Southward Down the Coast

Yesterday shouldn't have been a very long driving day...but we hit our first stretch of California's Hwy 1. After a leisurely morning making our way south from Redwoods National Park, we took the time to explore more of the magnificent redwoods along the Avenue of the Giants that runs through Humboldt State Park. In the Founders Grove we found more super huge trees and craned our necks once again trying to gain a sense of perspective on how long they have been around and how important a role these trees play in the ecosystem.

Then we hit Hwy 1 in Leggett and began a long stretch of twisty-turny, 10mph curvy roads all the way to the coast. There is nothing like slowly making your way around one of those downhill curves with a 12,000 pound fifth-wheel trailer in tow while a logging truck barrels past you going uphill - and praying that you don't come upon a cyclist around the bend. Whew! I was glad to be done with that nerve-rattling stretch of road.

When we arrived at Van Damme State Park, we were greeted by Matt's parents (aka Bema & Peepaw). They flew in from Texas a few days earlier and were staying in the Inn right next door to our campground. It was wonderful to see familiar faces - and the kids were so excited to be spending time with grandparents once again. Once we had everything set up, we took advantage of the fact that our campground is right across the road from the beach at Mendocino Bay and headed over to check it out. Abby found lots of polished rocks and shells that she's hoping to make a necklace out of when we get home. And Isaac just enjoyed getting his feet into that cold water once again.

As the afternoon faded into evening, we capped off the day with a wonderful dinner at the Little River Inn next door. It was a treat - especially considering that we are dry camping (for all you non-campers out there, that means no water, no electricity, and no sewer connections) on this stop. Yummy!

Tracy