A side benefit of leaving my awning behind at my Arcata friends’ house is I get to visit Kate and Chuck – and hike in their community forest.  Earlier today, Kate, along with her golden retriever, BJ, and I hiked for over seven miles in the Arcata Community Forest.  We spent over four hours in the forest – all three of us taking our time.  BJ, who is now blind after necessary surgery one month ago, did a terrific job finding the trail and following directions.  Kate, who knows every flower, tree, and plant, showed me flora I had never before noticed.  And me, capturing a slew of photos all along the way.

Arcata Community Forest