"Avenue of the Giants" 6.20.09

Thirty miles south of Leggett, CA the road says goodbye to the Pacific and head inland. Again, a very twisty and winding road lay between us and the Redwoods. Once we reached the end of Route 1 we visited the "Drive-Thru Tree." Unfortunately, we couldn't get the RV through but it was still quite a site. Our next Redwood spectacle was the "Grandfather Tree."

The highlight of the day was the "Avenue of the Giants." For 35 miles we drove amongst some of the largest trees in the world. They can grow up to 360 feet high and 30 feet in diameter. They are beyond words. The next few days I would spend in one of my favorite places ever.

We found a wonderful campsite in Klamath. Just north of the Golden Bear Bridge. We got set up and enjoyed roasting marshmellows with other visitors to the camp.

After lunch the next day we made our to the Rhodadendron Trail. Kevin and Felicity headed to Willow Creek to visit the Bigfoot Museum so they could not join us. We spent the next few hours enjoying the lush forest. Bright green ferns covered the forest floor and the giant redwoods seemed to keep watch over everything. It was truly remarkable. After the hike we took a drive along the "Coastal Trail" and ended up at "Fern Canyon." Here, the fern line the walls of the canyon. It is a magical place.

The next day we went hiking with Kevin and Felicity on the "Boy Scout Trail." The trail is about 5.5 miles round trip and once again it was amazing. We enjoyed the trail and then headed to the "Stout Grove." It is known to be one of the most picturesque groves in California. It was late in the afternoon and the sun was peeking through the trees. The shadows would give depth to the trees. It was incredible how my hand would fit in the grooves of the bark.

We ended the day enjoying some fresh fish at a local diner and playing "hangman" with Noah. (We also made it back in time to roast marshmellows.) -Alan