The Mighty Redwoods

Some of the largest Redwoods in Northern California are believed to be:

a)      200 years old

b)      500 years old

c)      1,000 years old

d)     1,500 years old

For those of you who have been here before I am sure you got the answer right away.

Sasquatch?

The Redwood National Park has been on our “full-timing bucket list” for a couple years now. But each time we have been in this area we have been in the big rig and many of the roads and state parks in this area are just not big rig friendly. This time, in the smaller pickup camper we were going to make it!

But, I am getting ahead of myself. After leaving Shasta Lake last week we drove a whole 10 miles south to Redding, CA where we were going to be spending the next few days visiting Barb’s stepmother (Paula), sister-in-law (Kelly) and nieces (Heather and Holly). Barb spent much of her childhood in Redding and each time we come back to this area it is like somewhat of a homecoming.
The first night we went to dinner at Olive Garden with Paula and spent the night in her driveway. The next day we drove about 20 miles west to Whiskeytown Lake an area Barb frequented when she was younger. Several of the campgrounds and the beach were not open yet but we found Brandy Creek campground open just above one of the closed beaches. This campground looks like a picnic area that was converted into an RV area. There are no hookups but they did have a dump station and water. At $11/night (off season) it was worth the price.

Not bad for $11 a night

We had visitors both of the days that we stayed, the first day Kelly, Holly/Brandon, Heather and all their kids stopped out. We spent the afternoon grilling and catching up while the kids biked and chased lizards.

Kelly, Kailey, Heather, Barb, Holly, Brandon, Darien, McKenna and Raidyn

 We took a short hike to the beach down the bluff where the kids played in the water and Daisy had a blast retrieving pinecones that we threw into the lake.

Daisy retrieving a pine cone

We wanted to get at least one hike in so the next day Barb and I hit the trail early to hike the Whiskeytown Falls trail. Round trip this hike is a little over 3 miles. I would consider this hike somewhat strenuous on the way to the falls. It was up hill most of the way. Luckily there were plenty of smaller rapids along the way and we took our time for rest breaks and pictures. We were back to the truck in about 2 1/2 hours.

There were lots of photo ops along the way

 

 

Whiskeytown Falls

 

Until about 3 years ago these falls were a little known secret that history had forgotten. The park constructed this trail so now everyone can enjoy their beauty.

That afternoon Paula came out and supplied a great lunch of bacon wrapped tenderloins on the grill, Popeye’s mashed potatoes, baked beans and potato salad. Thank you Paula! Soon after Kelly and Heather stopped by. We get to see all of them so infrequently it is always special when we are able to get together.

Paula and Barb

Visiting done, it was time to head to the coast! When you come to this area, you really get to visit two separate and totally different attractions; the redwoods and the coast. Both of which are blog-worthy in themselves, we spent two afternoons on the coast; walking along the beaches and exploring trails along the bluffs above the ocean.

 

 

 

Poor Daisy got tired on the way up this hill!

Battery Lighthouse in Crescent City

 

Cattle along the ocean side

 Did you get the answer of the age of the trees correct? It is hard to imagine that some of these trees are over 1,000 years old and stretch longer than a football field.

King of the trees!

 The highlight of this leg of our trip to this area was our drive to Stout Grove in Crescent City . This 10 mile stretch winds through old growth redwoods. Trailers and RV’s are not allowed on the road. The road is only wide enough for one vehicle at a time, if you run into traffic from the opposite direction you need to find a pull-off to let them pass. Personally I would not take anything larger than our truck, there were a few places it was very tight on the sides and numerous areas where we were scraping braches on top of the camper. 

This tree was growing right on top of an older tree, roots and all!

See Barb at the bottom?

 It's been a while since I posted a video, this short 2 minute video gives you an idea of what the drive it like.

 

After spending 2 days in the redwoods near Crescent City we moved up the coast to Smith River were we stayed on Salmon Harbor RV Park on Hwy 101. Using our Passport America discount it was $19.00 (reg. $38) for the night. They have full hook-ups, showers and laundry. We took advantage of all of these and left with all of our electronic devices totally charged!

We are right on a cove with the ocean a few hundred yards across

If you look closely at that sandbar.....

...you can see tiny specks along the near shore.....

Seals!

Tomorrow we move about 45 miles northeast to Cave Junction where we get to visit Barb's grandmother!