Through the Redwoods to Grandmother’s House We Go…

Full disclosure – I am a tree person. Some people gravitate to the sea, some to the desert, me – I love the woods. Mountains, trees, streams… that's what feels like home. The fact that we have a huge redwood in our front yard and then planted two Sequoias next to the garage should be a clue. Ok, so the Sequoias were not our most brilliant move. But they were so little and cute when we brought them home. Kind of like that tiny puppy you knew would grow into a huge, slobbery monster but you fell in love anyway. Oh, yeah, we did that too.  I guess mastiffs are the sequoias of the dog world. Lol. 

California’s Redwood National and State Parks are a treasure. The Save the Redwoods League was established 100 years ago to acquire old-growth redwood stands which later became California State Parks. After a long fight to preserve the rapidly disappearing old-growth redwoods, the Redwoods National Park was established in 1968. Today less than 5% of the original forests remain. While I understand the need for lumber and timber products (yes, I love my cedar house!), it is still difficult to see pictures of those huge ancient trees being cut down. Redwoods can live 2000 years and are the tallest living things on earth! Walking under the canopy of these giants instills a sense of awe and wonder, truly miracles of nature that deserve our protection.

Love me some big trees! :)

So when Rog offered to leave Hwy 101 and drive the Avenue of Giants through Humboldt Redwoods State Park, I was all over that. Entering the forest is like diving underwater, the temperature is cooler, the light softer and everything is green, green, green. The massive trees on either side of the narrow two-lane road almost form a tunnel. Unfortunately, no dogs are allowed on the trails, so we opted not to do any hiking, but just driving through is an experience.

It's another world under the canopy of the giants. 

What is he thinking about? Marking all those trees?? Lol.

Part of our drive south on 101 has taken us through familiar places. Our daughter, Randi, graduated from Humboldt State University in Arcata. We waved as we drove by – we have fond memories and lots of cancelled checks to the CA University system. Lol. We stayed overnight at the Elk Country RV Resort in nearby Trinidad on Wednesday, 2/20. The big draw there is a herd of elk that frequent the campground. Sadly, the resident herd was absent although they left plenty of calling cards behind. (Yep, elk poop everywhere!) When we pulled out the next morning, we passed the huge herd just one field down from the campground. Really, guys??!

No elk, but some cool historical buildings.
This school house was in use 1893-1958.

South of Eureka, Hwy 101 turned inland and for a while we thought Riley’s snow mojo might have caught up with us. We hit about 1900 feet of elevation and there was snow hanging on along (but not on!) the road. Our next stop (2/21) was the Golden Rule RV park near Willets, CA.  The park is tucked into a little valley off Hwy 101. For my horse loving peeps, it is just past the Sea Biscuit Stud Barn and Heritage Site. How cool is that! The temps dropped into the 20’s that night, luckily there was no precipitation or Riley’s snow wishes would have been granted!

Our neighbor, guess we should read up on the history of Seabiscuit. :) 

A huge flock of  40-50 wild turkeys was our evening's entertainment. 

On Friday, 2/22, we pulled into Roger’s Grandma Ardys’ house in Saint Helena, CA. We’re here for a few days to visit family and do some maintenance on the rig.  Although we love to travel and are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to do so, it isn’t all rainbows and unicorn farts. Life is still life no matter where you are, and Murphy’s law doesn’t give you a pass when you leave home.  I mentioned that on day one we found we were without dash heat. Brrrrrr. On day two we had a semi pass us and honk. Huh? Rog looks in the side mirror and sees one of our compartment doors flapping wildly. Arrrrgh!  He quickly pulls over and does a roadside duct tape repair. The latch had broken and we're lucky we didn't lose the entire door. Maybe I shouldn’t mention leaving my wallet at the Redwoods National Park visitor’s center?  Wouldn’t want you to think I’m losing it. (Oh, you already knew that. Humph.) Luckily, we stopped just 10 miles down the road, so it was a quick trip back to reclaim my sanity. Then on Friday morning Rog notices the tire temperatures on the Acadia are off the charts. Another quick exit off the highway to check it out. This is the Acadia’s maiden voyage as our towed vehicle and we’d installed a new tow bar and braking system. For no apparent reason, after working perfectly for four days, it decided to drag the Acadia’s brakes while we were going down the road. Thank goodness we’d invested in a tire pressure monitoring system that reports the tire temperatures, otherwise we might not have known there was a problem until we blew a tire. Rog adjusted the braking mechanism and that seemed to solve the problem. Another disaster narrowly averted! Then on the inconvenience end of the scale, there is our leaking front door. Which, given the nearly 6 inches of rain we’ve gotten at Grandma’s house, has created a swimming pool in our stairwell. Murphy, could you give it a break? 😊

We made it to Grandma's house!

Grandma Ardys just celebrated her 95th birthday in January. 

We arrived in Saint Helena on Friday to sunshine and 50°, after we got set up and hugged Grandma, we took advantage of the weather to give both the Acadia and Riley a bath. 

Bath time!

Riley helps with the car washing. 

Rian visited Saturday with our grandpuppy, Floyd. We walked a couple miles to the coffee shop past the vineyards and million-dollar homes. Saint Helena is in the heart of the Napa Valley wine country and its 553 vintners.   

Beautiful vineyards everywhere.

Love the colorful mustard growing between the rows.

Riley offers to help with that scone. What a guy. :) 

Mom and the boys. Floyd is not amused.

Giant fake topiary dogs guard this estate.... I like my real giant dog much better! Lol. 

We intended to wash the rig but decided it would be a wasted effort given that we were looking at three inches of rain on Monday and another three on Tuesday. I guess we shouldn’t complain about the rain, at least it isn’t snow! Oh well, it’s good weather for sitting by the fire and visiting with Grandma.

Hanging out with Grandma.

We leave St. Helena Wednesday, 2/27, and intend to move further south. Hopefully we’ll find some sunshine!

Can We Escape Riley’s Snow Mojo?!

For those of you who have followed our travels, we are back on the road again! Our last trip was seven months ago to Diamond Lake, OR. Wow, where does the time go?? We’ve stayed busy – enjoying a delightful Pacific Northwest summer, keeping Riley entertained, doing some home improvement projects, and spending the holidays with family and friends. With 2018 in the books we were looking forward to escaping the (not so delightful) Pacific Northwest winter. Our plan for this trip was to point the RV south and hit the gas until we hit 70’s and sunshine. Sounds easy, right?? Not when Riley does his snow dance.

Riley deciding he wants MORE snow!

We neglected to factor into our plans Riley’s penchant for snow and cold and aversion to sun and heat. We were supposed to leave Sunday, February 10^th. The first signs of mutiny appeared on February 4^th – a few inches of northwest white. Hmmm, shouldn’t be a problem. Around here snow is usually a three-day event.  Snow is forecast, a few flakes fall, everyone panics, and then it melts.

Oh yes, this is much better! 

But Riley LOVES the snow and, as we found out, he has powerful mojo and a very effective snow dance. The snow stuck and then he danced some more. By our departure date we had close to a foot of snow with more on the way all along our route. We were going “snowhere” fast.

Leaving today? Nope.

Instead of packing to leave, we were shoveling to get out!

Our house sitter, Tafline, had arrived on the 8^th so we just needed a break in the weather to make our escape. Rog kept a close eye on the local forecast and what was predicted down the I-5 corridor. Not looking good. He decided there was a brief window of opportunity if we could get to the coast before Riley’s snow dance delivered another couple of inches.

On Saturday, February 16^th, we finally headed out. Riley couldn’t quite deliver more snow in time to further delay our dash south, but his cold mojo would not be denied. We got down the road and realized our cab/dash heat was not working. Nothing but frigid air blowing out of the heat vents. Brrrrrrr. Rog and I were freezing, but *ahem* somebody thought the temperature was perfect. I encouraged Riley to sit on my feet to keep warm. Rog said it’s like wearing a 175 lb pair of slippers. Lol.

On the road again! (Finally!!)

Our first stop was an overnighter at the French Prairie Rest Stop in Aurora, OR. We’ve stayed here many times, there is a secondary parking area tucked in the back next to a huge field for walkies and it’s free! The next day, we exited I-5 just past Cottage Grove and took Oregon Hwy 38 to the coast. It was a beautiful drive and the roads were bare and wet. We stopped along the way at the Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area and saw several bulls grazing in the sun.

Several small herds of bull elk were hanging out at the Dean Creek viewing area.

Riley checking out the elk.

Our second stop was William M. Tugman State Park just south of Reedsport, OR. Tugman is a typical Oregon State Park and I mean that as a compliment. Lots of trees, nice sites, and decent amenities. The campground is next to Eel Lake, we’d like to come back in warmer weather and bring the kayak. Riley still managed to go wading, what a goof. He does love to play in the water – frozen or not. 😊

Pier at Eel Lake.

We stayed just one night at Tugman and then continued down Hwy 101 along the coast. We made a quick stop in Bandon, OR to visit the Coastal Mist Chocolate Shop. We discovered Coastal Mist at the Seattle Chocolate Festival many, many years ago and Rog remembered they were in Bandon! I was impressed with both his memory and the chocolates! 

The views along the coast are gorgeous! 

We arrived at Harris Beach Campground near Brookings, OR on Monday afternoon and decided to stay two nights. The campground is another Oregon gem. It’s a short hike to the beach which makes Riley one happy (wet and sandy) camper. On Monday it hit 60° and it felt wonderful.

Sunshine and green grass - no snow here! Does he look a little sad?

Lots of rocky beach to explore.

Waves crashing against the rocks.

Riley contemplates the trail down to the beach.

He is pretty proud of that hole. Lol.

Archway in the rock.

Afternoon light.

We spent hours on the beach, playing ball with Riley, clambering over the rocks and giant driftwood logs, and walking the trails. 

Ball time on the beach.

A little stick time too!

After all that play, somebody needs a break.

Rog & Riley back on the trail.

Sunset over the Pacific.

Alas, the clouds rolled in Tuesday and by evening it was raining hard. Tomorrow we leave the beach behind and head for the Redwoods. Love the big trees!!