California Coast

When we left Seattle it was raining and the forecast called for more of the same all the way to southern California. However, as we made our way through Oregon the sun came out and we decided to take our chances and head for the California coast at Crescent City in the hope that we would be able to drive through the redwoods in reasonably decent weather.

That was bad, but at least there was plenty of time so the beaches could be closed and sightseers confined to the steep hills overlooking the town. consequently, there was only one fatality. A guy who snuck through teh barriers to the mouth of the Klamath river and promptly was washed away by the Tsunami. Of course we were not there until much later and only saw some of the damage at the pier. Although we wre there at the end of May, it was cool but we were blessed with beautiful clear skies and sunshine - this does not happen often at California's coast in the summer! We took this golden opportunity to drive along the coast and through the redwoods in Humboldt Redwood Statepark and through teh beautiful Avenue of the Giants - 30 miles of old Highway 101 through the primeval forest.

Overall the forest is too dense and the trees too tall (and our camera just not up to the task) to take pictures that do justice to this magnificent area. However, Nick did manage to capture the spirit of the Avenue with this picture. I am the dwarf way down the road.

Here I am standing in front of the "Cathedral" tree(s) so called because a group of redwoods grew so close in a formation that resembles a church apse. The spot is a favorite site for weddings. In The pictures below show a so-called "Family" tree. Young trees are growing on the branches of the mother tree. This can only happen when there is enough light, therefore it is pretty uncommon. It is not easily seen in the picture, but there arequite a few of young trees on the branches and they are not that little either.

Redwoods are among the oldest living things, unfortunately for them they are not only old and huge, but have serious commercial value. Consequently, only a tiny fraction of the original giant trees remain, compared with 100 years ago. Except for those trees that are protected in the National and State parks, the battle continues - the papers just recently reported about a battle to save several hundred acres that commercial interests want to convert into grape growing areas.

In 2006 scientists discovered three trees somewhere in the jungle of Humboldt Redwood National/State Park which are even higher than the previous record holders. Below is a picture of the new tallest tree in the world at 379.1 feet and a grafic comparing it to buildings in San Francisco. For more on the trees read the story in the San Francisco Chronicle. Although we were in the park, we did not penetrate through the jungle to these trees.

I am standing in front of the root of a fallen giant. I was glad I was not around when this monster fell! Bevor there were laws against it it was very popular to hollow out the giant trees so tourists can drive through. This tree is in a private redwood "park". We did not drive through out of concern for our mirrors. So there is only me in the tree. Just like in the picture below. Only that tree was hollowed out by nature with fire.

We left the Avenue of the giants at Arkadia and returned to the coast for a late lunch in Trinidad California (370 inhabitants, but great scenery) Trinidad's Lighthouse

A few more pictures of the gorgeous California coast  

And then we had to hurry to Ukiah to spend the night and then it was back home - the garden and the critters were definitely demanding our presence

Redwoods