We left Alan’s and headed for the Oregon Coast. It was at the Coquille River Light House in Banon that we finally touched the Pacific Ocean and saw our first ray of sunshine in five days. This lighthouse was the last one to be built on the Oregon Coast (1896) and the first to be decommissioned (1939). It is located where the Coquille River empties into the Ocean. The history of the town is interesting. At one time it was the busiest port between San Francisco and Portland. A major fire in 1936 destroyed all the wharves, warehouses, and most of the housing and businesses in town. Within a year 85% of the population had left. The port never recovered.

We continued down the beautiful Oregon Coast and arrived that afternoon in Arcata, CA for a stay with Mitch’s cousin Jack, his partner Rhonda, and their dog, Mishka.  Jack worked for the USDA Forest Service. Now retired, he does consulting work, tends their fabulous gardens, and dances. Jack is a serious dancer and ardent outdoorsman.

Rhonda is the owner of Beck’s Bakery, which she began just one year ago. It is housed in an industrial park owned and operated by the Municipality of Arcata. Arcata prides itself on being at the cutting edge of sustainability and offers start up sustainable businesses reasonable rent and a chance to get off the ground. Rhonda’s has a great product line consisting of 8 different breads, some very unusual (Moroccan Millet crusted) and the best granola in the granola capital of the world. 80% of her ingredients are locally sourced. She currently sells at farmers’ markets, to restaurants, and to independent markets.

Flour Made from Local Grain

Moroccan Millet Bread

Also in the industrial park is Fire And Light, a decorative glass making foundry that uses recycled glass. We were given a tour by the owner, John McClurg who owns the business with his wife Natali, and were given an overview of the whole process from the gathering of recycled glass, melting the crushed glass in furnaces, adding pigment, and pressing the molten glass into bowls, plates, and glasses.  Its an arduous process requiring great skill. Their glassware has vibrant colors and and nice heft. Do check them out at www.fireandlight.com

Jack took us on a wonderful hike from the ocean to Dry Lagoon in an area just north of Trinidad.

Arcata is also restoring Humbolt Bay’s wetlands.

In Eureka, a few miles south of Arcata, some folks are more formal.