Redwoods

After leaving the Olympics, I made a straight shot down I-5 to Grants Pass and then to the Panther Flat campground along the Smith River just east of Crescent City. This is one of my favorite campgrounds as it's close to the Redwoods but inland enough that the fog and chill from the coast doesn't quite get there. Then it was off to Jedediah Smith Campground to meet up with my brother and sister in laws, Gary and Martha. Several of the campsites in Jedediah Smith have Redwoods in them which really adds to the camping experience.

Across the Smith River from the campground is the redwood stand called Stout Grove. I had quite and interesting encounter there. Those of you who know Martha, be sure to ask her about it.

More of Stout Grove. It is just such a mystic experience being in the Redwoods. I just love being here.

The next day we hiked to the Tall Trees Grove along Redwood Creek. That's the one where you have to get a permit to hike. One time the tallest known tree in the world was in this grove. A few even taller trees have been found since, one recently. The location of the most recently found tallest tree is being kept secret to protect it.

Gary found this ring of trees while we hike the grove.

We're now at Harris Beach. I'm just across from my favorite campsite. The people in it are leaving today but I don't think I'm going to join the race to get it. It's been fun though watching all the people coveting the site as the view from there is wonderful.

We're off now to go do some exploring up the coast.