- TRINIDAD 4 -

Ah, the Emerald Forest!  This truly is a beautiful and magical forest.  There are twelve acres with redwoods throughout the RV, cabin and tent areas.  The tent area is most magical as there is little traffic this time of year and the forest is undisturbed.  It feels as though the gnomes, elves and elementals are all around and free to do what they do.  I am very fortunate for the time I have here.

Fog has been the order of the past several days with spurts of sunshine here and there.  I will bring out my full spectrum light to make certain that I get enough light during these non sunshine days.  Having experienced S.A.D. in the past, I need to be diligent about this issue.  It is amazing how quickly depression can sneak in and get you before you realize there is anything wrong.  

My training here at the park has been good, though I feel I have been slow in getting some of it.  It has been a long time since I have needed to learn these kinds of details.  I am just wanting to make sure the guests feel welcomed and that the process takes as little time as possible, since many are tired and hungry from their journey here.  So far, it is good.

It has also been a bit colder than I am used to.  I am running a heater quite a bit of the time.  Part of this is because of the dampness and especially with the recent fog.  Once that clears it will be dryer.  Then, of course, the rain will be arriving eventually.  That will be a whole different element with the dirt and trees.  It definitely will be very interesting on learning ways to keep it on the outside of my little home rather than tracking it inside.  I am certainly in a learning curve with many things right now.

It has been several days since I have been able to get to the beach and my usual walk through the little town.  I am expecting tomorrow, Saturday, will be a good time since I will be off from training until next Wednesday.  Until I am more confident with working in the office, I have found it challenging to take the time to venture very far away.  This will all change as I learn more about all of the workings here.  That will be nice.

So, back to the trees.  There are some very old ones here and some stumps that are over five hundred years old.  They are so amazing.  Often I feel a tingling in the top of my head as I focus on them and meander through them.  The placement of the cabins as been done with respect for the trees.  Some of the cabins are tucked away and almost completely private from others. 

There are twenty cabins and almost all are different in what they offer and how they are decorated.  Most of them have pine walls and floors.  There is a meeting/celebration building for people to rent for parties, family reunions and/or cooking large meals.  I have been told that this park is usually booked full all summer.  So, if you are so inclined, best to call and book space now for next summer.

There is also a good recycling effort in the park and places to deposit them throughout.  They have some flowers still growing though I suspect it is only a matter of time before they go dormant for the winter.  And there is a young couple with a three month old little boy, who are helping out with the outside work.  All in all, things are great.  Still unsure how long I will be here.

To All Those Celebrating,

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Flory!

Happy Birthday, Julie!

Happy Birthday, Debbie!

Happy Birthday, Sue!

"Even if you live forty

or fifty years in this world,

and then die, 

you cannot take 

all your goods with you."

- Chief Red Cloud

  
Enjoy this world!

- TRINIDAD 3 -

Life is so full of surprises!  I will be working as a camp host here at the Emerald Forest Park in Trinidad for at least the next month.  There are several people expected to arrive to fill this position, that have been delayed.  So, I will help out until all have arrived and are settled into their respective duties.  I will be working in the office checking people in and out and also helping out on the grounds with light duties.  

I am excited to be here and have this opportunity.  I will learn the computer systems, which will aid me in the event I want to do this in the future at other RV parks.  There are adorable cabins here, as well, which are a part of the Rodeway Inn Company.  I will work a minimum of fifteen hours for my RV spot and any hours over that are paid.  Definitely a great deal.

This way, I will be staying in the redwood forest with the availability of being at the beach every day.  I'll get plenty of exercise walking back and forth to the beach, as well as, the outside grounds work in the park.  Very awesome.  I am certain this is going to be a great experience.

There is a young couple with a three month old that have just started working here and they will provide me with any transportation I might need with going into Arcata for fresh organic produce and into Eureka and the Natural Co-Op for supplies.  Sweet couple.  He is from England and she is from Arizona.  They love it here in Trinidad and feel this is a dream come true for them. 

We all went to the farmer's market in Arcata yesterday and what a wonderful mix of people, cultures, ages, etc.  There was music, people doing yoga, adults and children doing hula hoops, others practicing balancing poses and so much more.  I think everyone felt at home and there was a huge sense of community and peacefulness. 

The entire scene reminded me of the 60's and Berkeley, California and all of the hippie's.  It is said that all things repeat, and this is definitely one of them.  I failed to actually be a part of all of what occurred with the 60's, so this was a wonderful thing to behold.  I doubt I will be an active part of all that it is now, however, it is great to see and experience it as I choose.

We have had fog off and on the past several days.  A few mornings and evenings it has been rather cold when I could actually see my breath in the air.  Fortunately I have lots of appropriate clothing and such so I am very comfortable.  There are lots of redwood tree droppings on the grounds around the park which will be a good asset for when it is raining and keeping the mud at bay. 

To All Those Celebrating,

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Pat!

Happy Birthday, Jennifer!

Happy Birthday, Jan!

Happy Birthday, Karin!

Happy Birthday, Jeannie!

"Love is the real work of your life.

It is your spiritual path...

...It is the key

to your growth and evolution."

- Robert Holden 

Loveability

Enjoy your work!

- TRINIDAD 2 -

I have extended my stay here in Trinidad!  The RV park I am in is filled with redwood trees, and the small cones that fall and land on the roof of my little home make a sound that one could easily mistake for boulders crashing down.  I was startled at first until I figured out the cause. It is a rather shady park though the sun filtering through the trees is lovely and I do get some direct sun in the afternoons.

sea stacks

I have walked into town almost every day and each time it has been a bit warmer and completely clear with a slight breeze.  Yesterday was stellar!  I had some bodywork done, which was great, and then sat and watched the ocean ebb and flow and listened to the sounds of the waves on the shore.  I am really wanting to stay here a while.

notice the shiny mauve one

There are several good places to eat and several more to check out.  I am getting good reviews from the locals.  Everyone is so friendly.  Since there is only one road down to the beaches and pier, I walk past the same houses every day.  At one house a man is trimming some very tall hedges between his and his neighbors house.  He waves to me on my way down the hill and on my way back up the hill.  Yesterday he introduced himself.  And then there is the construction guy who is continually walking back and forth to his truck for tools.  We have chatted a bit

And as I came around a corner this woman, hose in hand, exclaimed as she hadn't seen me and almost sprayed me with water.  We laughed and chatted and before long I was in her back yard admiring her amazing waterfall, awesome landscaping and sweet koi pond which held some rather large fish.  I almost felt that if we chatted any longer I would be enjoying dinner with her and her husband.  Delightful woman.

Yesterday a spent at least half an hour chatting with a man, learning that he and his wife, originally from San Diego,  have been in Trinidad for fifteen years.  He told me a lot about the area and suggested things to do should I choose to stay here any length of time.  Listening to him, I discovered they have acreage not far from the RV park where I an staying.

The drinking water is clean and good and without threat of having it be diverted to southern California.  This is a health conscious community with local grass fed beef, organic almost everything and a major recycling effort in place.  So, add to that the fragrance of the redwoods and the ocean, this truly is one of the places I could call home.  Now I just need to investigate the year round weather conditions.  I keep hearing people say that once it starts to rain, it just continues to rain.  This might be an issue considering my need for sun.

I just learned last evening, from one of the camp hosts here that they are in need of another camp host.  Apparently there are several other hosts that were scheduled to arrive by now that have yet to do so.  I will chat with the manager and see what their situation is and rather or not this might be a good fit for a while.  Very interesting.

I have enjoyed hummingbirds, bees, tiny birds, songbirds, a wedding on the beach, a couple from Texas, heard an owl last night, and lots of dogs.  Sun, sand and the sea are the order of the days I have witnessed.  I am in my element and feeling so blessed to have this experience. 

To All Those Celebrating,

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Andrea Lu!

"It does not require many words

to speak the truth."

- Chief Joseph

Enjoy your truth!

- TRINIDAD -

I ended up staying a full week in Klamath.  I spent a few days under the weather and the extra time made it much easier for me to travel today.  Klamath is such a peaceful and calm area.  I could have stayed longer though they would be kicking me out the end of the month anyway since they close for the year.

My drive from Klamath to Trinidad was beautiful.  Part of it goes along the ocean where the crashing surf is visible and the evergreens are all around.  They line the highway and cover the hills along the way.  Then I came around a curve and there they were, hundreds and hundreds of pampas grass in  bloom.  Most of them were a sand color and then they all seemed to turn to the pale mauve shades.

Pampas grass at Trinidad

These grass blooms were everywhere around me on the hill sides of the road and the morning sun was shining through them.  It was absolutely magical and breath taking.  I felt as though I had driven into a wonderland.  There was no where to pull over so I had to continue driving as I passed through this special place of Mother Nature.  What a treat!

So, I am finally here.  I have wanted to visit Trinidad for more years than I can remember.  Ahhh!  How nice it is to be able to wander the few streets of this tiny little slice of heaven.  The weather was perfect as I meandered my way to the pier and the Seascape Restaurant.  I had a great meal and people watched and then observed as the wind started to come up.  Took some pictures and soaked in all the elements of the area.

And flowers!  Oh my gosh, one would think it was spring.  The RV park where I am staying has a whole garden of dahlias in all sorts of colors, shapes and sizes.  They were also blooming in yards all over town, along with Lantana, Rosemary, Bougainvillea, and several flowers unfamiliar to me.  It was great.  Sort of a transport back in seasons.  I love the coast.  One just never knows what one may see at any time.  

This lovely town has about 360 people who all seem to be happy living and working here.  Everyone I encountered on my brief venture was warm and friendly and helpful.  Before I walked to town I had stopped at another RV park on my way and checked it out for maybe staying a few additional nights.  The gentleman who helped me was very kind in suggesting  where I would find the sunniest spot in the park.  I will check in there tomorrow for a few nights before traveling on.  This will give me a little extra time to truly enjoy this special place.

After enjoying the pier and beach I went to the local grocery store and purchased a few necessities.  As I stepped out of the store I first felt the moisture on my face.  Then there was more moisture and this time on my head and drops appearing on the pavement.  It was clear, rain was beginning and I still had a mile walk back to the RV park. 

I pulled my sweatshirt hood up and over my head and began my trek in the rain. I had only gone a half of a block when a truck pulled over towards me.  The door opened and here was the man who had been so helpful at the RV park I checked out earlier.  He was doing an errand and saw me and offered to drive me back to the park where I was currently staying.  What a relief to have a ride and feeling very grateful for this nice knight in shinning armor.  It stopped raining about a minute after I arrived back at my little home.  Go figure.

To all those celebrating,

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Karen!

Happy Birthday, Michelle!

Welcome Home, Tim and Darlene!

"All things share the same breath -

the beast, the tree, the man...

the air shares its spirit

with all the life it supports."

- Chief Seattle

Enjoy your breath!

- KLAMATH, AGAIN 2 -

So, 4:40 a.m. and the coyote's were here in the park singing.  It was easy to hear the different voices of the adults from the juveniles.  I was a bit surprised as this is the first time I have heard them on my trip and they were so close to the motor homes.  Obviously it was too dark to see them though it was very clear at how near they were by listening to them vocalize to one another.  Actually it was rather awesome.

A walk to the beach revealed how the past storm had changed the actual location of the mouth of the river.  And it was amazing to see how the strength of the storm had chopped off the end of the sand dune at the waters edge where it had been a smooth walk before.  The day was clear and sunny with just a bit of a breeze.  The fishermen were out in full force and practically standing shoulder to shoulder with their fishing poles in the water in hopes of a salmon or steel head snatching the offering at the end of their line.

The Yurok tribesmen were fishing with nets and being a bit more successful than their counterparts with poles.  They also fish with nets along the river upstream from the mouth of the river where it meets the ocean.  What they catch sustains them through the cold and rainy winters here.  It is interesting to watch them as they perform the practices of their ancestors.  They must be a very hardy group of people to live in this area all year.

The path one walks through their ceremonial grounds (to get to the beach) felt a bit more sacred this time.  I was unsure why.  I had a plastic bag with me and picked up trash left by non-thinkers along the way.  Fishing line, candy wrappers, cigarette filters, plastic water bottle, etc., were among the things people have left behind on these lands.  I find it difficult to understand how people can do this.

This tribe has been here long before anyone else ever came to this land and the tribe has revered the land and all around it and continues to care for it still.  They allow non native people the passage through their ceremonial grounds,  asking only that it be respected.  So, either people are unable to read the sign at the grounds entrance or choose to be disrespectful.  Very confusing.

Then there are those who complain that the Yurok people  are allowed to use nets to fish.  They actually are angry.  I can't help  but wonder if these people understand what the settlers did to the indigenous peoples way back when.  The murdering of the tribes members, the disrespect for their way of life and I am certain other horrible atrocities to these gentle Natives must have been awful to witness.  I, for one, am glad these Native Americans have survived and are able to live in peace on the land.  I can only hope that sometime others will understand their plight and have compassion for the trials the tribes withstood so long ago and the difficulties they probably endure even today.

I get quite emotional about this even now and figure I have lived may lives as a Native American (or, possibly on the side of the calvary/government) and this is why I feel so strongly about how mistreated they were.  Even now, they are on reservations in some of the most desolate areas in this country.  What used to be their country.  I have only traveled through some of the reservations to clearly see the poverty that exists there.  

They have been stripped of their way of life and originally were forced to become civilized (seriously?) in the settlers way of thinking.  I wonder who anyone is to think their way of living is required by any other.  The Natives were killed by settlers intentionally spreading disease and were driven from their homes and lands by those who looted and killed and stole. The settlers and the government did a huge injustice to all of the people living in this country before they arrived.  

And treaties were made with the Natives.  At whose benefit?  Certainly not the Natives.  Yet the Natives, seeing a greater truth and expressing a greater compassion, gave way and made peace with these greedy intruders.  So many Natives attempted to run to avoid conflict, only to be hunted and killed.  

Ah, what a different way of life things may be now had the Natives been able to better defend their lands.  What would it be like now if we all lived on the lands and took care of the earth, only used what we needed, and looked after and took care of all of our family members.  What would it be like if we stopped clear cutting the forests and stopped depleting the oils and gases inside of the earth and stopped fracking and stripping the land of all things that nourish this planet?

What if we were to strive to assist the birds and animals and fish and insets, etc., so they all flourished?  The big what if!  What will it take for the people of today to wake up and realize our responsibility?  I see it that we are here to take care of this planet and all things of nature.  That we are here to take care of each other and live with love and compassion in our hearts.  So, when do we start?  Now!!!  I, for each moment of each day, do my best to live with compassion, love and sincerity.  I do my best in all things related to caring for this amazing earth and all of nature.   That is what I am able to do.  My part.

I imagine there are those of you who may be offended by my rant here.  There are those who may be sympathetic to my views.  I am simply expressing and emoting and doing so just for me.  I feel I will dig deeper into this issue since it has apparently touched a chord inside of me that seeks better understanding.  I ask forgiveness of the Native Americans for the misdeeds of my forefathers.  And I trust our current leaders and those populating this country now will find peace, compassion, love and understanding of the the past regressions.  I trust we will all recognize the great task we have before us so we can truly make this a great country where all may live in peace and cooperation.

To All Those Celebrating,

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Laurie!

Enjoy your change!

- KLAMATH, AGAIN -

What a beautiful drive from Port Orford, Oregon to Klamath, California.  I must have stopped at least a dozen times along the way to enjoy the sounds, smells and views of the ocean and the scenery.  It was breathtaking.  Just south of Port Orford and looking back toward the town, the beach was so inviting.  I almost stayed to walk the beach, though somehow I knew I would be making lots of stops along the way, so kept moving.

Different water colors

This stretch of Hwy 101 gives lots of opportunities to view the ocean and lots of turnouts so people can pull over and rest, take pictures and simply enjoy.  (This is so not the case when driving north!)  Again, since the rain so thoroughly cleaned everything, all of the plant life and trees and grasses seem happy and thriving.  And with the air so crystal clear, everything felt more alive and stunning.  I was in heaven the entire drive.

When I arrived in Klamath and the RV park I was greeted by lady bugs everywhere.  They surrounded my motor home and landed all over it.  It was a bit unnerving at first because I thought they were bees and was pleasantly surprised to see what they truly were.  I almost had a few enter my little home and was glad they were unsuccessful.  They definitely do much better out of doors.  There were also several of the smallest frogs I have ever seen.  They were hanging out around the post that supports the electrical, cable and water connections.

Everything is much the same as when I was here in July.  It is still a wonderful area along the river.  This time of year, when the inland temperatures are cooler, there is less fog so waking and going to sleep with clear skies is the norm.  The river is very calm and glassy and the owners say the fishermen are currently catching fish here in the river, rather than at the ocean outlet, which was the case up until now.  Ah, Mother Nature keeps us all on our toes.

The flowers continue to grow here and are lush and beautiful.  This is apparently one of the magical places where flowers do their thing for a good part of the year.  They will be unattended once November arrives and the owners leave for higher and dryer ground.  Depending on the rain during the winter, hopefully everything will have survived and the flora will thrive again for next years visitors.

I am in awe of how stunningly beautiful the days are here.  It feels so restful and comforting and peaceful.  I could definitely handle a month or so being in this environment.  I may just have to add a few days.  I am, however, spying a few parks in Trinidad which is one of my favorite areas along the coast.  I think it was back in the 70's when I first saw Trinidad and became immediately enthralled.  So, since I am so close I may as well stay a few days.

To All Those Celebrating,

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Shawn!

Happy Birthday, Andie!

"Health is the greatest gift,

contentment the greatest wealth,

faithfulness the best relationship!"

 - Buddha

Enjoy your health!

- PORT ORFORD, AGAIN! -

I had a beautiful drive down Hwy 101 along the Oregon Coast and could have stopped at so many places.  I did stop at a few just to take in the awesome beauty of the area.  It was clear, sunny and almost warm.  I actually had to remove my sweatshirt and put on a lighter shirt in order to be more comfortable. 

When I arrived in Port Orford it was clear which was very different than when I was here heading north in July.  Then it was overcast with fog and rather cool and grey.  Yesterday it was completely lovely.  I checked out the beach area and returned to one of the nicest RV parks in which I have stayed.  Tim and Cindy, the owners, are still here doing all they can to keep their home and park clean and inviting.  And doing an excellent job!

They have a few flowers still blooming and they weathered the storms well.  I would like to stay longer though I also want to continue south along the California coast to see family and friends.  Next stop is back to Klamath River in California.  They will be closing the RV park at the end of October because it is just to rainy and wet and cold.  I believe they reopen in April.

I am shifting again and wanting to search out other areas I have yet to see.  I am still looking into camp hosting and other things to participate in while out seeing the country.  There are so many thoughts running through my head and I am having fun attempting to sort them out and make some kind of sense of them all.

I won't have cell service in Klamath so this is just a quick update of how things are in the moment.  I had a great time in Florence and reconnected with Michelle.  We enjoyed a great dinner together and walked the waterfront afterwards.  I purchased a couple of scones from Sweet Magnolia's and I am set for a little while.  

Here in Port Orford last night it was clear and there were stars for days.  (Actually, nights)  Depending where one is on the coast, stars can be difficult to see.  Sometimes it is the fog or marine layer or simply too many lights in the area.  Last night was perfect and stars were plentiful to see.  It was calm and mild and absolutely lovely.

I am so grateful for what I am doing and all that I am getting to experience.  I feel so fortunate to meet all the amazing people who are from so many different areas of this country and other countries.  I have received dog fixes from all sorts and many from breeds I have never seen nor heard of before.  It is all good and perfect.

To All Those Celebrating,

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Rose!

Happy Birthday, Jane!

Happy Birthday, Amee!

"How is it they live in such harmony

the billions of stars - 

when most men can barely go a minute without declaring war in their minds

about someone they know."

 - St. Thomas Aquinas

Enjoy your harmony!