(AKA... The trip where Fern and I almost plunged to death off a mountain.) ⛰
"Is the beam from a lighthouse affected by howling wind and rain? It remains perfectly steadfast and unaffected by the storm. Your true self is like that. Nothing can harm you once you are consciously aware that it is so." - Vernon Howard
The drive from Crescent City to the Manchester Beach/Mendocino Coast KOA was 256 miles, and it took us most of the day to get there with all the stops along the way. What a beautiful drive down the coast. The California coastline is such a majestic force that I could get used to it and stay hours at every stop.
We followed the South Fork Eel River for a portion of our drive. I pulled over to hike down to the water and spent a little time listening to the flow of the water. It was so peaceful and relaxing. The water was crystal clear with this beautiful blue tint to it.
Between these amazing beaches and a beautiful sunset, Fern and I had a close encounter at the top of a mountain. It was the closest we came to plunging off the side of a mountain. I have to say... That's not the way I want to go!
We had driven over several mountains that day and were winding our way through all the switchbacks and tight curves. We got to the top of a mountain, and I was startled to see the ocean instantly come into view. Then, as we went around the curve, we met a sports car driving too fast and coming around the bend. He slammed on his brakes and swerved several times to gain control. It happened so quickly, but he crossed into our lane and came within inches of hitting us. There were no guardrails to keep us from tumbling off the top of a mountain into the ocean. Again... Not the way I saw my life ending! Needless to say, it took a minute to gain my composure.
It made me again realize how fragile life is and how our lives can be over in an instant. We are not guaranteed even the end of this day. I plan to continue living each day to the fullest. Epicurus said, "The key to a good life is avoiding pain, abstaining from unnecessary desires, and being grateful for what you have. I'm not sure I agree with everything he said, but I am incredibly thankful for the life I have, the experiences I have had, the friends and family, my health, and dogs... definitely dogs 🐾
We pulled over just in time to catch this gorgeous sunset on Van Damme Beach. It was just south of Mendocino Bay and close to Little River. I usually like to be at my campsite by this time, but it was nice to stretch my legs on the beach and watch another incredible California sunset.
Sunrises are special, but I am particularly drawn to sunsets.
"Sunsets are proof that no matter what happens, every day can end beautifully." - Kristen Butler.
The following morning I left Fern at the campsite and traveled to Point Arena in Manchester, CA. The first lighthouse at this location was constructed in 1870 but was devastated by an earthquake along the San Andreas Fault in 1906. This one was built to withstand future earthquakes with its steel-reinforced rods encased in concrete.
The lighthouse stands 115 feet tall. The first lens pictured above is seven feet in diameter and weighs 4,700 pounds. I learned that all lighthouse lenses have a light signature to identify them. This one was programmed for two flashes every six seconds. It could be seen for over twenty miles. It was later replaced by a more modern 40-pound rotating light and then replaced by an LED light.
These are also the original stairs. The picture on the right has the actual date on the bottom step.
Point Arena lighthouse is one of the tallest on the California Coast and the only one you can walk up inside. There were 145 steps, and I felt all of them by the time I reached the top. The walk down was much more enjoyable.
The view was just breathtaking. The ocean was stirred up because a storm was making its way to the west coast the following day. My original plan was to go to Yosemite, but the weather system detoured me. I'll save it for another time.
It was breathtakingly beautiful at the top, and I was the only one there except for the park employee stationed there.
They usually see whales from this point. Many mothers bring their babies closer to the shore for protection, and I missed them by about a month.
There were only a few of us at this campsite for the night. The people working here were lovely and kind. I have always liked the quote they posted on the building, a variation of the Maya Angelou quote.
"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." - Maya Angelou
I was packing up to leave the campsite when I saw several mushrooms poking through the ground. They are called Crab Brittlegills. Their season is mainly July through November, and they mostly grow on the West Coast in coniferous forests around Douglas Firs. They get their name because they emit a smell similar to shellfish. Apparently, you can eat them, and they have a pretty mild taste. I passed, but I thought they looked unique.
Next stop... Sonoma 🍷
Stay Wild 🌿
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