I was able to spend a good portion of today outdoors, despite the on and off rain. While Annemarie was still sleeping I walked around the neighborhood while it was still relatively quiet. I love all the old houses in the area and how artistically many people have done up their houses and yards. Annemarie was making breakfast when I got back, it was such a treat to have breakfast made for me. Yesterday I picked up some local coffee from Muddy Waters Roastery which is based in McKinleyville, their Deep Blues dark roast is tasty. After breakfast we played an 80s movie trivia game. I have obviously educated her well since she was able to answer just as many questions correctly as I did! Annemarie was especially good at remembering movie quotes, and she knew which 80s movie was Alan Rickman‘s first feature film role (anyone? He played the bad guy, Hans Gruber, in the first Die Hard movie).
She spent the day hanging out with different friends and I got out for a couple of drives looking for free little libraries and as usual was not disappointed by the librarians creativity. There was even a free little art gallery in one neighborhood and two places with ‘Blessing boxes’ where you could leave food or toiletries for those in need. I drove through a neighborhood where a resident had built amazing sculptures and furniture from driftwood, another person had some playful jack-o’-lanterns on their front lawn. I passed a ranch advertising cattle and pumpkins, an interesting combination! I also found a beautiful covered bridge that looked to have been recently painted.
After lunch I hiked in the Arcata Community Forest which is just down the road from where we are staying. Such a luscious place, especially in the rain and the scent was so intoxicating. Most of the trails were open to hikers, bikers and equestrians though I only saw other hikers. I can’t imagine going down some of the very twisty, steep trails on a bike. There were a few bikes only trails with jumps built in! For me being out in spaces like that is for relaxing and slowing down, seeing what is around me, not tearing through and maneuvering a bike.
The owners of the Airbnb we are staying at also own the historic Eagle House building in Old Town Eureka which includes a hotel, event center and two bars and restaurants. I dropped in to Phatsy Kline’s Parlor Lounge on my way back for a drink and nibbles. It is a really cool place with intimate seating and a fun vibe (and awesome bathroom signs!).
