For those of you who've never ventured into this part of Northern California, it's a massive change from the hustle, bustle and bluster of the central and southern areas of this state. From the warm temps of Ukiah, the climate and topography changes to the cool coastal climate of Eureka in a matter of a three hour drive. Drives like this remind one of the vast variations that encompass the nation's most populous state, not to mention the accompanying population itself - more on that in a bit. . .
Rolling along 101, one minute 70 mph seems comfortable on the big super slab, and the next you're rounding a bend into a narrowing two-lane road signed for 45 mph. As you drive through a "time passed us by" community of 450 people, it gives you the classic feel of rural Americana - rusting farm equipment sits alongside a '50's-era Chevy three-ton flatbed with a broken windshield and weeds growing out of the upholstery. Then you see this creation, and realize that there are all kinds of "busnuts!"
Thus the pace slows, as does life itself in this little corner of the Golden State. But the underbelly also makes it's appearance, as the number of homeless and panhandlers increase the closer you get to downtown. The economy in this area has literally gone to pot since the environmental wackos forced the lumber industry to shut down, leaving blocks and blocks of abandoned storefronts among the thriving medicinal marijuana shops.
Nestled in the industrial area just east of Historic Downtown are the offices and shops of the Humboldt Transit Authority, where I'd be picking up the Gillig Phantom.
Jim Wilson, HTA's Equipment and Facilities Manager, met me at the gate and I followed him to the main shop. We took care of the necessary paperwork, and then he walked me out to the bus, #843. During our conversation, Jim produced the inspection sheet that the shop had done on the coach the night before, checking out all the systems, making sure the brakes were adjusted, that the lights all worked, tire pressures correct, plus they gave the bus a bath.
Well, what do you know, deja vu all over again! Back when I worked for Fresno's transit property, I trained over a hundred drivers in our Phantoms, so it was like old home week for me. Although it's been 14 years since I worked for FAX, it didn't take long re-familiarize myself with the coach.
For a 2000 model, this coach was in excellent condition! 631K miles on the odometer, but only 50K on the engine and transmission - a Series 50 Detroit with a B400R Allison automatic. HTA had taken out the video monitoring system, the electronic destination sign control panel and the farebox. Everything worked in the yard as I did my normal DOT pre-trip inspection, including the wheelchair lift and the air conditioning. Only problem was that the 12v power outlet provided power to my cell phone charger intermittently, having been used so much it was worn out. A quick run in the Sonic to the local Radio Shack for a power outlet kit, a couple of butt connectors from the shop, and the farebox 12v feed solved that little problem. Now I had power for my phone and my GPS unit, so things were good to go
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You cannot come to historic Eureka and not take a little time to meander around. So with a little help, we took the bus and the Sonic over to the Holiday Inn Express next to the airport, left the coach and returned to town for a few photos and dinner before calling it a night.
Photo Op from parking lot next door to hotel. Moved the coach after this shot to avoid any wrath from the business owner.
For dinner, decided to go to the Samoa Cookhouse, the last operating original cookhouse in the West. First opened in 1890, it serves up a hearty meal family-style seven days a week. Check the link for more info, but I'll add that the food was good, the atmosphere was historic, and it was just plain fun! Did I mention that dessert was included? In this case, strawberry cake (think carrot cake, but made with strawberries instead.) Yummy!
After dinner, took a drive through the historic downtown district, which produced the following photos:
Here is probably the most photographed Victorian-style building in California, the Carson Mansion, home of the late lumber baron, William Carson. Built in 1886, it's now owned by a private club, thus the building and the grounds are off-limits to tourists.
Another building that caught my eye was the Eagle House Inn, right in the heart of the downtown historic district. Might have to stay here next time I'm in the area. . .
Maybe even have some Irish Stew in the pub on the main floor! Perhaps wash dinner down with a Guinness, too!
With the dinner and sightseeing over for the day, 'twas time to call it a night and head back to the Holiday Inn and to prep for the long drive ahead in the Phantom.
Stay tuned for Chapter 3!
