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Published: November 9th 2009
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California coast on highway one.We arrived in Redwood territory on October 28th, and drove down Highway 101 to the visitors center, where we picked up a map and some information on the different areas of redwoods and trails in the area. The first trail we hiked was the Lady Bird Trail, on the outskirts of the Redwood National Forest. It took us through some of the oldest redwoods in the area, although not the biggest. We explored, climbed, and took pictures on the 2-mile hike. They are absolutely spectacular trees. From there we headed further down Hwy 101 to The Avenue of the Giants. It is a scenic highway that runs adjacent to Hwy 101 and goes by all the tourist stops and the largest, most impressive trees. We stopped at Founders Nature Trail to explore and hike a little more. It was amazing!! The redwoods and sequoias in this area are absolutely stunning. The first big tree we came to was Founders Tree. It is 346 feet tall with a 40 foot circumference! There was an seemingly endless number of giant trees that the trail takes went by including the Dyerville Giant; a 1,000,000 pound Redwood that was the oldest and largest until it
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Redwood forest. fell in 1991. We continued the drive down Avenue of the Giants to the redwood that you can drive your car through, but of course the van wouldn't fit, so we walked through it. We also stopped at a the Eternal Cafe; a redwood that at one time had a coffee shop built inside of it! They were all equally impressive and such a privilege to see. That evening we drove to Fort Bragg, and camped along the beach just a few minutes away from the Ricochet Ranch, where we were going to ride horses the next day.
We got to the ranch and walked around, looking at the horses. After a brief safety video (which we both enjoyed), it was time to saddle up. It felt great to be on a horse again. We rode down to the beach and where taken to a rocky out-cropping packed with harbor seals. The seals lounged on the rocks, warming themselves in the sun. We rode for an hour and a half, cantering where the sand was firm. We knew the ride was over when Joel's horse abruptly turned and started walking in the direction of the barn. Apparently it was
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Looking up at a Redwood. not his first ride. We brought the horses back, said our good-byes and headed to San Francisco. We both loved the opportunity to ride on the beach.
We arrived San Francisco on the evening of the 29th. We had a room in a great little motel called Castle Inn. The next morning, we walked to Chinatown and got breakfast in a little cafe. Ox tongue was on the menu. We where the only Non-Asian costumers. From Union Square, we took a trolley to Fisherman's Wharf. We walked around and enjoyed the sights. From the Wharf, we made our way to Ghirardelli Square. Ariel fed a pigeon by hand while we enjoyed some chocolate. That night we went down to a cafe on Mission Street where Joel played some chess and I updated my journal. We jumped around to a few other places in that area and enjoyed San Francisco nightlife. The next day, we checked out of our hotel, and spent the day just hanging out in San Fran. That night we drove to Half Moon Bay where we camped at a beautiful overlook. The next day we had time to kill because we were not expected at the
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Me negotiating the dead trunk of a redwood. condo at Stinson beach until the next morning. So we went back into San Fran and found a fun little sports bar to watch football. We made friends with an older couple who loved the story of our trip so much they bought us lunch! That night we camped at the same spot in Half Moon Bay.
The condo at Stinson beach was amazing. We shopped in the little town, laid on the beach for sunset, played chess and got coffee in Mill Valley (the town a few miles away), and enjoyed the luxury of being able to shower everyday! It was a wonderful place to recuperate before we hit the road again. We will add more later!
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Gramma Diane
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redwood giants; galloping on the beach
Dear Joel and Ariel, This spectcular adventure of yours will remain vivid in your minds eye for always. It will be there for you whenever you need a beautiful memory. Soak it all in, write it all down. It will last. Will you be home for Thanksgiving? What is your route back? May Gardian Angels watch over you, Love you, Gramma Diane