California and the Redwoods

We finally made it to California on Monday!  We set up camp and met quite a few campers that are all fishermen. After sitting around with them and sharing appetitizers we came away with a can of salmon, a can of tuna, and a bag of frozen white fish.  The wives prepare the tuna and salmon, put it in tin cans, seal the cans, and take it home to share with family and friends.   They gave us quite a few suggestions for exploring this area and add the research Phil did we have kept busy the last two days. 

We ventured out yesterday to an area called Stout Grove for a 5 mile hike on Boy Scott Trail.  The drive in was an 8 mile ride through and around these massive redwood trees.  And then to have the privilege to hike among them was awesome!  Then today we drove south on Hwy 101 to Klamath and hiked 5 miles on the Flint Ridge Trail.  Again so many great trees to see.

Everyone once in awhile a tree will have a lower branch that is hanging towards the ground.  This needles are surprisingly small when you consider how big the trees are.

Very interesting bark which seems to be around 3-5" thick



Sword ferns are everywhere

In the brochure from Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park it reads, "California coast redwoods follow the fog and thrive in continuous belts at elevations below 2,000 feet, where heavy winter rains and moderate year-round temperatures occur.  Trees can grow to 350 feet or more, with a base diameter of about 20 feet. Their root systems are broad and shallow, from only a few inches to six feet underground.  The oldest coast redwoods are about 2,000 years old and show no signs of dying out.  They resist insect, fire, and rot to a remarkable degree, and their vigor in sprouting back when cut or badly burned is an important factor in their longevity"

Tomorrow we are moving to another RV park that is still in Crescent City but located right on the ocean.  It will provide more room for us when Chris and Mark arrive tomorrow.  Barking sea lions and the fog horn can be heard all night long.  Hopefully they will be able to get some sleep.  We used a fan last night and didn't hear anything but they will be in tents. 

Chris arrived in Redding, earlier today and is with Mark.  He tells he will be helping Mark with chores this evening.  I am so jealous that I have to wait until tomorrow to see him.  They will have a  5-6 hour drive so I hope they leave real early!!  Mark left in October so it's been a long 10 months without seeing him.  I can't wait to wrap my arms around that son of mine!