This is why I love Arcata...

KINETIC SCULPTURE RACE

This race originated right in here in Humboldt County and now there are many kinetic races around the world just like it.

The 42-mile race features a variety of sculptures, designed to cross beaches, rivers, sand dunes, land and roads. There are many ways to earn points in this race, including bribing the judges. There are awards for every category you could possibly think of and cheating is encouraged! Talk about free entertainment.

These photos are from day two of the race (the race lasts three). This is where the sculptures must enter Humboldt Bay and actually stay afloat and paddle about a mile before getting out. I only saw one guy completely flip upon entering the water. Brrrr!

The actual website for the race is currently down but a local radio station KHUM is doing a great job of posting this year's photos if you want to see more.

FOR THE GLORY!

OCEAN DAY 2007

I was up at 6am yesterday plotting, and directing volunteers to create this image of a gray whale. My heart was beating fast and my stomach queasy knowing that if I miss calculated the entire image could be shifted and the end result ruined.

750 Humboldt county students came out to pull invasive European beachgrass and pick up trash before getting into the aerial art image.

Everything went smoothly and all were in place just in time when the helicopter came to get the photo. I'm just below the whale's eye in the photo. Images from other countys and even Mexico can be found here.

The whale was chosen as this year's image as the International Whaling Commission is meeting in a few days with one of the agenda items being to legalize whaling once again in several countries. Many are concerned that with the meeting be held in the US this might actually happen.

My return from Mono land…

After sleeping for almost two solid weeks and with many naps before and since, not being able to run or hike in the dunes I’ve become a slight bit stir crazy. With fog blanketing the coast I decided to head inland on Hwy 36 in search of sun, warmth, and a nice spot next to the river

The start of a mellow adventure…
The scenery along Hwy 36 far surpassed my expectations. Around every bend a new valley painted with wildflowers that created white and purple rivers of color in the creases of the hills. With the blink of an eye I’m driving through a majestic redwood grove whose enormity fills the soul with awe. The Van Duzen river appeared here and there with sandy beaches scattered amongst the rocky shore but the fog was still clinging. I must push further. 50 minutes into the drive the fog began to break and the sun and all its warmth began pouring down upon me. I find a few places to pull off near the river only to find “No Trespass” and “Private Property” postings on every tree that lines the water way. It just doesn’t seem right to own a river.



Destination found…
Okay, just a little further. There has to be a place near the river along the Hwy somewhere. Around the next bend a big brown forest service sign reads 10 miles to Ruth Lake. Well, it’s not the river but it’s water and it has public access. I’m going for it!

Ten miles later I reach the entrance to Fir Cove Campground with locked gates. Not open for the season yet. This shant stop me, I’m on an adventure. I park my car outside the gate and walk in.

A happy foot...
Resting on a bench overlooking Ruth Lake I have a moment of “I could look out at this forever.” My eyes dazzled at the dark emerald waters surrounded by mixed evergreen deciduous forests with patches of bright green meadows strewn about. There was a slight breeze to keep the
mosquitoes at bay and the temperature at just right.

A Botanizing Feast...
I went on a short walk on a trail that circles part of the lake. My inner child jumping out while discovering treasures of wildflowers including red delphiniums, mariposa lilies (as shown) purple lupines, buckwheats and the list goes on. In addition to the plants were deer, lizards, dragonflies, and many birds.
















Rest in the Joy of Contentment...
With lounge chair beneath me I riclined in the shade of newly emerged maple leaves, cedars and moss covered oaks. I brought a book for entertainment but found it unnecessary. A local hummingbird and Vireo offered ample enjoyment as they dive-bombed a young Stellars Jay every time it came near. They obviously were protecting their nests, which must be near by. A heavy sleepiness befell me as I lay in the fresh mountain air and a nap soon ensued.


Adventure accomplished…
As the bright afternoon sun began shifting to the west I knew it was time to depart from this heavenly place. I bid farewell to the lake as a great blue heron arose into flight above the water. How glad I was to be at this lake at this particular time for I knew that in a few weeks it will fill with motorboats and jet skis, both messying the view and filling the air with polluting sound. A sad thought to conjure of this now peaceful place. Driving home it didn’t take long to reach the awaiting fog but not before a few expansive and mystical views that conjured up images of Ireland in my own backyard of Humboldt County.