Discovering Tranquility

One of the benefits of growing up in this remote region of Northern California is the natural amenities that travelers from all over flock here to gaze in awe at the huge ancient redwoods that make you seem like a speck in comparison, or the amazing coastline of the Pacific Ocean.

Crescent City is a small, isolated coastal town in the northernmost region of California which in its earliest years was a port for timber and fishing. It is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean to the west, the coastal mountains to the east and is located along thousand of acres of wetlands and various waterways, which offer an abundance of activities for the outdoor enthusiast.

I have always been partial to the outdoors and at the age of six, I discovered the world of fishing. This would create a lifetime of memories and wonderful experiences.

As a child I would search my neighborhood for creeks or ponds to throw a line in. Now at forty one I am no different. This led me to Lake Earl.

I have actually known of the lagoon through my growing up years. I had my first brief driving lesson on the surrounding backroads.I used to ride my dirt bike along the parallel roads. But until a few years ago I had never taken time to actually enjoy the lake.

My new interest prompted me to study the region which led me. to the discovery that Lake Earl is actually a lagoon, which is made up of both fresh and salt water. It is the largest lagoon in the state of California. Because of this, it’s environment allows for the existence of some pretty amazing wildlife.

In another world, the Tolowa Indians lived along the coastal bluffs where they could utilize the shoreline. Their area spread for several miles including the area in which the lagoon lies. If you explore the area today you can still find a culture that is very much alive.

According to Wikipedia “Lake Earl has two principal lobes separated by "The Narrows." The smaller lobe, which is also closer to the ocean and the sand bar breach site, is called Lake Tolowa or Lake Talawa by the California Department of Fish and Game.[4] The larger lobe of the lagoon is Lake Earl. Lake Earl is mostly freshwater while Lake Tolowa has a higher salt content.[5] As opposed to an estuary, which is typically open to the ocean and fresh water constantly, a lagoon seals up seasonally and fills with a predominance of fresh water.”

This area is perfect for any number of outdoor activities. Duck season is on its way and of course the lagoon is perfect for cutthroat trout. Kayaking is another popular pastime, however water skiing is not allowed in order to preserve the eco system. Several bird species including the crane make their home in the wetlands and eat the fish from the lagoon.

On this particular day I was spending some much needed time with Amanda and we brought my youngest stepson along for a fishing trip, where he would inevitably become quickly bored and find something else to spend his energy on. One of the consistent thoughts that go through my head is how at peace everything is out there. It’s almost a lost world. Many days there is low hanging clouds above the water, adding to the romance of the scenery. The birds fly lazily, the fish leap splashing the quiet away, for a brief, wonderful moment.

Life out here, often offers a unique perspective. You can’t hear it from town but when you drive out aways, it speaks of quieter times, when Indians inhabited the bluffs, when Jedadiah Smith first sighted the lost coast, when all was new and wild. Maybe one day it will be like that again

References

Wikipedia.org