Glen’s Bakery

Last night we fell asleep  huddled in our tent talking about past 4th of July celebrations, both reaching back into our memories to recall our childhood traditions and newly developed ones.

We determined that for this year it wasn’t important to partake in the local festivities that Crescent City has to offer, mostly because we  had  just spent the afternoon walking around town watching the city slowly come alive with preparations for today’s celebration and were excited to feast our eyes on some huge trees.

As we wandered through town yesterday we noticed not only the city’s love for reminding visitors of the tsunami in 1964, but also Glen’s Bakery, which had signs up announcing it had gone out of business after 60 years. It might have been old and closed but Glen’s Bakery still had that delicious look to it. I know you know what I mean.

Well, our plan to hit the trail bright and early was foiled when we woke today and overheard some local campers talking about how Glen’s Bakery was opening for the 4th of July. The sound of excitement and astonishment in their voices led us to put our plans on hold and make our way back to Glen’s….only to arrive and find that there was a massive parade of locals lined up to taste Glen’s one more time!

I stood in line and heard two ladies gushing behind me about how happy they were that Glen’s was back! It was hilarious. There were cute little old ladies fluttering around handing out cups of coffee and tasty treats while people dressed in their festive reds, whites, and blues happily waited in the line to support this tiny and old joint.

I ordered two cookies and two apple turnovers and peeked my head in the restaurant next door halfway expecting to see  a group of old men huddled around a couple steaming pots of coffee playing cards. It just had that feel to it. Old pictures of JFK, newspaper articles from Glen’s Glory Days.

Once I had my loot, I headed back outside to find Barry and Sydney enjoying the start of the local parade, bobbing their heads along to the beat of the soundtrack  of all-songs patriotic. We opted to hit the road and eat Glen’s delicious treats on the trail rather than stick to the parade route.