The County Rehearses for Summer

The orioles arrived early. The creeks are running high and the farmers market strawberries have that particular sweetness that suggests June might cooperate. Music drifts from several directions this weekend. Lady Humboldt has been taking notes.

Over 30 short films from around the world screen at the Arcata Miniplex Thursday through Sunday. The festival includes narrative, documentary, experimental, and animation works, plus talks and workshops. Free admission + after parties sweeten the outing. Get all the details here.

The spring wildflower display has reached what might be called its argumentative phase. Trillium, rhododendron, and calypso orchids have all decided to bloom simultaneously, as though someone suggested they coordinate and everyone misunderstood the assignment. The forest trails near Orick present a particular density of opinion — white trillium beneath pink rhododendron above purple orchids, each species convinced it has the floor. The bees appear unbothered by the scheduling conflict. They are working overtime, moving between blooms with the efficiency of someone who has six appointments before lunch and intends to keep them all.

The Widow White Creek Trail in McKinleyville offers what might be the county's most civilized creek walk. The path follows the water for just under two miles through a riparian corridor that hosts more bird species than a reasonable person can identify. This week's highlight: the creek runs full from recent rains, and the alders have leafed out enough to create proper shade tunnels. The trail begins at the neighborhood connector off Central Avenue, with parking that actually exists. The elevation change is negligible, which makes it suitable for anyone who prefers their nature walks without cardiovascular drama. Birders should arrive early — the dawn chorus here includes species that seem to be workshopping new material. The salmon won't return until fall, but the creek rushes along as though practicing for their arrival.

Signature Coffee in Redway has been roasting beans in 24-pound batches since 1988, which explains both the precision and the particular aroma that greets one at 7 AM. The roastmasters work in plain view — a performance worth watching while the single-origin pour-over steeps. Spring brings new harvest rotations, each one requiring its own temperature and timing. The seating is minimal, but then most regulars know to take their CCOF-certified cup to the benches outside, where the morning light through the redwoods makes its own argument for patience.

This week in 1992, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck near Cape Mendocino at 11:06 AM, followed by aftershocks that registered 6.5 and 6.6 the next day. The remote epicenter limited casualties, though Ferndale's Victorian facades required considerable attention afterward. Nearly three decades later, the county still discusses earthquakes in two categories: those that rearrange the china, and those that rearrange the geography.

The county has been conducting dress rehearsals for summer this week. Bare arms appeared on Tuesday, disappeared Wednesday, and returned with conviction by Friday afternoon. The optimism holds.

Until next week,
Lady Humboldt