In the outside area one can sit and enjoy the ambience in this other worlly atmosphere. photo by Pj. McArdle
by Pj. McArdle
Coffee and hot tubs or a sauna? Why not. Café Mokka, Finnish Country Sauna and Hot Tubs in Arcata California offers these services at a surprisingly low price. Only $12 for an half hour including another half hour to use the shower.
I’m a lite weight. I only lasted 15 minutes in the sauna. The cold shower cooled me down. I went in the sauna for another few minutes, feeling like I had to get my moneys worth. I walked back into the coffee shop feeling altered. Sitting outside the shop near the green algae pond I was completely relaxed. The 800 miles I had driven so far on my Nomad adventure melted into oblivion.
The Finnish Country Sauna, 495 J street, located in Arcata California is one-of-a-kind for two reasons. Firstly it offers a sauna and hot tub experience wrapped around a coffee café environment. I asked if they were in fact a one-of-kind-shop. Yes, was the answer, especially at the low price. Open Monday through Thursday 11 to 11pm and Friday and Saturday 11 to midnight, they give customers plenty of time to come in. I was lucky to get in almost immediately cause someone had cancelled.
Secondly the compound is other worldly. A variety of trees provide shade and surround the beautiful green algae covered pond. Two small bridges give access to the sauna areas and cross over the pond. There are tables set near the pond in different spots around the area. This allows users to sip their coffees and teas after they finish a hot tub or sauna. Customers can also just sit and enjoy the ambience without using the saunas.
As I sat there I could hear customers laughing and talking inside the saunas. A variety of flowers added color to the green pond. Inside the shop a man was sitting with his head hung down. I think he was snoozing. No one bothered him. Another younger guy was sitting on a smallish hill outside shrouded by the trees smoking joints. He walked from his spot and asked me if I had any cash cause the shop only accepts cash. I didn’t have a single dime. He walked on.
Would I drive 800 miles again to experience the Finnish Country Sauna? Hell yea.
Arcata is a city the north coast of California adjacent to the Arcata Bay portion of Humboldt Bay in Humboldt County. There is a strong sense of community in the area which is surrounded by ancient Redwood trees. HTTPS://cafemokkaarcata.com