Going West 2013

Today we went north to Redwoods National Park which is actually made up of three California State Parks and additional land, much clear cut in the past. The agencies co-manage the lands. On the way we stopped at Azalea Nature Preserve. The prime viewing time is May, but there were still some blooms. At Lady Bird Johnson redwood grove there was a 1 mile trail that we walked. The trees here are even larger and more dense that those at Humboldt SP. In many places the ferns were almost as tall as people. This area is different in that the forest floor has much more cover. There is a byway through the forest, much like yesterday’s drive. We also took a side road along the coast to view the ocean. A fun drive on a dirt road. Rt 101 sometimes runs along the coast right at the beach, sometimes it narrows to two lanes and winds through mountains again, though not like other roads we’ve been on. At Crescent City we arranged for a campsite for Thursday night and had lunch at a seafood restaurant – clam chowder in a sourdough bowl and fried scallops. Very good. On the way home we stopped at the Mystery Tree, a tourist trap, but a very nice one. There is a path (for a fee) and a goldola ride or something like that. We didn’t do it so I’m not sure what it is. We also drove through McKinleyville and visited Clam beach It’s been raining on and off, so not a day to walk on the beach. I’ve decided it’s very important to be selective with campgrounds. There are many that have many permanent campers that are rather sketchy. Tomorrow we head south to Rt. 1 along the coast and hopefully the weather will be better so we can walk on the beach or, maybe, even swim.