Redwoods of California

Our next stop was a bit North on Hwy 101 in the Redwoods. I was looking forward to this part of California since we missed it last year. Our site was in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. A very primitive campground where the elk roamed freely and there were no electric or water hookups.
We were used to this by now!























Wesley and I picked wild blackberries in our camping loop and ate them within minutes.

We met some new friends there from Australia. Tahly and her parents had been on a 6 week bicycle trip from Canada down the west coast of the US. Wow, what an experience for a 4 year old! The kids had fun being silly and toasting marshmallows. 

 

 

 

Jason wanted to do some mountain biking and set out on a 20 mile round-trip bike ride to Fern Canyon. This is where some scenes from Jurassic Park were filmed. After a few hours, we went to look for him on the trail. It was very quiet except for our screams of

"DAD, WHERE ARE YOU? CAN YOU HEAR ME?" We didn't see another person during the 2 mile search so Jason Jr. and I turned back for camp. We were both a bit worried because of the wild animals in the park and his lack of provisions. Finally after 3 1/2 hours, Jason returned with some amazing pictures from his ride and even a video of Elk on the bike path.

 

 

 North of the campground, was a place called Trees of Mystery. They had a sky ride that we were anxious to experience. On top of the mountain, you could see for miles on a clear day. Instead of riding back down, we took the optional, strenuous hiking trail. We laughed at the sign because we had experienced so many different terrains in the last few weeks. It wasn't lying about the strenuous part! There were even guide ropes to hold onto on the steep, slippery path. Needless to say, the boys weren't too happy about walking, again!

 

                                                                                           

 

 Further South on Hwy 101, we stopped at Patrick's Point State Park for some rappelling. It took a while to find a spot and get set up but both Jasons had fun using the new equipment. This was a good place to make some dinner and catch our breath for a few hours.

Trinidad was a cool town that we stopped in for a quick walk on the beach. The sun was starting to set and the bay was full of boats. We noticed something by the water in the sand. It was a beached elephant seal that was shedding. The signs asked that people leave him alone and allow for the natural process to happen which could take several days.

On our way to Sacramento, we stopped at the Avenue of the Giants, which was another scenic loop of Redwood trees. The pictures cannot do justice to the size of these giants. When one falls, it causes a domino effect. There are thousands of feet of downed Redwoods all on the side of the roads.

The drive-thru tree was cool even though we couldn't fit with our RV.
The clearance was only 7' x 7' so we had to park and walk it.
SamBob found some carved statues that he liked as well as a tree house with stairs inside.