Redwoods and the Coast.

June 11th - 16th

I woke up Sunday morning to a dead battery. Someone had left the lights on. Fortunately, after driving late in the cool air, I opted to park at a Walmart vista. An emergency jump starter was added to the van’s arsenal. The night’s rest prompted a thought. I manufactured a heat shield from a paint tray and headed off. No stalling issues since.🤞

I slowly worked my way up route 101, finding a nice overlook to read, reflect, and await evenings arrival.

Gaining little momentum the Monday morning, I went for a stroll and continued north.

I hit my first black ace playing the beautiful Redwood Curtain disc golf course behind Humboldt State University. A hole in one on the wrong basket. To be fair, the back half of the course crossed itself multiple times, and a stump was the only obstruction between the baskets.

Tuesday I played the lengthy course designed by 2009 world champion, Avery Jenkins. Occasionally impressive, it had few obstacles, and abundant distance driving practice. After, I found the first small bookstore, of the many I’ve looked at, with one of the reads on my list. Plus a recommendation from a delightful lady who felt disappointed she didn’t have the others.

I pulled over for the evening just south of Redwood National Park, had some tea, and dove into books.

Wednesday, I attempted to visit the permit access only, Tall Trees Grove. No permit necessary for the 17 mile out and back Redwood Creek Trail access. So I explored the two potential paths eventually revealing the rough-winters destruction. Three-quarters of the way, the primary trail was impassable. Backtracking to a split, my next attempt yielded a similar fate. After two miles, part of which may have been up a logging road in the wrong direction, I gratefully was turned around by a black bear. Back tracking yet again to discover where the trail veered off, discovering it was also impassible.

Not all was lost. Strolling to a private pool down from the first river crossing, I partook in a water dip, and sunny Benjamin Franklin air bath. Very helpful after only a 13.9-mile day.

Enhanced from the air bath, I walked the 3-mile Trillium Falls trail as the sun dwindled.

Paused briefly by a small grey fox who sat, staring me down until he saw fit to move on.

The great view at tomorrow’s trailhead lured me in. At 11 pm, a Park Ranger preferred I relocate. Only a couple miles away, the last less conspicuous trailhead lot, proved fit for purpose.

Parking where I started the previous evening, I watched Elk graze before heading off to top the previous day, with 14.3 miles of reflection.

I took the long way to Fern Canyon, no permit required, via the James Irving trail. Descending to view the canyon’s seven different ferns, ethereal music droned from a gaggle of meditating Californians perched along the babbling brook.