29 June - Lighthouses, Beach and Oyster Dinner!!

29 June
Headed south this morning to Ferndale CA and Camp Mendocino Lighthouse, or at least a replica of it.  As we drove south it was evident the tide was out, a long ways!

We saw log-hauling semi trailers, one right after the other.

We arrived at Ferndale after a short drive and found the Humboldt County Fairgrounds where the replica lighthouse is located.  The original lighthouse was put in operation in 1868 at Cape Mendocino but was relocated to Shelter Cove.   The Fresnel lens and mechanical gears were relocated to the replica lighthouse at the Fairgrounds in 1948.  

Replica Cape Mendocino Lighthouse at the Humboldt County Fairgrounds in Ferndale CA.  Now used as the admissions booth for the fairgrounds.

Sometime after 1970 there was apparently some sort of issue and the lens was removed from the Fairgrounds.  We talked to a couple ladies who were preparing for the county fair, and they did not know why, but there is obviously no lens in this lighthouse.

We then headed back north to the next destination, the Memorial Lighthouse in Trinidad CA, which is the oldest town on the northern California coast, founded April 8, 1850.   

Not unlike others' this is also a replica. Electricity came to the station in 1942. As a result, in 1947 the fog bell was replaced by compressed air horns, and the lens was removed in favor of a modern beacon. In 1949 a replica of the tower called the Trinidad Memorial Lighthouse was built in town on a bluff overlooking the bay, and the original lens was placed in the lantern room. 

Great view of Trinidad Bay in the background

Beautiful memorials of those lost at sea

The original fog bell, suspended from a wooden structure, is on display next to the memorial lighthouse.

Trinidad bay used to be the home of many whaling ships, but is a beautiful sight now.

Departing Trinidad we headed north up highway 101 to Patrick's Point State Park, home of the Agate Beach, known for it's black sand and agates washing up on shore.

We entered the park and after passing the admissions booth we drove through the campground to the beach parking area.  From there we hiked the 0.25 mile rough trail down to the beach.  The trail was very narrow in spots and steep.  

The trail head, looking down you can see the beach and how far down we had to hike to get there!

Doreen maneuvering the trail and some periodic steps

We were greeted by a park ranger as we approached the beach and she provided information about the agates and the beach.  Although they call it a beach, swimming is not advised here because of the unexpected holes, underwater sand and the undertow is very strong.  

Black sand looks strange

We walked along the shore and Doreen picked up many small, beautiful rocks.  

Neither of us were exactly sure what we were looking for, but nevertheless, we ended up with a bag of nice stones, some drift wood, and Doreen even managed to find me a great looking Smith and Wesson lock blade knife that looked like it was just removed from the package!

Tide was out but working it's way back in.  Turn your back on the incoming tide and you get wet!!

The sound of the crashing waves was mesmerizing!  I could fall asleep at the sound of this video (I hope it loads for you so you can hear it):

So we made out way back up the trail without incident and to the parking lot.    Was definitely a great day at the park.

Doreen found a great piece of drift wood that functioned as a walking stick.

A few of the wild flowers along the trail

Got it!!

As we drove back to Eureka we pointed the GPS at the next lighthouse, Table Bluff, which is located right in Eureka.

The RV won't make it in here!!

Doreen in front of Table Bluff Lighthouse.  It is closed to visitors.

Great looking anchor at the base of the lighthouse.

A memorial to those mariners who were lost at sea.

Names of those lost at sea.

 We returned to the RV as Liberty had been couped up all day.  We reset a bit, walked the dog and then headed out to dinner at the Cafe Waterfront.  I had wanted oysters ever since we were in San Francisco, and this place was recommended by the staff here at the RV park.

 They have done a great job rehabilitating downtown Eureka and restoring the buildings.  The Cafe Waterfront in no exception.  There was a horse-drawn carriage downtown and we intended to ride around after dinner, but the horse had apparently retired for the evening so that did not work out!

Looking down the street

Well, I sampled the "grilled oysters" and Doreen had the scallops and linguine.  We shared a carafe of red wine and had a fantastic dinner.

My first "grilled oyster".  Was lightly breaded and tasted very good, but I will take oysters and which way!

Tomorrow we pull chocks and head north a couple hours to Turtle Rock RV Park in Gold Beach Oregon.  We will pass through several redwood state and national parks as we head up route 101 from Eureka to Gold Beach.  When we camp at Gold beach we will travel back down 101 and revisit the parks without the RV.  There are also some lighthouses Doreen has on the radar.

Next report, Gold Beach OR!