Garberville, California may hardly be on the map, but this little town tucked into the hills of the Humboldt Forest was the stop we needed. At first sight, it smelled entirely of weed and stale alcohol, and I was concerned about all the people loitering about on the roads and on the porch of our little motel. But a short walk into town for dinner revealed the real side of town: smiles and hellos abounded from everyone we walked past, and the friendliness and spirit of the staff and customers of little Calico Cafe set my nerves at ease. The bartender gladly gave my kids some paper umbrellas (which they are still playing with this morning) and put Happy Feet on the TV for them. I also realized that it’s California, it’s warm, and therefore everyone hangs out outside.
We hadn’t planned a motel stop on this leg of the trip, but a difficult 6-hour trip in the RV on Friday induced us to think of a better option than tackling an 8-hour drive down to San Francisco on Sunday. So, I took off in the car with the boys, aiming to split the trip in two. We made it 3.5 hours – to Garberville – before their whines and loudly voiced discomfort became untenable. I was read for dinner and a beer, too. And it’s been a long time since I’ve visited that road-trip joy of settling into a hotel room and just enjoying TV and a change of pace.
It was hopefully a respite for my parents, who have had myself, two spirited boys, and a nervous cat to contend with in a 32 foot RV, and it was a chance for me to steal away to a corner of the motel room to finish up a video while the boys took baths and watched TV.
I’ll write much more about our two trips south later – by land and sea – but for now, know that Tom and his crew sailed safely under the Golden Gate Bridge on Friday evening, and my parents, the boys, and I have been soaking up the gorgeous sand and waves of the Oregon and California coasts.
Here is a link to the video of the West Coast of Vancouver Island I finished last night. And here’s two more links for the two previous videos:
More to come soon! Time to hit the road and head south. The boys are excited to see their dad today and to show him their treasured umbrellas!
Love your posts! You are inspiring me to head north from Seattle. Keep them coming.
Yay! Happy to be an inspiration! Definitely make that trek north. As we’re headed south now, I admit that we are already missing our northern waters and look forward (eventually) to the day we come back.
The video really helps me get a better understanding of the sailing. I love seeing your boys playing and exploring!! It is good to see all your faces.
Glad you are getting some land/motel time for a break and that Tom and crew have made it down the coast safely.
Thanks, Kathie. Yes, the change of pace was good for all of us, and Dylan especially likes doing new things, especially staying in new motels/cabins/etc. We absolutely loved the exploring we were able to do along the west coast of Vancouver Island, and I was glad I was able to capture a little of it on video. I have a feeling it will remain among my favorite places for a long time.
Please say hello to your mom and dad for me (Linda Howitson). We are following your trip as you set out on your sailing adventure. Hope you have a wonderful and safe sail!
Will do, Linda! Thank you for following!