Towering redwoods, the old grand dames of Victorian B&Bs, quiet days on windswept beaches.
Sure, it's true that the perhaps more prevalent view of Humboldt as a pot-growing mecca is never far away.
But my mind always drifts to the close-knit communities and the warm-spirited people living within them.
I have to admit, though, that when I first heard that the effort to legalize marijuana in California actually made it to the ballot, my first thought was "I wonder what they think about that up in Humboldt." Or Mendocino, for that matter.
Well, it seems, not everyone is so fond of the idea. Just like the moonshiners didn't like revenuers, turns out some of the North Coast's growers aren't too keen on the idea of paying taxes.
Or having competition.
Some folks, though, are trying to get everyone aboard with the possibility that this just might happen and it just might influence the underground business going on throughout both counties.
In typical Northern California fashion, that means getting all sides to the table to talk it out and come up with solutions. I like that.
What are some of those solutions? Embracing the idea and finding ways to capitalize on it.
And, as you might imagine, some interesting ideas are being floated.
”Once we remove the stigma of it being illegal, I don't know what it will do -- no one does. Imagine the possibilities,”
California NORML member Ellen Komp said to the crowd.
Komp, echoing the discussions of several growers and business people, mentioned following a wine business model, which includes her longtime dream for weed tasting rooms.
Yes, she said weed tasting rooms.
Who knows. Maybe a whole new tourism slant will come to the North Coast.
As for me, I'll still go for the same ole same ole.
Nature's most majestic perfection with some good old-fashioned hospitality thrown in for good measure.
That's enough for me, thank you very much.
