Posts Tagged With: Northern California

The World’s Tallest Trees


No trip to northern California would be complete without a chance to stand beneath the world’s tallest trees.  Our first stop was the Lady Bird Johnson Grove where we walked one of the most popular trails in Redwood National Park.  We arrived early, just as the fog was lifting…and parking was still available.

Coast Redwoods can live more than 2,000 years and reach 360 feet in height.

Our next stop was just up the road to Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.  In addition to numerous hiking trails, herds of elk are a popular attraction and are often be seen grazing throughout the large meadows alongside the roadway.
We were not so lucky with the elk, but we saw plenty more majestic redwoods as we hiked through the forest.

Categories: California, U.S. National Parks | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Patrick’s Point Escape

With our trailer following behind us, we were making good time as we headed down California’s North Coast.  And then, just a hop, skip and a jump from our destination, we came upon a traffic jam, causing Reg to hit the brakes.  Twenty minutes later we were on our way and saw no visible signs of a cause for delay.

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Our destination was a private campground across the road from Patrick’s Point State Park, the only place we could find when hunting for a last minute reservation.  We checked in and were given a sheet of rules listing all the offenses that would cause us to be required to leave.  A little over-the-top, but since our camping buddies weren’t joining us, we figured we could restrain ourselves from causing too much of a ruckus!

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Patrick’s Point State Park hugs the cliffs of Northern California, offering spectacular ocean views and a network of forested trails.  Had the weather been a little nicer, we may have spent more time exploring.  We did drive through the campground and the sites looked amazing.  Good incentive to reserve early for a return trip.

Categories: California | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Battery Point Lighthouse

We took advantage of what was, without a doubt, the most beautiful day we’ve ever experienced in Crescent City to explore the Battery Point Lighthouse. Built in 1856, it was the 10th lighthouse built on the west coast and one of 16 Cape Cod style lighthouses built in the 1800s.

Perched on a rocky island point, it’s accessible only at low tide. We scrambled across the rocks without getting our feet the least bit wet, and made the short climb to the top. Too early for a tour, we poked around the outside and tried to imagine what life must have been like for 19th century lighthouse keepers.

Some say this historic building is haunted. Surely it has stories to tell. If it looks familiar, perhaps you’re a Tim McGraw fan. According to Wikipedia:

…the music video for the Tim McGraw song “Not a Moment Too Soon” has scenes of Tim next to the light on the lighthouse’s top balcony and scenes of the Battery Point Light from a distance.

If you listen carefully, perhaps you’ll hear the music!

Categories: Road Trips | Tags: , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Very tall, very old things

On our way to the Boy Scout Tree in California’s Jedediah Smith State Park today, our camera found several other old, tall living things along the trail, including a former Scout!

Categories: Road Trips | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

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