Month: May 2023

Why You Should Visit Humboldt County

/ N.Pearson / 2 Comments

Humboldt County is a wonderful place to visit because of its rich history, abundant wildlife, artists, cannabis industry, casinos, and community. After taking the 101 or 299 into Humboldt from San Francisco, or Reno, the drive during the day can relax the mind with picturesque rolling mountains, lakes, and deep forests. Don’t forget to stop by the Legend of Bigfoot to get the gist of the lore or Confusion Hill where things go up when they should go down. When coming from Oregon or Crescent City down the 101 you might find Humboldt a change of pace, an exciting city life, or maybe you decide to take the off-the-grid paths to Shelter Cove or King Range Wilderness to hike the PCT. You may pass by a giant statue of Paul Bunyan and the Blue Ox at the Mystery of Trees. And Eris, forbid, you took a flight in and you find your next flight weeks out or canceled due to bad weather, then you have plenty of time to view the amazing art displayed in the ACV (Arcata Aiport).

Humboldt Country is home to the Redwood trees, some of the oldest and tallest trees in the world. Hiking through the Emerald Triangle includes trails in Trinity, Avenue of the Giants, and Fern Canyon. These trails will bring you to the brink of the otherworld where magical creatures wander and you find the little lost forest, feeling in unity and in tune with nature. Fishing in the Eel River or the Mad may take some experience but they are frequently replenished with fish. Ocean fishing is also a sport that can be done by the daring. Don’t forget to get your California fishing license and read up on the laws. Hiking the Headwaters Reserve or Manila trails you will find an array of mushroom species and moss-hung trees. Make sure to not pick the mushrooms without identifying them first and only as many as you need. Canoe down the rivers and enjoy your time basking in the sun during the summer months. 

Eureka and Arcata are abundant in night light. Arts Alive fills the street with music, art, and vendors. Friday markets in Eureka and Saturday Markets in Arcata. Irish punk shows at the Shanty, and Fetish Nights at Sirens Song. The Jam hosts headliners like local DJ Ahee and the Arcata Theater Lounge recently featured Mike Love. There is endless music, art, and craft beer for those who know where to find it. Music Festivals like Northern Nights, Hog Farm, and Festival of Dreams bring the fairies and elves out of the woods. For a good laugh check out Savage Henry’s Comedy Club or for symphonies, opera and plays at the Eureka Theater. 

Cal Poly Humboldt has exceptional forestry, social work, nursing, basketball team, and ceramics programs for BA. While College of the Redwoods offers general ed, creative writing, volleyball, and an amazing art department. What you really want to take advantage of is the great classes and gatherings hosted at businesses like Erica Brook’s Paint Out at the Winery, High Body Pole Dance workouts, Joe’s veteran ceramic class at CR, Bella Vita Fire spinning, Belly Dancing by Zeta Fusion, The Thing’s Ecstatic Dance, and Life Drawing at the RAA.

Humboldt has a long history of outlawed cannabis growers and the infamous Murder Mountain. You can find your leafy greens at dispensaries and smoke lounges on many street corners. Hit the gravity bong at EcoCann or if you’re in a rush drive through Humboldt Premium. Maybe you are further south and want to check out Cookie’s Lounge or for a nightlife environment there is Crisp! in Eureka! Live rosin cartridges, edibles, bubble hash, and premium cannabis are on the shelves, calling all adults. For an overnight experience check out Riverbar Pharms for good food and cannabis-friendly rooms.

The casinos are popular stops for great music, drinks, food, card games, and slot machines. Bear River Casino is located in Loleta and is a Rohnerville Rancheria to the Mattole and Wiyot Tribes, as well as other surrounding tribes. Blue Lake Casino is a Rancheria to the Wiyot tribe and is notarized by the white house as the “Climate Action Champion.” To learn more about the native tribes visit Clarke Museum currently showcasing a history of the Wigi, also known as the Humboldt Bay. Or you can stop in at the NCIDC American Indian Art and Gift Shop to see the beautiful Native art displayed.

It is impossible for me to list all the amazing things to do in Humboldt County, but I welcome you to come visit and check out the festivities happening in my town!

Meal Giving

/ N.Pearson / Leave a comment

Throughout life, meal sharing (or giving) can be an excellent form of showing care for fellow humans. Often we can go through life and forget how to treat others with compassion and love. A big gift is not necessary to show gratitude or endearment. Instead, cooking a meal for the people we care about can go above and beyond expectations and make a person feel your appreciation for them or humanity.

Good times to offer meals to friends, families, and even strangers are after a child has been born, after a visit to the hospital or having surgery, when their funds are tight, after a traumatic event, during times of depression or grieving, or to replace for gift giving. When you offer someone hot food, you show them that you care about their well-being and want them to find comfort through this effort of love you have initiated. So pat your back for making the conscious decision to cook for someone else and help them in their time of need.

A friend posted on Facebook during the epidemic, “If you’re feeling bad for yourself, go buy all your favorite sandwich ingredients; the hoagie rolls, the deli ham, the Munster cheese, load it with your favorite vegetables, and if you like, some avocado. Make up a grip of sandwiches and give it to the houseless. It’ll make you feel loads better.”

Here are a few recipes that I have found incredibly healing. I apologize that I was not willing to share my personal recipes but found similar ones online!

Ghee Porridge (For a new mom): Shara, my doula, made me this amazing Ghee porridge the day after I gave birth! It was incredibly warming, soothing, and healing.

Curry Soup (to warm the heart): My husband made this dish for a woman and me when we shared an Airbnb. I spilled it all over the place but we enjoyed it non the less!

White Sauce lasagna (suitable for families!) : This dish I brought to my friend’s family while she was in the hospital after getting into a horrible accident that caused her to have an emergency c-section. The family was so busy with court documents and finding breast milk for the baby they forgot to eat!

Bacon Beer cheese soup (not for a sick person) : Maybe you might have guessed, I made this meal for a sick boyfriend of mind in my early twenties. I remember being so proud of the dish I made and he threw it up everywhere! Either way, it was a tasty dish and someone going through emotional trauma could benefit from the warm yet metal meal.

Chicken Alfredo (when on a budget): My mom, daughter, and I went to a friend’s house going through emotional baggage and financial difficulty and my mom cooked up this meal for her five kids and our family. It was super simple and delicious, she kept asking what was in the ingredients! She used store-bought Alfredo sauce. She used these six ingredients: noodles, chicken, sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper, and the kids loved it!

Quinoa vegetable mix (for a hot day): Whenever I meet friends at kids birthdays or outdoor events this is my go to.

Mediterranean

Southwest Quinoa

Loaded Mash Potatoes (Comfort food to overcome trauma): When my girlfriend is having a bad day I will make her mashed potatoes put on dirty dancing and we will kick up our feet and enjoy.

Mama’s Chicken Noodle Soup (Sick Patient): Anytime I’m sick this is all that I want so I make it for the people I care about, rather surgery or COVID, this is my go to.