Redwoods - Ben and Carrie Approved.

Time to spend a few moments with us in the Redwoods - 
Did you remember to bring the smores?

Climb the mountains and get their good tidings
Nature's peace will flow into you
As sunshine flows into trees
The winds will blow their own
Freshness into you and the storms
Their energy while cares will
Drop off like autumn leaves.
~John Muir

 This was too classic to pass up.  
Thank you random women ....
for keeping us in focus / knowing what button to push :)

Without the right perspective this tree could be located in anyone's backyard.

This giant, known as Big Tree, towers at 301 feet and has a 21 ft diameter.

To infinity

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Hard to believe it was a mere 41 years ago the original park was dedicated.  Did you know that only 4% of the country's old growth Redwoods remain today?  To fell a giant Redwood in the past of ~ 10-12 ft diameter took two to three days of work.  

Steller's Jay made a cameo

We were blown away.  

Half expected a Velociraptor to pop its sneaky head out from around an enormous tree trunk. 

                "Clever girl"

 







Jedediah Smith State Park.

The most impressive area of the redwoods by far .... campground / day use park complete with trails through old old old growth forest, visitor center, tallest tree on earth (379 ft- but honestly, after seeing SO many trees nearby that are over 200ft - it's hard to tell the difference), and beach along the ultra-clear Smith River.  The only river system in California that isn't dammed.  The water is deeper than it looks. 15 or more feet in places - perfect for diving in from boulders along the banks to view fish hiding out in the shadows.

We followed the coast highway back home, camped, and enjoyed quite a few stop overs at various attractions along the way.
Devils Punch Bowl was quite the sea cave...with a collapsed roof allowing an inside view.

The Newport Aquarium was an indoor/outdoor surprise.  While not as large as some aquariums we have visited, it's interpretive designs and species selection were the best we've ever seen.

Japanese Spider Crabs and Ben spent some time picking each other's brains.

Highly recommended.  Ben and Carrie approved.