This isn't a CHL, but the Skunk Train has been a Willits/Fort Bragg tradition since 1885 when it was built as a logging railway.
We took the four hour trip from Willits to Northspur and then back to Willits.
Mommy found this when she was researching things to do in Willits and we decided that it would be a fun detour.
We went through the countryside near Willits...
saw a few horses...
and headed up into the mountains.
As we road along in these antique railroad cars...
we were serenaded by the
Train Singer.
He's an amazing man who entertains you along the rails-- and he has been for the past 23 years!
We took hundreds of photos-- but we will only subject you to a few dozen :)
We passed evidence of the logging in the area...
lots of big redwood trees...
and enjoyed the view from one of the open cars.
Libi even took some photos along the way.
Part of the route is 8-1/2 miles of switchback to go about a mile in a straight line. The cool thing about that is you get to see the engine of the train as you go around the curves.
As we chugged along...
not only did we see lots of trees...
but we passed lots of little "towns".
Until we finally came to Northspur-- the midpoint between Willits and Fort Bragg on the coast.
The train stops here for about 40 minutes or so to allow you a chance to eat and explore.
They have a little BBQ area and a small shop...
as well as a chance to chat with the Train Singer...
and get some skunky photos!
There are also more big trees...
and Ron's selfie stick helped us get into the shot.
The Train Singer told us about a 600 year old tree that you could climb into. Ron had to go first to show Libi how fun it was...
she was not convinced!
We were traumatizing her to get these cool shots. I'm certain this one will be in her wedding slideshow some day.
She laughed, she cried, but we got a picture of her inside a really old tree!
There was a guest book, which Libi signed on our behalf...
We couldn't agree more!
The engineer, conductor, and Train Singer all look like they have been riding the rails for years!
Then it was back on the train to head back to Willits.
On this trip we explained to Libi what a hobo is-- she now uses the word regularly. We are so proud!
We saw this happy face tree on the way out, but weren't able to snap a photo until the return trip.
On the return trip we saw a bear.
There is a tunnel on each half of the track.
Tunnel #2 is the one that is on the Willits side.
It is just long enough to sing "Bill Grogin's Goat" and happily we heard it twice being in the train car with the Train Singer both times.
After a wonderful morning riding the rails, we retraced our steps through the Redwoods, but this time via car.
We passed Northspur and continued on to Fort Bragg.
Libi took the opportunity to nap!
We took one more detour before we went to our first CHL of the day-- and on our walk there found this delicious ring around the sun.
Glass Beach is just north of Fort Bragg-- its a little cove where lots of glass fragments have washed up over the years.
The glass when it was wet was just beautiful!
So many different colors!
It was a fun detour...
even if the water was cold.
That was fun...
but it's late and we haven't had lunch or hit a CHL yet...
it is time to break away from the beach.
Our first CHL was
Fort Bragg (CHL 615). This military post was established on June 11, 1857 on an Indian Reservation.
It was named after Braxton Bragg who was one of the commanders of the founder of the fort (the same Braxton Bragg for whom the North Carolina Ft. Bragg is named, who was a general in the Confederate Army).
There is still one building left, but it has been moved a few blocks away and is now a private residence.
Near the plaque there was a specimen cut from the largest tree found in Mendocino County.
It was spectacular, but I was sad that it was cut down.
There was a museum on a hill above the plaque with a very sweet lady docent.
We spent a little time exploring the house which was built by the Fort Bragg Redwood Company to entertain their guests and show them just how amazing redwood lumber is for house building.
Most of the house is still original-- including the beautiful stained glass windows..
and the redwood banisters. Interesting note: the entire house is redwood except the floors. Apparently redwood doesn't do well on floors-- who knew?
A short drive into Mendocino we arrived at the Temple of Kwan Tai (CHL 927).
This is one of the oldest Chinese Taoist temples in continuous use in California-- it opened in its current location in 1867.
They do tours by appointment or you can watch a video of the temple
here.
From one house of worship to another-- we move on to the
Mendocino Presbyterian Church (CHL 714).
This redwood structure was dedicated on July 5, 1868 making it one of the oldest Protestant churches in continuous use in California. The church website has an amazing history of the small parish, but my favorite story goes: "It was often heavy going for a small congregation. Harmony did not always prevail . . . one account tells of a confrontation in which the President of the Board of Trustees punched the pastor in the nose!" To find out more, you can check out their website here.
It is a gorgeous building...
with an amazing view of the ocean from the backside of the church.
My favorite thing was this teal door...
especially with Libi's orange pants-- a fab color combo!
As we were driving down Hwy 1-- a two lane highway-- we came upon an auto accident. You know it's bad when you see at least 8 fire trucks, two ambulances, and the traffic is being controlled by firefighters. We were delayed for about twenty minutes, but that is nothing compared to the looks of this accident. Thankfully it appeared as though it was only damage done to the vehicles, and that everyone involved was OK.
After the accident, and some winding roads down the Northern California coast, we just missed entering our next CHL-- since it closed at 4:30 and we arrived at about 5 p.m.
Point Arena Light Station (CHL 1035) was first built in 1870, was destroyed by earthquake in 1906, and was rebuilt in 1908.
The unique thing about this lighthouse is that when it was rebuilt after the earthquake it was built out of steel rods and covered in concrete. It was the first of its kind built this way.
The company who rebuilt it made factory smokestacks-- and you can see that influence in the close up of the lighthouse.
You can also stay in this lighthouse-- it's a two-night minimum but the rates are reasonable!
The views from this location are stunning!
There are lots of photos and videos on the website you can
view.
Continuing down Hwy 1 we came to
Fort Ross (CHL 5)-- we are finally in single digits!!!
Sadly it had closed at 4:30 and we arrived after 6 so we were only able to see it from the outside.
This Russian fort was established in 1812 when settlers from Alaska arrived in the area to hunt.
John Sutter of Sutter's Fort fame bought the fort in 1849 and it was acquired by the state in 1905.
There are lots of buildings to explore, so we will have to return some day when it's open.
Ron went looking for a bathroom so he was able to see more of the grounds then Libi and I did...
our view was mainly of the visitors center...
until we drove past on the highway...
then we were able to see lots more of the grounds.
A long and windy road down to Bodega Bay gave us some beautiful views...
and another chance to take a flower photo.
After a disappointing dinner in Bodega Bay we headed to our final site of the day,
Bodega Bay and Harbor (CHL 833).
This site was on peninsula in the harbor along a camping area and a coast guard station, so it was a bit tricky to find-- especially in the dusk-- but we persevered!
The bay was discovered in 1602-03 by the Vizcaino expedition and it was named by the explorer Juan Francisco de Bodega in 1775. This was also a port used a great deal by the Russian hunters in the area.
It was another great day on the trail for historical landmarks. And now to bed!!!
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