Beautiful Eureka, California

It slowed down on the rain in Redding the morning we were leaving to head over
the mountain to the coastal town of Eureka. So at least we didn't have a rainy
trip that day. But look at the dark threatening sky - still REALLY wanting to
make us feel at home with more rain!
The snow wasn't too far away either. Fortunately that held off and the sky even
started getting a tiny bit brighter.
We always enjoy following the Trinity River over. Since we were earlier this
year I think it was still a little murky colored. Seems like I always comment on
the beautiful clear green water in this river.
A little farther along when it's way below us - look at the different colors of
the trees and the gorgeous Redbuds adding even more variety.
In one of the little mountain towns I saw these flowers. Anyone know what they
are?

It really looks like my Self Heal but it's so much taller.

I didn't realize I was seeing wild Pampas Grass until it was too late and all of
the good pictures were far behind me. Should I ask Bob to turn around? Hmmm I
don't think so since we're almost at the bottom of the hill.

And wild Lupines were everywhere too.

Eureka is situated near extensive preserves of the world's tallest trees - the Coast
Redwoods.

I was reading a little about Eureka after coming home and found that approximately
16% of the city contains important historical structures. 13 distinct districts
have been identified which meet the criteria for the National Register of
Historic Places. In all, some 1,500 buildings have been recognized as qualifying
for the National Register.

I love this mural and the trompe l'oeil is amazing.

Even when they aren't the most ornate they still have wonderful color
combinations.

We made our way down to the waterfront in Old Towne.

Eureka, a major player in the historic west coast lumber trade, is the site of hundreds
of Victorian homes.

A small house but I love the work around the top of the porch.

The "Pink Lady" a Queen Anne style Victorian, completed in 1889.

The magnificent Carson Mansion is perhaps the most spectacular Victorian in the
nation. The home was built between 1884-1886 by renowned 19th Century architects
Newsom and Newsom for lumber baron William M. Carson. This project was designed
to keep mill workers and expert craftsman busy during a slow period in the
industry.

The Carson Mansion is a private club for men now but my Mother In Law who retired
from the Eureka Police Department was able to go through it while working one
time. Be sure and click the picture to see all of the beautiful architectural
work closer.

I love this town with all of the old buildings and am already anxious to make a
trip down again.

Wonderful Parking Strips - Sunday Favorites

Chari came up with a great idea for reviving some of our old
posts that have been buried in the archives - posts that someone new hasn't had
a chance to read or one you may have missed - she calls it Sunday
Favorites.
This was first posted on Monday, June 15,
2009
Beautiful
Parking Strips
This is probably the prettiest parking strip I've
ever seen. It is divided into 3 sections each trimmed with stones. The focus of
the first one is a big tropical looking plant.

The 2nd section has a tree and I love how she sunk a large pot into the ground
with flowers spilling out of it. The Delphiniums are to die for. What I'd
really like to do is go behind that fence and see what treasures she
has planted there. Maybe I'll go ask her how she grows such beautiful
Delphiniums and about if that tropical looking plant is just for the summer or
if it's hardy. Ya think she might give me a tour of the rest of the gardens?

A different shot of the first and second sections.
The third section also has a pot with flowers spilling out of it and another
tree.
Here are all three sections from the opposite end.

3 pictures of another very nice strip that is just stuffed with plants, shrubs
and trees.

I took this picture because this is the widest parking strip I've ever seen - but
then I haven't been noticing them for that long. There's a big section of town
that has this size strip but there don't seem to be any planted with flowers. I
only really started noticing these parking strips a few months ago after seeing
Karen at Greenwalks posts on
them. To see lots of great ones click on her blog name and head over
there.