Trip to California...Kind of

Our trip to California was cut short (mentioned in previous post), but we definitely enjoyed our travels along the way!

Excited to be on our way! Honestly, I don't even think we had hit the freeway yet.

Our fist campsite was just outside of Crescent City, CA. It was a nice, relaxing spot.

Early the next morning we packed up and headed into Crescent City where we found a couple of docks filled with sea lions and seals. They were hilarious to watch. Nearby were a couple of fishermen cleaning their morning catch so the animals were really active.

We headed out of town and began our trek down highway 1 through the Redwoods. The coast was foggy, but still beautiful!

So, 21 years ago my family took a vacation down highway 1; however, the details of the vacation are "foggy". As Chad and I were driving down highway 1, certain things I would see would cause a flood of memories to return. As we drove around one of the many corners, we came upon Paul Bunyan and Babe. I shouted with excitement at Chad to pull over and although it costs $14 per person to venture on the trail and we opted out, the memory and opportunity of another picture in front of Paul Bunyan and Babe was worth every second.

No, I would not necessarily consider myself a tree hugger, but the size of these trees is hard to believe. We took a slight detour from Highway 1 and veered onto The Avenue of the Giants. Oh! My! Goodness! When they say "Avenue of the Giants" they are not kidding. These trees are so massive they almost seemed surreal. Also, I'm almost certain that at one point or another I heard the e-woks rustling and whispering in the forest behind us. =)

We were both in "awe" at how the trees grow in a spiral formation. I love this picture I took looking up the tree; however in doing so, I lost my footing and almost fell backwards. I'm still in shock just thinking about how impressive these trees are.

If a Redwood falls in the forest how does one get around it? We questioned this as this was part of a self guided tour through a section of the Redwoods. We both couldn't imagine what it would've been like hundreds of years ago discovering new territory and coming upon a fallen Redwood. There is absolutely no way over the top and to walk all the way around would be much time lost in travels. Again, the size is unbelievable!

Yes, another childhood memory. Although 21 years ago when we drove my parents conversion van through a tree, the van got stuck. Even with the mirrors pushed all the way in. I remember Rolan and I having to crawl out of the back doors of the van, run around, and help rock the van back and forth to get it unstuck. Quite a hilarious moment...luckily, our car fit with no problems!

Finally, our one and only glimpse of the Napa Valley wineries. On our way home we got stuck in construction and were able to capture one picuture of a winery. The winery was absolutely gorgeous, evenly raked and not a leaf on the ground in sight. I believe this was the Kenwood Winery. We hope to make a trip down there again...hopefully with Danny and Becky.