Sunday the 3rd: Redwoods National Park, California
What a night last night! After visiting the dunes, we drove over the border into California, hoping to rest our heads in Crescent City. Well, apparently everyone else in the world had the same plan in mind. There was not a single hotel, motel, hostel, or campground to be found that wasn't completely booked. We went to every single place, only to be told that the surrounding towns were full in addition to this one. Great. After driving south for some time, we finally hit upon a campground that had a few spots remaining. Unfortunately, we got to it so late that we couldn't start a fire for dinner and could just see enough to get the tent up. So, it was cereal for dinner and a cold night on the coast. Fun! We knew a night like this was bound to happen at least once in the trip but that still doesn't prepare you for it when it hits.

The next morning, we were determined to salvage the day and see the Redwoods, even though we were quite groggy. No better way than to start off with some classic American kitsch. It gave Kevin a chance to meet his extended family, Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox. The similarity sure is strong...looks like they could both use a shave!

Some more kitsch. Gotta drive through a giant tree at least once in your life, right?

Time for real nature...wild elk roaming the fields in Redwood National Park. They have huge antlers. We even saw two of them head to head in a mock battle. Good practice, I suppose.

The Redwoods – big trees...very big trees...and very old. It's amazing how the forests seem to create their own weather system...when you drive through the area, there's a deep quiet that sets in, along with intense shade, fog, and chilliness. It feels very primordial...very magical.

We risked our lives for this picture...could have been crushed! Except that the trunk probably hasn't moved in the past fifty years.

A forest fire on our planned route to Redding caused us to detour to an incredibly long and windy road. Switchback after switchback, it took forever to get there. However, the scenery was beautiful.