Travel Northern California: Humboldt Bay

 

“Its a little place on the Pacific Ocean. You know what the Mexicans say about the Pacific? They say it has no memory. That’s where I want to live the rest of my life. A warm place with no memory.” Steven King

 

The Pacific was the first ocean I ever stepped foot in, many years ago. It’s kind of like the first time you fall in love — it will always hold a special place as your first. I’ve spent so much more time on the Atlantic Ocean, but man, there’s just something special to me about the Pacific.

So you can probably imagine the mix of emotions I was feeling as we drove down the sandy road to the tip of the peninsula of Humboldt Bay.

 

The subdued hues are so relaxing and the rhythmic creeping in of the tide is a natural therapist. It’s actually a challenge to worry about anything, contemplate any of life’s drama.

 

Everyone knows my most favorite creature is an owl. But a close second is the pelican. They remind me of something so prehistoric. It’s the the way they cruise the coast with such collected-confidence. In my mind, they are mini versions of pterodactyls. 

 

Shhh, don’t tell anyone, but that pine cone might have been a little too pretty to leave on the beach to be swept away by the tide. 

 

Everyone in the group walked right past these tracks, but they caught my eye. I never did see the owner of the footprints, which would have been my first time seeing one. 10 points to anyone who can ID the animal 🙂 

 

While the shutter was open during a long exposure, this flock of sea gulls flew through the frame. It’s one of those things where I thought at the moment, great- stupid birds. But I actually love the effect. I will probably never get a chance to re-create that again.

If you’re keeping score, so far during our trip to California, we flew into San Francisco and made our way to the edge of Yosemite. We explored Yosemite National Park and have a ton of pictures between  here and here. Then we drove many-a-mile up the central valley and arrived in Eureka, exploring some of the local redwoods.

Coming up next, we explored Redwood National Forest and wandered down Fern Canyon (which was other-worldly). So stay tuned 🙂

–K

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If you are interested in commissioning wall art from any of these images, let’s chat! Send an email to KelleyElizabethPhotography@gmail.com so we can discuss details.