterday in the late morning, we took a slight detour from Highway 101 when we approached Phillipsville. At that point, we had the option to get off 101 and take State Route 254, which parallels the highway for 31 miles. It then reconnects with the highway near the town of Pepperwood. This scenic stretch of road is known as The Avenue of the Giants.

Just off Highway 101, in Phillipsville, we stopped for lunch at the Chimney Tree Grill, appropriately named for its proximity to the Living Chimney Tree, a 78-foot-tall coastal redwood located at the south end of The Avenue of the Giants. The center of the tree was hollowed out by a fire in 1914, but the tree survived and continues to grow. Visitors can walk through a doorway at the base of the tree and look straight up through the gutted trunk to see the sky. After a delightful lunch, we began the 31-mile trek through the redwoods. 

The Avenue of the Giants is considered to be the most scenic drive among the redwoods. The roadway, which winds its way through majestic redwood trees, is mostly flat with gentle curves. It passes secluded forest hamlets, campgrounds, picnic areas, and access points to the Eel River. With the car windows down, we were able to enjoy the pleasant scent of the redwoods as we passed through them.

Driving State Route 254 reminded me of a line I’d read many years ago in John Steinbeck’s 1962 travelogue Travels with Charley: In Search of America. In speaking about the redwoods, he wrote, “From them comes silence and awe. It’s not only their unbelievable stature, nor the color which seems to shift and vary under your eyes, no, they are not like any trees we know, they are ambassadors from another time.”

When he speaks of “another time,” Steinbeck is most likely referring to the fact that the oldest coast redwoods in Humboldt County are estimated to be about 2,000 to 2,200 years old. Coring these massive trees to count their rings can cause permanent damage, so the exact ages are difficult to determine. Scientists, however, estimate that the oldest living specimens first sprouted around the time of the Roman Empire. For those of us living here in California in 2026, this is definitely “another time.”

Our drive through The Avenue of the Giants is an experience for which I will always be grateful. As Jesuit poet Gerard Manley Hopkins wrote, “The world is charged with the grandeur of God.”

“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 point of the rail line and down into the picturesque Noyo River Canyon. 

The experience began at the train depot in Willits. The old-style train chugged through town, across Main Street, then up into the hills to the west. One of the conductors used the exceptionally-effective sound system to provide information about various points along the way, and to share the interesting history of the rail line.

One of the other conductors was a gifted guitarist and singer. He meandered through the train cars serenading passengers with a variety of mostly train-themed songs.

Near the town of Crowley, the train made a 30-minute stop for lunch at a remote picnic area where the famous Wolf Tree is located. The tree gets its name from its sprawling branches and a distinctive overgrowth off one side. We had pre-ordered our lunches and picked them up prior to boarding. The sandwiches and drinks were packed in thermal lunch bags to keep them cold. We enjoyed our meal sitting at a shaded picnic table under a large tree.

Kathy and I enjoyed meeting some of the other passengers on the train. It’s amazing how a shared experience like riding the Skunk Train can provide a tangible sense of connection among strangers. Two of the couples we met happened to be from Austin, Texas, though they were not traveling together. We had a delightful conversation about the differences between living in California and the Lone Star State. 

Overall, the experience was well worth the cost. More than likely, however, I consider it a one-time adventure for us. Though we enjoyed it immensely, and would highly recommend it to friends, it’s unlikely that we will ride the Skunk Train again. 

I must say that I question the validity of the New York Times quote above. Was it a spectacular train trip? I would say yes, it was. Is it one of the most spectacular in North America? Given the many other opportunities to travel by train in the United States and Canada, I sincerely doubt it. If I ever take an extended journey by train, I want it to be on the “Journey Through the Clouds” trip on the Rocky Mountaineer. Until that time, if it ever happens, I’ll stick with taking CalTrain from Santa Clara to San Francisco. I wouldn’t describe that particular route as scenic, but when travelers arrive on CalTrain in The City by the Bay, they experience one of the most beautiful cities in North America.