Jul 25 2006
Vacation diary day 3
Day three started coincidentally where day two ended, at the motel in Crescent City. No Starbucks in site, but no need: Dutch Brothers had a stand.
Dutch Brothers by the way rocks. Try the Milky Way.
We headed south, in no particular hurry. We honestly had no particular plans other then to drive through the giant redwoods.
California proved that it had just as pretty coastlines as Oregon.
Imagine my surprise when we stumbled onto the Trees of Mystery just outside of Klamath.
This particular roadside stop had particular significance for me. As a child we used to go camping and such, and this place was one of our favorite landmarks.
I mean look at what greets you at the front. What kid would not be thrilled.
In the woods behind Paul and Babe (the anatomically correct ox) is a mile long walking trail and tram ride, with some fun carvings as well as some interesting information about the giant trees.
I learned a good lesson on the real meaning of tenacity, as we saw trees that by all rights should be dead, but were not only alive but were thriving. Trees growing together, trees growing out of other trees and even trees growing sideways: it was truly amazing how these trees refuse to stop growing, how they refuse to stop living.
We made a quick stop in Fortuna to phone John Lucas, LSU reader and fellow DADL-OT-er. He sadly was sleeping, being a night shifter, but we are hoping to hook up on the way home.
As we progressed further southward, we entered the Avenue of Giants. This is a self guided auto tour of the giant redwoods that follows the highway southward.
Here, I learned the true meaning of a second word: Insignificance.
Those trees were big…massive…huge…immense. It doesn’t matter what word you use, the point is that I felt small.
Nancy, above center, is in the root structure of a fallen giant. This is not an optical illusion, it really is that big.
Parking was a problem though, it was either too tight, or just too inconvenient.
We continued on Southward, feeling somewhat in awe of nature.
The coast continued that lesson in humility as we encountered even more lovely scenery as well as a gorgeous sunset.
So we arrived in Fort Bragg, and settled in at yet another motel.
But even as we ate dinner, did our laundry and just relaxed and prepared for the drive tomorrow, we carried a bit of appreciation in our souls for the beauty that God created.
And I, particularly as I read all the sad news coming out of the Middle East, was filled with a selfish gratitude that I was born and live in not just the greatest country on earth, but the most beautiful as well.
Tomorrow we head to Bodega Bay, the Sonoma Wine Country, The Smothers Brothers Winery, The Bay Area and my sister’s house in Tracy.
7 Responses to “Vacation diary day 3”
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We made a quick stop in Fortuna to phone John Lucas, LSU reader and fellow DADL-OT-er. He sadly was sleeping, being a night shifter, but we are hoping to hook up on the way home.
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Yay, I hope to see you then. Looks like a nice trip.
Hey I love that place! (Trees of Mystery ) Been there myself and all the other stops you made……….If everyone hasnt yet, they owe it to themselves to drive this coastline because some of natures greatest accomplishments lie there for all to touch,see, smell, experience!
If you havent yet also make sure you see The giant redwoods of Kings Canyon as for many years I thought to myself, they cant be that great. I was so wrong! They are a wonder to behold! Hope you and the family continue to be amazed on this wonderful road trip!
Hugs, Oily
hey, nice relaxing trip so far. Wish I was doing it!! So does this mean when you get to Tracy you’ll be so relaxed that you’ll just love to help your sister out <g>
Susan
WoW ! I love this! You took me to some of MY childhood memories! Your pictures are wonderful and bring back happy times with my family! Thank you for sharing!
Woah those are some biiig trees!
I want to see the one, wherever it is, that’s actually hollowed out instead of carved out (the tree I mean)
I’m like a monkey. I’d be climbing all over those.
The US is beautiful. Many people don’t appreciate what we’ve built for ourselves. People need to realize how lucky and fortunate we are to have such a beautiful country.
You missed it, by the way. After you left, mayonaise exploded on me.
Nice to see your sister keeps tabs on you… somebody needs to!
Be a good boy and help her out while you are there…
Say Hi for me.
Love,
Kristi
Hey watch out for that Lucas dood, he is a long haired fair tax supporting personal responsibility guy, conservatives and LIbs alike are stupifyed by him!!
Kevin