Get Out

Witch-raft on the Bay

Scenes from the annual Witches Paddle

By Mark Larson

getout@northcoastjournal.com

Despite a windy, rainy forecast again for this year’s third annual Witches Paddle on Humboldt Bay, an energetic coven of witches showed up with standup boards and paddles in hand to enjoy what turned out to be a breezy, sunny day. In addition, a quartet of witches showed up at the put-in boat ramp to provide a Witches Dance sendo for participants.

Earlier in the week, organizer Jody Himango, an avid weather watcher, had put out warnings on the event’s Facebook page about possible cancelation due to high winds but the collective witches’ spells came through with good weather.

Just after 2 p.m., the witches paddled out from the Eureka Public Marina along West Waterfront Drive against an outgoing tide, but with the wind at their backs. They headed east past the Adorni Center, where the Party in Pink Zumbathon was raising money for the Breast and GYN Health Project in Arcata, and the Woodley Island Marina.

After circling around o shore from Halvorsen Park, the witches headed back west to the take-out, assisted by the outgoing tide. Visit northcoastjournal.com to see the full slideshow of the event.

Dancing witch Lisa Wilhelmi Perkins, who chose to stay on land, photographed Ellen McLaughlin, of McKinleyville, on her red-and-white stand-up paddle board and other witch paddlers along the edge of Humboldt Bay with Woodley Island in the background.

Photos by Mark Larson

Mark Larson (he/him) is a retired Cal Poly Humboldt journalism professor and active freelance photographer who likes to walk. The witch paddlers headed past the foot of F Street and the end of the Eureka Boardwalk toward the Adorni Center and Woodley Island.

OPEN DAILY

Hours: 10 am - 5 pm Every Day OPEN LATE! 5 pm - 8 pm on 10/29 Artist Reception on 10/30 Bring a food donation for our altar for Food For People 490 Trinity St. Trinidad 707.677.3770

Paintings by Mara Friedman

Whether you are an Owner or Investor considering management of your rental properties - Let us manage your properties to free your time for family & friends! If you are in need of a rental for you or family - We can Help you find a place to call home! Call US Today!

Coldwell Banker Cutten Real Estate Property Management, manages hundreds of Residential & Commercial properties throughout Humboldt County.

Suzanne Tibbles

Property Manager | Realtor®

Lic. #01388859 Realtor #01486268 3943 Walnut Dr., Suite B, Eureka cuttenrentals.com

OPEN: M-F 9 AM-5 PM PHONE: (707) 445-8822 FAX: (707) 442-2391