Life on Paws and Wheels

Simba 🐾 and I visited the Children’s Bell Tower in Bodega Bay, California — a powerful and emotional memorial created to honor Nicholas Green , a young boy whose tragic death abroad sparked international attention and helped inspire a movement of organ donation awareness. This peaceful tower is adorned with over 140 bells gifted from families, schools, organizations, and countries around the world. Many came directly from Italy — where Nicholas’ organs were donated — and each one symbolizes unity, compassion, and the gift of life. Today, the tower stands as a reminder that hope can grow even from heartbreak. Set against coastal hills, drifting fog, and salty Pacific air, this memorial offers visitors a quiet space to reflect, listen to the subtle ringing of bells in the wind, and appreciate the healing power of community. 📍 Highlights From Our Visit 🌊 Peaceful coastal surroundings and open landscape 🔔 Bells donated from around the world 💙 Tribute raising awareness for organ ...

Simba 🐾 and I visited Jack London State Historic Park in Glen Ellen, California to explore the haunting remains of Wolf House — the legendary mansion that tragically burned before the famous author ever had the chance to call it home — and to pay respects at Jack London’s peaceful gravesite hidden in the surrounding forest. Surrounded by lush greenery, quiet woodland paths, and rich California history, these moss-covered ruins tell the story of London’s literary success, deep love for the land, and his ambitious dream of building a spectacular stone retreat. Today, visitors can wander through historic ranch structures, read interpretive signs, and feel the quiet mystery of what might have been. 📍 Highlights From Our Visit 🔥 The dramatic stone ruins of Wolf House 🪦 Jack London’s simple and serene forest gravesite 🌲 Peaceful woodland trails through ranch property 🪧 Interpretive signs sharing London’s life & vision ✍️ Nature-filled inspiration perfect for writers & dre...

Step into the world of Charlie Brown , Snoopy , and the entire Peanuts gang! I visited the Charles M. Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa, California — a must-see destination for fans of comics, animation history, and classic American storytelling. Founded to celebrate the life, artwork, and legacy of Schulz, the museum features original comic strips, rare sketches, production notes, and rotating exhibits honoring over 50 years of Peanuts history. From Snoopy’s many alter-egos to Lucy’s timeless attitude, every corner sparks nostalgia, creativity, and smiles. 📍 Highlights From My Visit ✏️ Viewing original Peanuts comic strips from Schulz’s archives 🧑‍🎨 Seeing Schulz’s recreation studio — desk, pens, and all 🐶 Enjoying whimsical art installations featuring Snoopy & friends 🖼️ Exploring interactive exhibits about cartooning and visual humor 🌳 Relaxing in the sculpture garden courtyard 🧸 Browsing rare memorabilia celebrating Peanuts’ cultural impact 🎥 Watch the Video Follow al...

Simba 🐾 and I stopped in Calistoga, California to check out the intriguing Calistoga Water Truck Sculpture — a rust-covered, larger-than-life tribute to Napa Valley’s original mineral-water company. Weathered by time and framed by vineyard views, this sculpture beautifully bridges industrial heritage with artistic expression . The installation features a massive 1926-style water-delivery truck , complete with crates of glass bottles stacked in its cargo bed. Sculpted by artists Ken Beidleman and June Moxon , this piece honors the founding of the Calistoga Beverage Company and stands along Silverado Trail North like a frozen moment in Napa’s history. 📍 Highlights From Our Visit 🚚 Admiring the giant rust-patina water truck amid the vineyards 🥤 Reading the dedication:  “Dedicated to the men and women who bottle, haul, sell, and consume Calistoga Natural Beverages…” 🧰 Soaking in the industrial nostalgia baked into the sculpture’s texture 🍇 Capturing photos of rusted steel agai...

Simba 🐾 and I visited the Old Faithful Geyser of California in Calistoga — one of the most famous natural attractions in Northern California! Nestled in the heart of Napa Valley , this geothermal wonder puts on an incredible show every 30 to 40 minutes , shooting a towering jet of steaming water into the air. Surrounded by vineyards and rolling hills, it’s a picture-perfect blend of science, nature, and beauty . 🌄💨 This geyser is one of only three “Old Faithfuls” in the world , earning its name from its regular eruptions. Legend has it that when the geyser’s schedule shifts, it can even predict earthquakes — a mysterious natural barometer tied to the Earth’s underground forces. 📍 Highlights from Our Visit 🌋 Watching the geyser erupt high into the sky with incredible force 🌄 Exploring the peaceful park grounds surrounded by Calistoga’s hills 🔥 Learning the geological science behind California’s geothermal energy 🐐 Saying hello to the friendly goats, llamas, and gardens ...

Step back in time — millions of years back! ⏳ I visited The Petrified Forest in Calistoga, California , one of the most fascinating natural wonders in the state. This ancient redwood forest was turned to stone over 3 million years ago when a volcanic eruption from Mount St. Helena buried the landscape in ash and lava, perfectly preserving massive redwood trees as petrified fossils . Nestled in the heart of Napa Valley , this scenic park combines geology, history, and natural beauty into one incredible experience. As you wander the forest trails, you’ll pass enormous stone logs, interpretive signs, and panoramic views — each telling a story of how time, pressure, and heat turned wood to stone. 📍 Highlights from My Visit 🪨 Walking among ancient redwood fossils turned completely to stone 🌋 Learning about the Mount St. Helena eruption that created this wonder 🌲 Strolling scenic forest trails surrounded by nature and geology 📸 Capturing the timeless beauty of these ancient re...

I visited the Grave of Robert L. Ripley in Santa Rosa, California — the final resting place of the man behind Ripley’s Believe It or Not! 🏛️✨ Ripley transformed the world’s oddities, curiosities, and unbelievable stories into a global phenomenon that continues to inspire wonder and fascination to this day. Nestled within the peaceful Odd Fellows Lawn Cemetery , Ripley’s modest grave contrasts beautifully with the extraordinary life he led. As a journalist, cartoonist, and world traveler, he spent his life exploring the limits of the possible — and sharing them with millions who, like him, couldn’t resist the incredible. 🌍 📍 Highlights from My Visit ⚰️ Visiting Robert L. Ripley’s historic gravesite in Santa Rosa 🌍 Learning about his life as a global explorer, collector, and storyteller 📰 Reflecting on his influence on popular culture and curiosity-driven journalism 🌿 Capturing the tranquil atmosphere of this historic California cemetery 🗺️ Remembering the Master of the ...

Simba the Adventure Pup 🐾 and I visited the unique public-art installation “A Fine Balance” in Petaluma, California — a quirky riverside sculpture featuring two Victorian-style claw-foot bathtubs perched high on stilts beside the Petaluma River. 🚿🌉 Created by artist Brian Goggin , this imaginative piece blends Petaluma’s industrial past with playful modern design. The bathtubs, cast in fiberglass and steel, nod to the city’s history of bathtub manufacturing while balancing (literally!) above the riverbank — tied with nautical knots that connect the sculpture to the waterway’s maritime heritage. 📍 Highlights from Our Visit 🛁 Seeing the two claw-foot bathtubs elevated on stilts beside the Petaluma River 🏭 Learning about the connection between Petaluma’s manufacturing history and this art piece 🎥 Capturing photos and videos of a sculpture that’s sparked both fascination and debate 🚶‍♀️ Strolling through downtown Petaluma and the peaceful riverfront park nearby 🎨 Art ...

Simba 🐾 and I stopped by Cotati, California to visit the whimsical Accordion Man Statue — a quirky tribute to the town’s deep musical roots and its love for the accordion! 🎵✨ Located in the heart of downtown Cotati, this playful sculpture perfectly captures the town’s creative and free-spirited energy . Cotati has long been known as the home of the Cotati Accordion Festival , one of California’s most beloved and eccentric music events — and the statue stands as a joyful reminder of that ongoing tradition. 📍 Highlights from Our Visit 🪗 Visiting the Accordion Man Statue , Cotati’s musical mascot 🎶 Learning about the town’s connection to the Cotati Accordion Festival 🏙️ Exploring Cotati’s charming downtown and local art scene 📸 Capturing fun photos and videos of this creative public art piece 🎵 A Town That Marches to Its Own Beat The Accordion Man Statue is more than just a roadside landmark — it’s a symbol of community, music, and joy . Every August, Cotati comes alive...

Simba 🐾 and I stopped by the incredible Cyclisk sculpture in Santa Rosa, California — a 65-foot-tall obelisk made entirely from recycled bicycles! 🚲🌎 Created by artists Mark Grieve and Ilana Spector , this stunning piece of public art celebrates sustainability, creativity, and community spirit . Rising proudly over downtown Santa Rosa, the Cyclisk combines ancient Egyptian inspiration with modern, eco-friendly innovation — a monument to both movement and imagination. 📍 Highlights from Our Visit 🚲 Seeing the 65-foot-tall obelisk made from hundreds of upcycled bikes 🌎 Learning about its message of recycling and renewal 🎥 Capturing detailed photos and videos of the intricate metalwork 🏙️ Exploring nearby Santa Rosa art installations and landmarks ♻️ A Modern Monument with a Timeless Message The Cyclisk stands as a gleaming symbol of creative reuse — proving that discarded materials can become breathtaking works of art. Its reflective metal surface glimmers in the su...

Simba 🐾 and I climbed aboard the legendary Skunk Train in Fort Bragg, California , for a scenic and unforgettable journey through the heart of the redwood forest! 🌲✨ Dating back to the 1880s , this historic railway once served logging camps deep in the Mendocino County wilderness. Today, it offers visitors a peaceful ride through towering redwoods, past historic bridges, and along tranquil creeks — a living piece of California’s history that still runs strong. The train got its name because early locomotives ran on a mix of gas and crude oil , and as locals used to say: “You could smell it before you could see it!” 😄 📍 Highlights from Our Adventure 🌲 Relaxing train ride through ancient redwoods 🌉 Crossing historic trestle bridges with breathtaking forest views 🕰️ Learning about the Skunk Train’s rich history and early logging days 📸 Capturing photos and videos of California’s coastal wilderness 🚆 A Journey Through Time and Nature The Skunk Train is more than a ride...

Simba 🐾 and I explored the Laguna Point Boardwalk Loop in MacKerricher State Park , near Fort Bragg, California — one of the most scenic coastal trails on the Mendocino Coast! 🌿 This short, easy boardwalk loop offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, rugged cliffs, and incredible coastal wildlife — including harbor seals, seabirds , and even migrating whales during certain times of the year. It’s the perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and coastal beauty. 🌊✨ 📍 Highlights from Our Visit 🌊 Scenic ocean overlooks with dramatic crashing waves 🦭 Spotting harbor seals basking along the rocky shore 📸 Peaceful boardwalk paths perfect for photography 🌿 Exploring more of MacKerricher State Park’s pristine coastline 🌅 Coastal Beauty & Wildlife Encounters The Laguna Point Boardwalk Loop is one of those rare trails where serenity and spectacle meet. Just steps from the parking area, the boardwalk winds through windswept grasses and low coastal scrub, offering pa...

I visited the breathtaking Sea Ranch Chapel in Sea Ranch, California — a hidden gem along the rugged Sonoma Coast that feels like stepping inside a dream. 🌈 Designed by artist James Hubbell , this extraordinary chapel is a fusion of nature, architecture, and spirituality , shaped like a seashell rising from the earth. Its flowing organic curves, mosaic glass windows , and hand-carved wooden interiors make it one of California’s most enchanting and artistic landmarks. 📍 Highlights from My Visit 🌿 Exploring the chapel’s whimsical design and serene atmosphere 🌈 Capturing sunlight streaming through its stained-glass windows 🪵 Admiring the handcrafted woodwork and mosaic details 🌊 Enjoying the peaceful surroundings of the Sonoma Coast 🕊️ A Living Sculpture by the Sea The Sea Ranch Chapel isn’t just a building — it’s a spiritual experience shaped by art and nature. Every line, curve, and color tells a story of harmony between the land and the human spirit. The structure’s ...

Simba 🐾 and I visited the incredible Bowling Ball Beach in Point Arena, California , one of the most fascinating and otherworldly natural wonders along the Mendocino Coast. 🌍 This surreal stretch of shoreline is famous for its perfectly round rock formations — massive “bowling balls” shaped by millions of years of erosion and the rhythmic power of the Pacific Ocean. Hidden beneath the waves at high tide, these geological marvels reveal themselves only when the tide recedes, transforming the beach into a landscape that feels straight out of a sci-fi movie. 📍 Highlights from Our Visit ⚫ Seeing the famous spherical rock formations up close 🌊 Exploring tide pools and the rugged Mendocino coastline during low tide 📸 Capturing stunning photos and drone footage of the “bowling balls” 🪨 Learning the fascinating geology behind these rare formations 🌊 A Hidden Wonder of the Mendocino Coast Located just south of Point Arena , Bowling Ball Beach is part of the Schooner Gulch State ...

Simba 🐾 and I visited the breathtaking Point Arena Lighthouse in Point Arena, California , one of the most iconic and photogenic landmarks along the Mendocino Coast. 🌲✨ Standing tall at 115 feet , this historic lighthouse offers sweeping views of the rugged Pacific Ocean and dramatic cliffs below. Originally built in 1870 and rebuilt after the 1906 earthquake , the Point Arena Lighthouse continues to shine as a beacon of both safety and history — guiding ships and captivating travelers for more than a century. 📍 Highlights from Our Visit 📸 Walking the coastal bluffs and photographing the lighthouse from every angle 🕰️ Learning about its fascinating maritime history and construction 🌿 Exploring the Point Arena–Stornetta Public Lands , part of the California Coastal National Monument 🌊 Watching waves crash against the cliffs as seabirds glided overhead 🌅 A Beacon of Beauty and Resilience The Point Arena Lighthouse stands on one of the most breathtaking stretches of ...

Simba 🐾 and I visited the world-famous Glass Beach in Fort Bragg, California — a dazzling coastal destination where colorful sea glass carpets the shoreline like nature’s own mosaic. 🌈✨ Once a city dump site, Glass Beach is now a breathtaking example of nature’s resilience and creativity. Over time, waves tumbled and polished broken bottles, jars, and ceramics into smooth, shining gems that now glitter beneath the Pacific sun. What was once waste has become one of California’s most unique natural wonders — a place where beauty literally washes ashore. 📍 Highlights from Our Visit 💎 Walking along the sparkling, glass-covered beach 🏝️ Learning the fascinating transformation from landfill to landmark 🌿 Exploring tide pools and nearby coastal trails 🌊 Capturing stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Mendocino Coast 🌊 From Trash to Treasure The story of Glass Beach is one of redemption. Decades ago, Fort Bragg’s waste was dumped into the ocean — a tragic but common practic...

Simba 🐾 and I hiked the Ka Kahleh Trail in Fort Bragg, California , a stunning coastal route that winds along the bluffs of the Mendocino Coast. 🌊✨ This scenic trail is part of Noyo Headlands Park , where rugged cliffs meet the endless blue of the Pacific Ocean. The name Ka Kahleh , meaning “white beach” in the Pomo language , honors the Indigenous heritage of this breathtaking stretch of California’s coastline. Every step offered ocean breezes, wildflowers, and those dramatic coastal views that make the North Coast so unforgettable. 📍 Highlights from Our Hike 🌅 Spectacular ocean views along the Fort Bragg coastline 🚶‍♀️ Accessible, well-maintained paths for all skill levels 🪶 Learning about the Pomo people and the land’s rich history 🐾 Dog-friendly trails near Glass Beach and Noyo Headlands Park 🌺 Coastal Serenity Meets History What makes the Ka Kahleh Trail so special is how it blends natural beauty with cultural depth. Interpretive signs along the trail share the st...

I visited the weird and wonderful Confusion Hill in Mendocino County, California — one of the most iconic and quirky roadside attractions along Highway 101! 🌲 Since 1949 , Confusion Hill has puzzled visitors with its legendary Gravity House , tilting rooms, and mind-bending optical illusions. It’s a place where the laws of physics feel like they’ve been turned upside down — literally! Beyond its gravity-defying fun, Confusion Hill is also home to the World Famous Redwood Shoe House , the mysterious Chipalope , and the official Gravity Hill Hall of Fame . Whether you come for the oddities or the nostalgia, it’s pure vintage roadside magic. 📍 Highlights from My Visit 🌀 Experiencing the world-famous Gravity House and its baffling effects 🪵 Visiting the whimsical Redwood Shoe House 🌲 Exploring the forested grounds and quirky roadside displays 🏆 Discovering one of California’s most classic roadside attractions 🏚️ A Gravity-Defying Legacy Opened in the mid-20th century, Con...

Simba 🐾 and I hiked the Dry Creek Trail to Stephens Grove in Miranda, California , a hidden gem along the Avenue of the Giants that showcases the quiet, timeless beauty of Humboldt County’s redwood forests. 🌲✨ This peaceful trail winds beneath towering redwoods and lush ferns, leading to Stephens Grove , a tranquil sanctuary filled with ancient trees and soft forest light. Away from the crowds, it’s the perfect spot to reconnect with nature and experience the calm magic of Northern California’s redwood wilderness. 📍 Highlights from Our Hike 🌲 Peaceful walk among towering redwoods 🌿 Visiting the breathtaking Stephens Grove 🚶‍♀️ Exploring a lesser-known redwood trail near Miranda, CA 📸 Capturing stunning forest views and nature photography 🌳 A Tranquil Trail Through Time Unlike the busier redwood stops along the Avenue of the Giants, Dry Creek Trail offers solitude and serenity. The soft crunch of leaves underfoot, filtered sunlight through the canopy, and the gentle sou...

Simba 🐾 and I visited the Famous One-Log House in Garberville, California — a truly unique roadside attraction along the Avenue of the Giants! 🌲 This incredible home was carved entirely out of a single giant redwood log, showcasing the creativity and craftsmanship that define the spirit of the California redwoods. Built in 1946 , the One-Log House was hollowed from a 2,100-year-old redwood tree and now stands as one of Humboldt County’s most beloved roadside wonders. Inside, this cozy redwood cabin includes a living room, kitchen, and bedroom — all carved from one enormous log! It’s a perfect stop for travelers fascinated by quirky architecture and redwood ingenuity. 📍 Highlights from Our Visit 🌳 Exploring the interior of a house carved from a single redwood 🪵 Learning the fascinating story behind this roadside wonder 🛍️ Visiting the nearby gift shop and enjoying the forest scenery 📸 Capturing photos and videos of this historic Humboldt County landmark 🏡 A Redwood Leg...

Simba 🐾 and I visited the incredible Grandfather Tree in Garberville, California , one of the most massive and awe-inspiring redwoods along the Avenue of the Giants! 🌲 Standing at over 265 feet tall and estimated to be more than 1,800 years old , the Grandfather Tree is a true natural wonder. This ancient redwood has stood for centuries — through fires, storms, and time itself — a living monument to the strength and beauty of California’s redwood forests. 📍 Highlights from Our Visit 🌿 Standing beside one of California’s largest and oldest redwoods 📸 Capturing the sheer size and majesty of this ancient tree 🛍️ Visiting the charming roadside attraction and gift shop nearby 🌲 Enjoying a peaceful moment surrounded by Humboldt County’s redwoods 🌳 A True Redwood Elder The Grandfather Tree’s massive trunk and towering canopy are awe-inspiring up close. Its weathered bark tells stories of centuries gone by — a living timeline of the natural world. Despite its age, the tree co...

I visited the Living Chimney Tree in Humboldt County, California — a living redwood that survived a devastating fire, leaving its core completely hollow yet still thriving today! 🌲🔥 This remarkable tree is a living symbol of nature’s strength and resilience. Though its heart was burned out decades ago, the Chimney Tree continues to grow — its outer layers alive and thriving even as visitors step inside its hollow core. Standing within its charred interior feels both eerie and awe-inspiring, a reminder of how life can endure against the odds. 📍 Highlights from My Visit 🌳 Exploring inside a hollow yet living redwood tree 🔥 Learning about the fire that shaped this natural wonder 📸 Capturing photos and videos of this unique Humboldt landmark 🌲 Experiencing the quiet, timeless beauty of California’s redwood forest 🌿 Nature’s Power to Endure The Living Chimney Tree is more than a roadside curiosity — it’s a story of survival. Redwoods are naturally resistant to fire, insects,...

I visited the awe-inspiring Founders Tree in Humboldt Redwoods State Park , located along California’s iconic Avenue of the Giants . 🌲✨ Standing at over 346 feet tall , the Founders Tree is one of the park’s most famous and accessible redwoods — a living monument to the incredible power of nature and the conservationists who helped preserve it. Named in honor of the founders of the Save the Redwoods League , this majestic tree symbolizes the effort to protect California’s ancient forests for future generations. 📍 Highlights from My Visit 🌿 Standing beside the massive Founders Tree , one of the park’s tallest giants 🌳 Exploring the surrounding redwood forest filled with serenity and soft light 📸 Capturing breathtaking photos and videos of these ancient trees 🏛️ Learning about the Save the Redwoods League and its historic preservation work 🌳 A Living Legacy of Conservation Walking beneath the Founders Tree feels like stepping into a cathedral of nature. The towering canopy...

I explored the breathtaking Redwood Sky Walk at the Sequoia Park Zoo in Eureka, California — an unforgettable experience high among the ancient redwoods! 🌲✨ Suspended up to 100 feet above the forest floor , this stunning canopy walk gives visitors a bird’s-eye view of Humboldt County’s majestic redwood forest. Stretching nearly a quarter mile , it’s one of the longest canopy walks in the Western U.S. — blending adventure, conservation, and serenity into one magical experience. Walking through the Sky Walk feels like stepping into another world. The sound of birds, the scent of redwood bark, and the soft sway of the bridges make it an immersive encounter with nature at its finest. 📍 Highlights from My Visit 🌿 Walking among towering redwoods high above the forest floor 🌉 Exploring one of the longest canopy walks in the Western U.S. 📸 Capturing breathtaking views of Eureka’s lush forest landscape 🏞️ Experiencing nature from a whole new perspective at Sequoia Park Zoo 🌳 A ...

I visited the Bill the Chimpanzee Memorial at the Sequoia Park Zoo in Eureka, California — a heartfelt tribute to one of the zoo’s most beloved residents. 🐵💐 Bill the Chimpanzee lived at the Sequoia Park Zoo for over 40 years , capturing the hearts of visitors with his intelligence, curiosity, and charm. He became a local legend and a cherished part of Humboldt County’s history — a reminder of the bond between animals and the communities that care for them. Today, Bill’s memorial serves as a place of reflection and gratitude — honoring the life of a chimpanzee who brought joy, laughter, and connection to generations of visitors. 📍 Highlights from My Visit 🐵 Visiting Bill the Chimpanzee’s memorial and reading his story 🌳 Exploring the beautiful, historic grounds of Sequoia Park Zoo 📸 Capturing photos and videos of this touching tribute 🏛️ Learning about the zoo’s rich legacy as one of California’s oldest zoos ❤️ A Tribute to a Local Legend There’s something deeply touch...

Simba 🐾 and I took a scenic drive through the Avenue of the Giants — one of the most breathtaking routes in Northern California! 🌲 This iconic 31-mile stretch runs parallel to Highway 101 through Humboldt Redwoods State Park , home to some of the tallest and oldest trees on Earth . Every twist and turn brings you face-to-face with towering redwoods, lush ferns, and sunlight filtering through canopies that seem to touch the sky. Driving through the Avenue feels like traveling back in time — where the only sounds are the whisper of the wind through the branches and the soft crunch of forest floor beneath your feet. 📍 Highlights from Our Drive 🌳 Towering redwoods reaching hundreds of feet into the sky 🪵 Quiet pullouts and picnic spots surrounded by peaceful forest 🌲 Famous stops like Founders Grove and the Dyerville Giant 📸 Perfect photo ops along one of California’s most scenic byways 🚗 A Drive Through Living History The Avenue of the Giants isn’t just a scenic route ...

I visited Charles Kellogg’s Travel-Log in Myers Flat, California , a one-of-a-kind redwood motorhome that’s part of Humboldt County’s quirky roadside history! 🌲 Built in 1917 , this fascinating “rolling redwood” was crafted by naturalist and performer Charles Kellogg from a single fallen redwood log. Mounted on a Nash Quad truck chassis, the Travel-Log became Kellogg’s touring vehicle as he traveled the U.S. promoting redwood forest conservation long before environmentalism was mainstream. The Travel-Log is believed to be the world’s first motorhome made from a single redwood log , blending craftsmanship, creativity, and eco-conscious innovation. More than a century later, it still stands as a tribute to early sustainable living — and to Kellogg’s passion for protecting California’s natural wonders. 📍 Highlights from My Visit 🚐 Seeing the incredible craftsmanship of the redwood motorhome 🌲 Learning about Charles Kellogg’s conservation mission 🛣️ Exploring this historic road...

Simba 🐾 and I visited the Champion Cow Graves in Ferndale, California — one of Humboldt County’s quirkiest and most charming roadside attractions! 🐄✨ This unusual little cemetery pays tribute to the prized dairy cows of Fernbridge Farms , once among the most productive in the region. These “champions” weren’t just any cows — they were the pride of Humboldt’s dairy heritage, so beloved that they were buried and given their own headstones. Set in the rolling countryside just outside historic Ferndale , this spot is equal parts funny, touching, and fascinating — a celebration of the deep connection between people, animals, and the land. 📍 Highlights from Our Visit 🪦 Unique gravestones dedicated to real champion cows 🥛 Learning about Ferndale’s dairy farming legacy 🌾 Peaceful countryside near Fernbridge and Ferndale 📸 Capturing photos of this quirky and heartfelt roadside stop 🐾 A Touch of Humboldt Humor While the idea of a cow cemetery might make you chuckle, there’s som...

Simba 🐾 and I explored the Arcata Community Forest in Arcata, California — a tranquil retreat tucked right into the edge of town. This 790-acre redwood sanctuary offers miles of trails winding through towering trees, mossy logs, and fern-covered hillsides — the perfect escape for anyone who loves quiet hikes and fresh mountain air. The best part? It’s just minutes from downtown Arcata, making it one of the most accessible yet peaceful redwood experiences on the Northern California coast. Whether you’re here for a short stroll or a long wander, the forest feels like stepping into another world — calm, cool, and deeply alive. 🌧️ 📍 Highlights from Our Visit 🌲 Hiking through serene redwood groves and fern-lined paths 🕊️ Listening to birdsong and babbling creeks deep in the forest 🚶 Exploring trails just minutes from downtown Arcata 🐾 Enjoying a peaceful, dog-friendly nature escape 🌳 A Forest with Local Heart The Arcata Community Forest isn’t just a park — it’s a community...

Simba 🐾 and I visited the Tuluwat Island Massacre Memorial in Eureka, California — a solemn and powerful site dedicated to the memory of the Wiyot people , who were tragically massacred here in 1860. Nestled along the edge of Humboldt Bay , this peaceful memorial honors the Wiyot men, women, and children who lost their lives during one of the darkest chapters in California’s history. It stands not only as a remembrance of loss but also as a symbol of resilience, reclamation, and healing . 🌊 A Place of Memory and Restoration In 1860, during the World Renewal Ceremony — a sacred Wiyot celebration marking the renewal of life — settlers brutally attacked the tribe on Tuluwat Island , killing dozens. For generations, the site carried pain and silence. Today, thanks to the Wiyot Tribe’s perseverance , Tuluwat Island has been returned to tribal stewardship — a historic act of justice and cultural healing. The memorial itself reflects that ongoing restoration, blending natural beauty...