Matthew's web log

After a wonderfully caloric loaded breakfast at the B&B, we head to downtown Eureka. It is filled with many Victorians and is mostly deserted since it’s early for a Sunday morning. We stroll the main drag and I’m disappointed the chocolate store is not yet open. We head down to the Carlson Mansion which is a stunning Victorian along with a smaller one built for the couple’s son across the street. It’s not open for tours so we just admire it from outside. Our other possible tourist stop in Eureka was closed so we depart for the sister city of Arcata.

Going across a big bridge on the other side of the bay is Arcata. Its downtown is much smaller than Eureka’s and is even more nutty crunchy. There’s not much here (I don’t need any more hemp) so we head towards the Redwoods with a planned evening in Crescent City.

There are many different redwood parks around the area and we hit Redwood National and State Park which is one of the bigger ones. We stopped in the visitor center for the relevant info and then hit a short stop at the Lady Bird Johnson Grove. Following that we did about a three mile hike recommended by the ranger staff. Both let us see some spectacular old growth redwoods and pretty scenery.

We then resumed our drive to Crescent City. A town of only about 8,000 it only really exists now for hotels and some local fishing. The second hotel we call has a reasonable rate and availability. The GPS and our map lead us astray a bit, but we find it and check in.

After cleaning up we head to the recommended seafood restaurant right down the road. I’m looking forward to the fresh salmon and L’ gets the other fish special. We are sadly bummed that the fish is not very good. Mine is overcooked- mediocre restaurants at home have far better food.   It just goes to show us again how spoiled we are by the food we get at home.  In any case, we head back to the hotel to get some sleep for tomorrow we leave the state.

View all the trip photos here:

http://www.sanjoseabrams.com/photos/OregonAugust2010/