Arcata, CA Sept. 12
We woke up to a day with more smoky haze than the previous two days. The haze was more prevalent, and the odor stronger. After a hearty breakfast at the Hiouchi Café, we departed the small town of Hiouchi. It had been a pleasant interlude. We were not leaving the combined national and state redwood parks. Our goal was to move down to those parks south of the Klamath River.
Redwood forests are not composed only of redwood trees. They have multiple layers of trees. The redwoods of course at around 300 to 375 feet are the tallest. The next layer down would be composed of Douglas fir. The third layer would be the mixed hardwoods with a fourth layer being shrubs and groundcover. It makes for constantly changing scenery.
An additional two hikes today provided new views. One does not tire of observing the base of trees with their lightning damage, fire scars, multiple growths at the base, and large openings. Even at higher levels, there are interesting views. You will find not just large branches, but whole trees, growing from the side of the redwood.
After a stop for ice cream, we arrived in the town of Arcata California. Arcata is a town of about 20,000 people and home to Cal Poly Humboldt University. Previously Humboldt University, the university has an opportunity for expansion and focusing on sciences due to a recent initiative by the state. We are staying at a bed-and-breakfast here in a home dating back to the 1880s.
Arcata is just a stopover, a town that positions us more closely to reach our destination of Redding California tomorrow night. Today’s weather has been delightful, with the highs around 70 under clear skies-after we left the smoky haze behind us. Tomorrow, however, the temperatures will be in the mid 90s and maybe even 100 as we drive over the Coastal Mountains towards interior California.
Ed and Chris, Arcata CA Sept. 12
Chris Klejbuk and Ed Heimel travel adventure 
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