Sunday, June 9, 2024

Day 28: Redwoods and Coastal Views

 Saturday, June 9

We left our KOA at 7:30 and drove west on 44 and 299 to Arcata CA on the coast. After gas and groceries and a shower for Vanna (car wash), we then drove 101 N along the Pacific coast highway to Redwood national park. It was not until 1:30 when we arrived and it was only 57 degrees. We donned our long-sleeve shirts. Just outside the visitor center, there were a bunch of elk in the meadow. 


Next, we walked the Big Tree trail just north of the visitor center. It is always amazing to see the redwood trees and how tall they are. It feels like the way the ancient forests must have been--so green ad vibrant with ferns down below, filtered sunlight coming in from above, and the tall trees standing like a quiet cathedral overhead. 




There are also some excellent views of the Pacific coast from inside the park. This shot was at High Bluff Overlook.



After seeing some rhododendrons at houses along the highway in full bloom, we asked the ranger where we could find some in the redwood forests and then we were on a mission to locate them. The Damnation Creek Trail seemed to have the best selection of rhodos mixed with redwoods. The foxgloves were also in bloom along many of the roadway edges. 









Brian was so in love with the redwoods that he actually hugged one. 


After leaving the Redwoods, we also left California and drove up the Oregon coast through the spectacular Samuel H Boardman Scenic Corridor along Highway 101. We watched the sun set from Arch Rock and then drove south to Brooking OR where we got a hotel for the night. That's right--showers two days in a row!














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