After several miserable days of no internet connectivity, I am finally getting a chance to catch up on my writing.

In Fortuna, CA we tried to visit the Clendenen Cider Works.  The reviews were amazing and we couldn't wait to try the cider that was supposed to be like "drinking an apple".  When we arrived there was a big sign on the door that they would see us in August!!  Bummer!!

We went to Eureka to the Blue Ox Millworks where we took a tour of the facility given by the head of the place Eric Hollenbeck.  It is a specialized mill that produces detailed pieces for the restorations of old homes and other buildings all over the country.  It is nearly the last of its kind.  He said that it was the last place that produces wooden gutters.

 The picture below shows a part of one of the workrooms.  The best thing about this mill is the work they do with at-risk youth.  The kids come into the program by order of the court, in many cases.  They have to agree to go to school in the mornings and if they do, then they get to come to the mill in the afternoons and learn a trade.  They have been doing this for sixteen years with many successes.  Eric had many of the same philosophies that I had when teaching the at-risk program at Canby High School years ago.

 The Blue Ox Mill fabricated a replica of Abraham Lincoln's hearse for a re-enactment of his funeral at its 150th anniversary.  They were able to reproduce it from one photograph and one note from a builder that gave the dimensions of the back wheels.  They donated their work and the materials were donated by a supporting family.  Below are two other items on display at the mill.

 This was a tree slice on display.