Senior News July, 2001 Vol. 20. No.  7

 

Published by the Humboldt Senior Resource Center in Eureka, California. HSRC is a non-profit community-based organization offering services for senior citizens, multi-generational families and caregivers.

Senior News: HSRC's newspaper moves to United Way building

The panther rests: Remembering Bill Landis

Vacationing at home

Crescent City: First Northcoast Redwoods Writers Conference scheduled in September

High cost of energy: Cal. Commission on Aging files amicus curiae brief in FERC petition

Pick up a copy today! Better yet, subscribe and never miss an issue!

Vacationing at home

This month Senior News features our local area, and trips just a few hours from Humboldt County. Included are the Mt. Shasta area, wheelchair accessible places in Eureka and environs, the bounteous Del Norte County, and three favorite swimming holes along the Eel River.

There's nothing like Mt. Shasta country
by Ira Gruber

The Mt. Shasta area has always been known as a place for rest and rejuvenation. It is noted for its unforgettable, nostalgic small town events.

Joanne Steele, the director of tourism of Siskiyou County, invites all seniors in Humboldt County to get acquainted with Mt. Shasta country by getting their Siskiyou County Visitor's Guide, toll free 877-847-8777.

What to see
* The tallest flagpole in the US can be found in Dorris, 50 miles north from Weed on US 97.

* Fort Jones has a delightful free small history museum. State Hwy. 3 southwest of Yreka.

* The Lava Beds National Monument is in the horseradish growing capitol of the world, Tulelake. State Hwy. 139, 25 miles southeast of Klamath Falls, Oregon.

* The mountain town of Dunsmuir has an educational museum called the Upper Sacramento Exchange Center, 800-Dunsmuir (800-386-7684). Their Botanical Gardens in Dunsmuir City Park and the Dunsmuir Museum are pleasant surprises, but the main event is Castle Crags State Park which is a rock climber's delight. It is worth seeing even if it's way too rigorous for you. I-5 north of Redding, 40 miles.

* Mt. Shasta is probably the cutest town in the region. The world famous Shasta Dinner Sunset Train is the top man-made attraction in the region. Call 800-733-2141 for schedule. I-5 north of Redding, 50 miles.

* The McCloud Hotel B&B is the place that seniors go gaga over in this unspoiled company-built mill town. 800-964-2823. State Hwy. 89 east of I-5 at Mt. Shasta.

* Weed is noted for its Living Memorial Sculpture Garden, Stewart Mineral Springs and the Weed Historic Lumber Town Museum. I-5, 65 mi. north of Redding.

* Yreka has the Siskiyou Museum and the largest gold display south of Alaska. Its historic walking district is a step back into the 1800s. Lodgings are generally quite affordable. I-5 north of Redding 90 miles.
For seniors in Humboldt County, this area makes for an excellent getaway, strong on charm, beauty, and nostalgia. California's Alaska is still undiscovered by most Americans but the word is finally getting out thanks to Steele and her staff, www.visitsiskiyou.org or e-mail info@visitsiskiyou.org.

Special events
* McCloud celebrates Civil War Days from July 20-22. Call 530-964-3l13.
* Etna's Old Time Rodeo happens on July 28th. Info: 530-467-3515. State Hwy. 3 southwest of Yreka.
* Yreka holds the Siskiyou Golden Fair from August 8-12. Info: 530-842-2767
* Cool Mountain Nights Blackberry Festival will be held in Mt. Shasta Sept 1-3. Call 530-926-6004.
Ira Gruber of Reno, Nevada, was commissioned by a Ferndale man to write about interesting ports of call in Northern California.

Wheelchair recreation
by Martha Havlic

Hammond Trail
Hiller Park in McKinleyville is a good place to start on the trail. Go down Central Ave., turn at Hiller and cross the 101 bridge. It's four blocks more on the right.

Parking is on hard gravel, but I generally park on the grass next to the trail and let my lift down on the wide blacktop. It's usually breezy until you get to the part where the trees form a canopy over the path. At times you will find yourself pushing with one arm for 30 to 50 feet because the trail tilts and has no curbs. Restrooms are not accessible.

Prairie Creek
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is north on 101 past Orick. It has a wheelchair and Braille trail, accessible restrooms and exhibit building. Costs $1-$2. It was beautiful and chilly under the redwoods, and elk were in the field when I visited.

Mad River Hatchery
Go through Blue Lake off Hwy. 299 and follow Hatchery Road to the end. There is paved parking and a walkway down to the river. Going down is easy. Coming back up I have to rest four or five times. It's beautiful, peaceful, and don't forget the sunscreen. 822-0592. Read the fishing regulations: no barbed hooks and only artificial lures.

Fishing piers
Eureka has two accessible fishing piers. One is at the foot of Del Norte Street with good parking and flat concrete pier. It can be cold and windy, no restrooms. The other is at the foot of L Street by the Adorni Center. Good parking and cement walkways make it a nice place for "walking" and for picnics, too. Restrooms when Adorni Center is open are accessible.
Boat Trips

* Bill Wing and Disabled Ventures is a volunteer organization that takes singles and groups on boat adventures. Call Wing Inflatables at 826-2887 for information.

* The Madaket offers accessible boat tours of the bay from the foot of L Street (at the Adorni Center). Call 445-1910 for reservations and costs. Tuesday through Sunday, 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. cocktail trip.

Theater
Both the Dell'Arte Playhouse and outdoor amphitheater are accessible. Located in Blue Lake, some parking is available; but it's always wise to do a drive-by if you're not familiar with the area. Their Mad River Festival is underway through July 21, so don't miss it. Reservations and information, 668-5663.

Bowling
Harbor Lanes in Eureka, call 443-4533.

Casino
Cher-Ae Heights Bingo and Casino in Trinidad is wonderfully accessible. If you call 677-3611 they have a shuttle that is accessible and can pick you up at their stops in Eureka, Arcata, Blue Lake or McKinleyville. They are very helpful.

Martha Havlic checks accessibility of public areas as she journeys from her home in Blue Lake. If you would like her to check the accessibility of local areas, please write to her at P.O. Box 2976, McKinleyville, CA 95519.

Del Norte County offers beauty to explore
by Sharon McKinney

If you want to travel to see exotic and beautiful places, go no father than our county just two hours north of Eureka.We in Del Norte County have a bounty of beauty and much of it is easy to get to and enjoy. Let's start right in Crescent City.

* Beachfront Park offers variety-a picnic area, Kidtown, the Fred Endert Municipal Swimming Pool, the Chamber of Commerce, the Marine Mammal Center, Battery Point Lighthouse, B Street Pier, miles of harbor and ocean front walks and views.

* At 1111 Second Street, corner of K and Second, is the information capital of the county, the Redwood National Park Information Center. Here you can find all kinds of maps and descriptions of the state, county and national park areas. Some of the information is specific to accessibility, picnic areas, restrooms, or camping possibilities. Some parks have a day use fee. It is minimal and often less for seniors.

* Grab up your picnic basket, fill it with goodies, call your friends, load your camera, and head for Endert Beach Overlook just south of Crescent City; turn on Endert's Beach Road and travel to the end. There you find a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean and a grassy picnic area. Often a whale will make itself known by the show of a shiny back and a blow.

* Next day, bundle up your sketchbook and your journal and go to Florence Keller Park just off Elk Valley Crossroad. It is a wonderful place to spend the afternoon, and walking is easy and enjoyable.

* Ruby Van Deventer Park is just off Route 197, a couple of miles from 101 north of Crescent City. It is easy to find. It is a rocky walk to the river, and the picnic area is beautiful.

* Add to your knowledge of the wildlife and native plants by taking a trip to the Lake Earl Wildlife Area. There are many trails that meander through the area and some primitive picnic areas. You can begin at 1375 Elk Valley Road. The description is available at the Parks office.

Taking visitors around is one of the pleasures of living here. Stop at the Hiouchi Information Center and find the maps you need to be sure you see it all. The oohs and aahs of people seeing Stout Grove for the first time, walking in Jed Smith State Park, and enjoying the Smith River can make you feel good about living here. The car trip on Howland Hill Road from Stout Grove back to 101 is wonderful and unique, as is the trip from Stout Grove to 199. Most hikes are a bit strenuous and worth it if you are inclined.
So, enjoy it for yourself. Fill the picnic basket with your favorites and go. Why wait to show off for company!

Sharon McKinney enjoys her far North Coast treasures every day walking her two rambunctious dogs at Beachfront Park. Her e-mail is sjmck@earthlink.net.