We made our Olson long goodbyes, and began the drive south refreshed, and ready to get back out hiking. To do that we decided to drive the 101S along the coast, towards Redwood National Park/Forests. The park is actually broken up into three main sections with a scattering of National Forest areas surrounding them. This fragmented park stretches for about fifty miles on and off down the coast, and includes sections of beach and tide pools.
It was a short three hour drive south, along the way we had to stop and hug the Welcome to California sign. We missed California so much, and it was good to be home.
Arriving at the Crescent City ranger station we were told that all the campgrounds were full, which came as no news. We run into this sort of thing all the time. Our only option was a five site campground with a 1/2 mile walk from the parking lot. Though leaving the car in the lot was not recommended, and thus became a 2.5 mile walk from the car because we were advised to park at the ranger station.
We decided to pack all our gear in the 1/2 mile, set up, walk back, park the car, and walk the 2.5 miles without anything heavy. It worked out quite well. This campground even allowed the gathering of driftwood for a fire at the campsite or on the beach. Which we took full advantage of, hauling a few loads up to our campsite for later use before heading down to the tide pools.
Growing up we visited tide pools whenever near the beach, and so seeing these was like going home. The pools in the park are of course protected by law, and thus have much more life in them then the ones we used to visit as kids. Everything from mussels, hermit crabs, and barnacles, to green anemones, sea urchins and starfish. What flashback. And with the ocean waves crashing nearby it was fantastic.
Day 43
Upon waking Zach took the long walk to retrieve the car, while I took the opportunity to move to a more secluded campsite with a view of the ocean, as the previous occupants had left in the early hours of the morning.
After yesterday's taste off the ocean portion of the park, we opted to drive south and visit the most famous redwoods portion of the park. The drive would take us roughly 45 minutes south towards Eureka, along the 101. Quite a pleasant drive. As we drove just North of Klamath, we passed a sign alerting of people on bridge 20 miles ahead. That struck us as odd, unless there was some sort of scenic photo opportunity or something. When we did reach the bridge there were in fact people, and police on either end, with cones, and caution tape. This piqued our interest, and we pulled into the turnout to follow the sheeplike tourists out onto the bridge. Our first thought was perhaps a boat crash? Or a bear in the water? What we were greeted with blew us away. A 45ft grey whale circling in the river under the bridge. Apparently she had been swimming under that bridge for the past seven weeks. Just a few weeks earlier her calf had gone back to the ocean, leaving the mother behind.
After getting our fill of whale, and checking an animal off the list that was not even on the list, we continued our drive south towards the redwoods. California is home to two different designated sequoia redwoods: the Sierra Sequoia, and the Coastal Sequoia. Here in Redwood National Park the coastal sequoias have a smaller circumference, but are the taller of the two species. Also, this park has the largest population of mature trees, and is home to the tallest known tree in the world. Topping out at over 350ft.
Our afternoon consisted of hiking through the redwood grove, climbing and jumping from fallen trees root systems, and soaking up the silence of the forest. We even had a moment of nostalgia from our childhoods in Washington state when we glimpsed a Banana Slug on the trail. Even though we are soon going to be visiting the Sierra Nevada mountains, I am going to miss the wildlife, and the lush green undergrowth of these northwest forests.
After a fun filled afternoon of hiking, we parked the car, and began our 2 mile walk back to camp. Although, this time Zach had a bright idea, and we opted to walk back on the beach. This sounded like a great idea at the time, and was quite enjoyable, even up to scampering on the rocks that blocked our way as the tide came in. The joy stopped when we were faced with an impassible sea cave blocking our way just a few hundred yards from our beach. At this incredible challenge I had the next brilliant idea, "climb the sheer cliff, and attempt to traverse the mountain about the cave, instead of backtrack several miles. Needless to say, my plan was a crushing failure, coupled with the near death reality of falling to our doom. We gave up, climbed carefully back down, and backtracked.
Hurray! The anticipated two mile backtrack turned into less then half a mile, as Zach found a rough snakelike path winding it's way up the rough mountainside just a short way down the beach.
At this point our hunger got the best of us, and upon returning to the campsite we set to making a quick dinner before heading down to the beach for a bonfire. Because the light was waning, we left the dishes dirty on the table, and made our way down to the beach. Fortunately this particular beach was so littered with driftwood, it was literally as simple as reaching behind you to get another piece of wood for the fire. And our fire was brilliant. The nook we selected was just above high tides reach, and was sheltered from the wind by a short wall of stacked stones and layered logs. Someone put much effort into its construction.
We spent an easy three hours sitting by the fire, reading and listening to the steady drumming of the waves crashing. Crashing steadily closer. Until I happened to look out to sea, and saw that the sea was close enough to touch, let alone see. We made haste to put out the fire, and get back to camp, hoping the sea had not swallowed the path leading up from the beach. The sand was submerged, but the rocks remained above water, so we climbed. We almost were forced to sleep with our fire.
After this day of adventure, and excitement, we could. Not have expected the surprise waiting for us when we returned to camp. As we rounded to path into our private little corner of the world called home, we were greeted by the sight of a large tent pitched next to our table, our chairs and our dirty dishes. What gall! The woman had a myriad of excuses as to why her and her teenage children were there, as well as promises of leaving early in the morning. Our energy was depleted, so we surrendered, and retired to our tent.
MILEAGE:
Driving-
This trip: 200
Total: 5901
Walking-
This trip: 12
Total:218
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