Exploring California's Majestic Redwoods: A Road Trip Adventure

                                                                  

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Discover the breathtaking giants of California's northern coast on Leg Five of our road trip. While my grandparents introduced me to these towering wonders when I was young, the rest of our group had never experienced them. Living in California all our lives, we realized there's still so much to explore in this vast state. Join us as we journey through these historic Redwoods.

Getting There

We embarked on a 226-mile journey from Newport Oregon, with an exciting stop at Thor's Well along the way. While my family had visited before, we were eager to share this captivating spot with my sister's family. The RV friendly parking in the upper parking lot of the visitor center made this stop even better.

Helpful tip: Don't forget to check the high tide times to witness the blowhole in action.

Our Home for Three Nights

Our cozy home base was Redwood Meadows, where we enjoyed semi-affordable stays at $47 per night. Though we weren't nestled within the Redwoods themselves, we relished the open meadow environment across the street, ideal for sunshine and our Starlink connection. The campground's pull-through sites with full hook-ups made life on the road hassle-free. Additionally, the laundry room was convenient for travelers on a budget. The location was perfect for exploring the magnificent Redwoods, despite some unique encounters with full time residents and the looming threat of a nearby wildfire.

Our Favorite Adventures

Explore the Trails:We embarked on the Hatton Loop Trail at Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. This trail treated us to a natural playground complete with a tree tunnel, tree bridge, and even encounters with banana slugs.

Discover the Coast: We made two beach visits, each offering its own unique charm. While the first beach, Point St. George was beautiful, its sand was littered with dead crabs, birds, and objects making it unsuitable for the little ones.

 The second beach, Tolowa Dunes State Park, was sandy and allowed us to observe sea lions, including our friend, Fred, who surfed the waves.

Visit Crescent City: Okay, I say this with caution. Crescent City is rough, overrun by homelessness and drug paraphernalia, but there are a few treasures here. My suggestion would be to go in the morning. We enjoyed the wooden beachfront park and even witnessed a disc golf tournament.

Tip: Make it a habit to inspect the sand when visiting parks, especially if you have young children with you. Unfortunately, I've encountered this situation on multiple occasions, and it's disheartening that our world presents such challenges.


Dining Out: We dined out at the Historic Hiouchi Cafe, conveniently located across the street from the campground. The cafe offered delicious food, with standout items like fries and dessert.

Overall Experience

We rated this stop 3.5 stars. While the Redwoods and coastal beauty were awe-inspiring, our sense of safety in Crescent City left something to be desired. It's evident that what was once a hidden gem is grappling with challenges, much like its neighbor, Oregon.

Reflections

• My viewpoint has undergone a transformation over time, transitioning from a more Libertarian standpoint that emphasized personal freedom and limited government intervention. A compelling example of the pitfalls of such policies is evident in Oregon. Despite its natural beauty, Oregon is grappling with a significant crisis stemming from drug addiction and substance abuse, resulting in economic, social, and mental health challenges.

• The enactment of Measure 110 in 2020, which decriminalized drugs, has tarnished the state's pristine reputation, resulting in littered streets, increased crime, and a growing homeless population. This situation has created an environment that feels unsafe for families with children, and its repercussions have extended beyond state lines, impacting Northern California and underscoring the need for comprehensive solutions.

A Message of Hope

Psalm 121:1-4

I lift up my eyes to the hills.

From where does my help come?

My help comes from the Lord,

who made heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot be moved;

He who keeps you will not slumber.

Behold, he who keeps Israel

will neither slumber nor sleep.

Witnessing the challenges in Oregon and California, along with the ongoing conflict in Israel, has left me with a heavy heart. This Psalm, written around 3,000 years ago, is still so relevant today. As I reminisce on the giant Redwoods, and vast ocean I remember my God created all this. He is in control, His ways teach and restore, and He promises to make all things new. This imperfect world is still so beautiful, I can’t imagine what the new heaven and earth will be like, but I can’t wait. How about you? Are you ready?

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, 

We thank you for your goodness, creativity, and the beauty you reveal through nature and people. We pray for those battling addiction, asking for your guidance and support on their path to recovery. We acknowledge your incredible power to overcome not only addiction but all the struggles that bind us. Please bring healing to our nation and extend victory, comfort, and assistance to those affected by conflict. We trust in your love and compassion for all in need. 

In Jesus' name, Amen.

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