Eureka!!!

START: Calistoga, CA      TODAY:     240  Miles

END:     Eureka, CA         TOTAL:   4,467  Miles

Driving through Alexander Valley was all about the grape.  The vista was miles of rich green, manicured grapevines.  Our route took us through Geyserville where the Francis ford Coppola Vineyard was located.  Headed northwest on Hwy 101 we began the climb over the Coast Range where the golden grass-covered rolling hills deceptively hid the dark jagged rocks below ground. 

After a couple of hours on the road we started the book “Writer, Sailor, Soldier, Spy” to learn about Earnest Hemingway’s complicated life. 

Roadwork delayed us for almost an hour.  When we were finally waved through, we realized the workmen were clearing a rock slide on the mountain road.  

Mother Nature put on quite the show for us today as we drove along the Humboldt Redwood State Park.  The sunlight must not ever reach the forest floor, unable to pierce the thick foliage.

The road twisted and turned as we made our way over the mountains, crossing the Eel River multiple times.  By the time Hwy 101 reached the coast it was 61 degrees, a far cry from the 107 at the same time yesterday.

After settling in at Redwood Coast RV, we drove back into the Victoria seaport of Eureka.  The town was founded in 1850 as a shipping center for the Trinity gold mines.  Old Town was listed on the National Register of Historic Places with over 150 homes and shops dated to the late 1800.s.

The bookstore was built in 1870, but I wondered if my grandchildren would understand this antique. 

It surprised us that the Humboldt Bay Marina was a collection of working vessels with large crab pots stacked on the docks.

The crown jewel of Eureka was The Milton Carson Mansion.  Lumber baron, William Carson, built it as a wedding gift for his son.  Unfortunately, The Clark Museum and the Maritime Museum were closed on Mondays, but we thoroughly enjoy our walking tour of historic Eureka.