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.

More Wildflowers Close By . . .

I'm going to start off with one I already showed in my last wildflower post but this is a different area. I showed a place that had 100's or 1000's of Yellow Flags, or wild Irises. It was the biggest showing. I had passed this place on my way to town but kept forgetting to look at it. Well, the other day I did and it has to be 2 or 3 times as big as the other place. I had to take 2 pictures to get most of it. Wonder how many thousands of Wild Irises are blooming here. The other half of the same place.
I kept seeing these orange flowers blooming on our road.
The neighbor said they are Wild Honeysuckles.
I found a nice close one back by the fence and it's growing up in the neighbors tree.
I don't know what this one is - maybe one of you do. It's growing in with my Forget Me Nots and Bob was nice enough to leave it there when weeding. I'm getting that boy trained real good!
The Wild Lupines are just about finished blooming now.
These aren't far from our place.
But heading into town on Interstate Five is this huge area of them blooming. I cut them off on top because of all the unsightly equipment right above them. But you can see what a great show they are putting on for people travelling by.
I guess these are a different wild Rose.
There are big shows of them everywhere around here.