We crossed over into California soon after departing my sister’s house and headed into the land of the Giant Redwoods, the tallest trees in the world. Upon Judy’s recommendation we headed directly for the campground at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. We took a couple of scenic hikes around, but couldn’t get down to the area’s highlight at Fern Canyon due to excessive moisture.
Our campsite right next to Prairie Creek.
Al enjoying the view with his blueberry pancakes.
The Twisted Tree
Hiking among the giants.
We received a warm welcome as we pulled up to Penny and Ed’s house in Arcata, CA. Penny and I worked together in the early 70’s but hadn’t seen each other since! Facebook made it possible for us to reconnect and it was sure fun to see her again. She and Ed were wonderful hosts and it soon felt like we’d been friends forever. They toured us all around the area and fed us great meals, including venison that Ed had hunted, cleaned, and prepared…yumm.
Farmers Market on the Arcata Town Square
We both felt at home in this charming town that seemed to have a nice blend of funky and fashionable.
Camped out in front of Penny & Ed’s.
The coast in nearby Trinidad.
Four friends for four great days – thank you guys!
Coffee stop in Old Town Eureka. Interesting bike rack.
Lots of interesting architecture from Victorian to Art Deco.
These workmen were stripping stucco off this grand old building to reveal hidden details.
Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Didn’t take any photos, but saw more birds in one place than ever before!
Even Al got into it.
Avenue of the Giants. This world-famous scenic drive is a 31-mile portion of old Highway 101 that features 51,222 acres of redwood groves.
The “Travel Log.” Perhaps the world’s first RV. It was hewn in 1917 from a section of a 4,000 year-old redwood tree by Charles Kellogg, a most remarkable man. It is now housed within the Humboldt Redwoods State Park Visitor Center.
Charles Kellogg at the wheel of his creation.
This specimen was OLD when it was felled in the mid-twentieth century.
Breakfast stop in Garberville.
Just had to stop here after seeing the Travel Log. This tiny house was built in 1946.
You can’t see Al’s white knuckles here, but the road to the coast was our wildest ride yet!
Up next: The Mendocino Coast.
Travels with haRVy 
These are really nice LAL. I especially like the one photo of the cat tails & barn. Glad that you are birding.
Keep the posts coming. You are not missing anything here in New England. 1 hour commute today in another snow storm.
By: karen on February 2, 2015
at 10:00 am
The small towns look like they have such character. I’ve been to the redwoods, they’re amazing. My favorite photo of this post is the one with the barns and cat tails in the foreground. I may ask your permission to paint it sometime!
By: kjfdesign on February 3, 2015
at 11:58 am
Thanks for your comment. You have my permission to paint any of my photos. I want first right of refusal for purchas though. Would love to own a piece of your work someday.
By: sunnyharvy on February 4, 2015
at 12:02 am
It looks like you were camped in the same spot we were….sorry you missed Fern Canyon – next time. Love all those towns too……..
By: Judy Lindeman Fullerton on February 3, 2015
at 12:40 pm
Love the very determined look on Al’s face………….
By: Judy Lindeman Fullerton on February 3, 2015
at 12:42 pm