It was on May 8, 1991, that I towed our fifth-wheel trailer into Hiouchi RV Park nine miles from Crescent City on Hwy. 199. We were full time RVers and led a nomadic life roaming the United States and Canada. My husband Bob could no longer travel after developing Alzheimer's disease, so I was looking for a place to call home. After three weeks of checking out the north coastal area, I told Bob, "Let's put away the maps and call this home."

It was as if we were on an extended vacation during 1991 and 1992. We took one-day excursions up and down the coast, and my husband's favorite trips were to Bandon, Oregon. Bob loved to go to the rest stop just north of Gold Beach, Oregon, for a picnic lunch. We could view the coastline as far as the eye could see. There are picnic tables and a trail down to the beach-and of course, the entire population of seagulls appears from nowhere when the picnic food is brought out.

Our trips south were my favorites. The Trees of Mystery is an inspiring attraction and a wonderful place to see old growth redwoods. When we continued down the highway to Eureka, it was always a thrill to find a large herd of Roosevelt elk grazing in the pastureland next to the highway. Those magnificent animals were just as fascinated with us as we were with them. They were real hams. I think that when someone aims a camera they actually pose. The bypass was not open at that time-but when it was completed the elk followed the action, and one can usually find the herd somewhere along the new highway.

I also love the forest and picnicking along the Smith River. Jedediah Smith campground provides many activities that include hiking, fishing, bird watching, rock hunting, and just plain relaxing and watching the river leisurely make its way to the ocean. Crescent City has many historical points of interest such as Battery Point Lighthouse. It is also a museum and is one of the most photographed lighthouses along the coast. Crescent City has an outstanding museum which displays the beacon light from the old St. George Reef Lighthouse that is located several miles at sea. The light occupies a room that is two stories high. The Historical Society is restoring St. George Reef Lighthouse and there are plans for helicopter tours to view it. In one of his articles, Albert Miller called Crescent City "The  Jewel of The North Coast." His descriptive title was perfect. The surrounding area provides recreation for vacationers from all over the world-so why should I travel anywhere else? Yes, I love living in Crescent City. It provides me with a perpetual vacation.
Virginia Hinkley's new e-mail address is vhinkley1@earthlink.net.