It was a perfect winter day in Trinidad — blue skies, bright sun and ocean breezes. Just right for hauling crab pots around on a kayak. Yes, a kayak. While they may not be the most conventional crabbing vessels around, kayaks have a growing fan base, according to Greg Mounton, who helps coordinate the […]
Amy Cirincione O'Connor
Posted inLife + Outdoors
Break out the Crab Pots
For newbies: For those looking to learn the sport of kayak crabbing, Mouton offers free classes through Pacific Outfitters. Class schedules are posted at the Eureka store and on the LCKA Facebook page. He also organizes several species-specific charity tournaments a year. The Trinidad Rock Fish Wars in October draws 70-100 participants and raises […]
Posted inArts + Scene
Anything Worth Doing — Sundog Book Publishing
It’s tough to write a book about river rafting. Rivers are both the setting for and main character in any rafting trip, and guides often ascribe both human and supernatural aspects to the rivers they run. Guides themselves can be incredible storytellers, but those stories don’t necessarily translate from around the campfire to the page. […]
Posted inLife + Outdoors
Stand Up and Paddle
It’s raining again. After a glorious September and early October, the fog is rolling in and the days of peek-a-boo sunshine are back. For me, this means my running season is over, and my climbing is going mostly indoors. But there are still a few ways to enjoy Humboldt that do not include whining about […]
Posted inLife + Outdoors
Outfit Yourself
Kayak: Borrow a kayak from a friend or rent one from Bigfoot Rafting Co. in Willow Creek or Pacific Outfitters in Arcata or Eureka. I prefer inflatable kayaks for this kind of short expedition, because they pack up small and light. In your dry bag: A chain bike lock (for locking up your kayaks while […]
Posted inLife + Outdoors
An Urban Kayak Adventure
I am not an adrenaline junkie. If the idea of hurling yourself through icy waves under gray skies appeals to you, then you’re lucky to live in an area where you can kayak year round. All you need is the right gear (dry suit, booties, gloves) and a bad attitude, and you can paddle […]
Posted inArts + Scene
From Animal House to Our House: A Love Story
There is only one reason someone writes a book about house renovation: catharsis. Ron Tanner’s memoir, “From Animal House to Our House: A Love Story,” serves just this purpose. Tanner purchased a falling down Victorian in Baltimore in a quest for love and self-redemption. His writing is heart-achingly honest and at times cringe-worthy. Tanner admits to […]
Posted inLife + Outdoors
Extreme Endurance
I am a fair weather athlete. The longer days and returning sunshine have dramatically improved my attitude about training. Even on rainy days I keep my shorts and running shoes close by, ready to put in a few miles during a cloud break. I registered for a half marathon at the end of September, so […]
Posted inLife + Outdoors
The Runner’s Lament
I hate running. Running murders the knees, cranks the hamstrings tight as drums, and inflames the hips. In theory running is a cheap, accessible sport. In reality most runners arrange their schedules around running. They rise in the dark, haul sweaty sneakers to work to run during lunch breaks, and skip happy hour in […]
Posted inLife + Outdoors
Running for Haters
1. Vary your workouts. Alternate short and fast with long and slow. 2. Be a running tourist. Explore the Community Forest, Ma-le’l Dunes, and from Old Town to Henderson Center. 3. The more water-logged your sneakers, the heavier they are. Dry those suckers out. 4. Run alone. 5. Run with other people sometimes. Base your pace on the slower […]
Posted inLife + Outdoors
Climb Like a Girl
She’s wearing yoga pants and a ponytail, clutching borrowed climbing shoes and a safety harness. She warily looks up Karen Rock at Moonstone Beach. Her palms are sweaty. As she watches a couple of shaggy-haired guys ascend the cliff, her stomach tightens. She’s so nervous. What she doesn’t realize is that she’s built for this. […]
Posted inLife + Outdoors
Get Climbing
Go: Moonstone Beach, Houda Point, Luffenholtz Beach and Patrick’s Point all have beginner climbing routes. They are all within a 20 minute drive from Arcata. Join: Roots to Rocks is a local women’s climbing group. They meet several times a week to train and travel to local climbing spots on the weekends. Female climbers of […]