Trip to coast

Pictured are the docked boats and the Carson Mansion as viewed from the Marina Café down on Woodley Island.

Last week we decided it was time to take a break from work, so we went to the coast for a one night stay. It was on the warm side here in the valley and even on most of the drive across Highway 299, but it was cooler and slightly overcast on the coast. Just cool enough for a light jacket.

It was about noon when we arrived. We made a quick stop at the hotel we had reservations at just to confirm our room then headed out to find lunch. We drove into downtown Arcata and found a parking spot. From there we walked several blocks until we found the Arcata Pizza & Deli. They were bustling with business from local customers who looked like they were enjoying their lunch. We placed our order and claimed the last unoccupied table. The serving portions were large, but we managed to finish every bite. Then it was off to see what the local shops had to offer.

As we walked around the main downtown stores, we stopped in a few to see what they had to offer. Then a few blocks away we found several thrift stores, our favorite shopping places.

Next we were off to Eureka. Again we walked the main downtown area, stopping to buy a few gift items in the stores. Then it was off to the thrift stores in that area where we spent the rest of the afternoon.

Our thrift store finds included four puzzles, one book, four blouses, two dresses, one skirt, two silk plants, computer software to design landscaping, and a scissors that cuts decorative edges on paper. We were quite pleased with all our finds and the prices were very low. The total for all our items was under $20.

It was time for dinner by the time were finished shopping. All our walking had worn off the big lunch we had eaten, so it was time to find a fish dinner. We chose the Marina Café down on Woodley Island. The specials were halibut with four cheeses and salmon breaded lightly with basil seasoning. We ordered one of each and both were excellent. The view from the café was of the boat docks with the Carson Mansion on the shore across Humboldt Bay. While eating dinner we watched the boats coming and going, the pelicans and seagulls flying about and one seal that was swimming around, poking his head up now and then to see what was going on.

The next day we went to Patrick’s Point State Park, just off Highway 101. We had fun hiking the trails, taking photos of the rocks and waves along the coast as well snapping photos of the many wildflowers that were in bloom. There were even sea lions taking a nap out on the rocks. By noon we decided it was time to start back home even though it was tempting to stay longer. It was hard to put the camera away and start the drive back, but we are enjoying the pictures we did take and are talking of another trip when we can take some more photos.