California - a diverse state!

​CALIFORNIA
As I’ve mentioned before, even though I describe a state, if you’ve been there, you might say, “What is she talking about? It’s not like that at all!” Our country is large enough and a lot of the states themselves are big enough that there can be a lot of diversity in the various areas.
So California is very different – especially if you look between the northern and southern portions. When I was asked to teach in California, my first thought was, “yuck. Big cities, hot, tons of people….” But then my attitude changed when I found out I’d be located in the northwestern corner of California – in the redwoods! So I said yes, and had an amazing year living right at the coast. The lady I boarded with took me to Fern Canyon a couple times, which is like entering a fairyland retreat – once you get past all the elk guarding the entrance!
Ezek 31:18a To whom art thou thus like in glory and in greatness among the trees of Eden? I don’t know about Eden’s trees, but you can’t be in northern California without checking out the amazing redwood and sequoia trees! One church I attended was snuggled in among the redwoods. You literally wound your way around and around through the shady lanes to finally arrive at their property. I was thankful I didn’t struggle with car sickness.
Crescent City was located along the famous 101 Highway which is very scenic, and very windy. If you get to this town, you definitely want to take the time to go to the Battery Point Light. It’s so unique. You can walk over to it and explore, but you have to watch the tide. It becomes an island and you can be stranded there until the tide goes back out and you can walk back to the mainland. During one storm, Deb took me to the jetty. I was glad I was with her because she knew how close we could park. I sure wouldn’t have gone as close as she did. The 10 foot waves crashing up and over the barrier were frightenly fascinating. Shortly before I left to return to Canada, a whale got beached. It was dead, so then the town had the huge decision of what to do with it. After a couple weeks, it really started to stink! But again, it was fascinating to walk right up to this mammoth fish. My head didn’t even reach its mouth while lying on its side. The word ‘ginormous’ certainly fit.
When a person moves into an area to live, you get busy living and don’t get into sightseeing as much. My one regret was I didn’t take the time to get down to San Francisco. I’ve flown over it and glimpsed the Golden Gate bridge, but there’s history there that would be interesting to see. I’m sure some people would want to be in the south with the beaches, Disney Land and Hollywood touristy things, but I was so content to be “up north.” No matter where I go, the north just seems to be my comfort zone!