Today we travelled from Grants Pass, Oregon , to Eureka, California through the majestic redwoods. Once we got to Hwy 101 in California, the road took us in and out of fog and sun.
The coastline looked pretty much like this all day.
Sun predominated though just a bit inland as we passed through the Redwood National Park. Sprouted from a speck the size of a tomato seed, the redwood can grow to nearly 400 ft! We learned that the trees have a shallow root system that connects with the roots of neighboring trees providing an anchor against the powerful coastal winds. Today worldwide, the redwood forest only exists on this narrow strip of California coastline from the Oregon border to Monterey Bay. These trees can live more than 20 human lifetimes.
We were treated to the sight of this herd of elk taking an afternoon nap (got it right this time, Roger ☺ ). The three young ones were particularly cute.
Our friend, Trina, recommended we stop at the Lady Bird Johnson Grove, a redwood grove in the park dedicated to the former first lady in 1969. The solitude of the forest was well worth the detour off the byway.
Over half hollowed by fire, this tree still survives.
Our lodging for the night was at this Victorian inn. Built in 1888 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places, proprietors Lily and Doug have remodeled and decorated the inn faithfully in the Victorian style. They were running a special for “seniors” over 50. This was the first time we ever got a senior discount. It was painful, but we took it anyway!
