Day Three: Redwood National and State Parks

Wow...the first one we saw caused a brief moment of shock!  We were just driving along enjoying the curvy road and it's scenery and then, 'WHOA' we said in unison.  We knew they were going to be big, but they are HUGE!!!  Kevin thought we had crossed over into a Jurassic Park scene.  The redwood trees are definitely impressive.

They grow upward right along the edge of the road--it looked as if a few people had viewed a little too closely to some.  Once again, we were both in awe of an amazing sight.  We came upon Trees of Mystery and decided to stop.  We rode the Sky Trail gondola through the treetops and wandered around a bit.

This particular area was logged in the 50's with the exception of 'The Brotherhood Tree' pictured above (it is over 2000 years old).  The nice man who offerred to take our picture zoomed in so that you could see us.

Kevin was anxious to get back on the road and locate the drive-thru tree Rich had mentioned (Klamath, CA).  We were told that there are no longer any drive-thrus in the park.  So, for a $5 fee we were able to buy a lasting memory:)

Kevin was very careful not to scrape the side mirrors:)

My fingertips did not even graze the inside of the trunk!

As we continued on, we made stops at the Visitor Centers to get our passport stamps.  (This may be something Wesley would be interested in--a National Park Passport.  Now that you all are the proud owners of an RV and planning for sight-seeing trips.)  Then, Kevin picked up a 'friend' to bring home.  He assured me that it would not require much TLC along the way and that he would be responsible...no, it is not a Banana Slug!  We did see a few elk grazing in a far off field. 

 Down the road, however, there was quite an attraction...

This herd drew a crowd...cars were parked all along the shoulder and people were gathered in the street.  Kevin couldn't get stopped fast enough!!  We stayed until they got bored with us and left the scene.

Day Three: Crescent City, CA

Today's sights begin in Crescent City, CA.  Kevin cannot believe all the geo possibilities!  We start at the harbor across from our hotel and are greeted by several sea lions lounging about (they sure are talkative in the morning).  As we turn around, the long stretch of beach looks very inviting; however, it is by far not swimsuit weather!

Our next stop is Battery Point Lighthouse.  We are very fortunate to have visited at low tide otherwise we could not have reached it.  We discover that it can be quite challenging to walk across a bed of wet rocks and pebbles!  As we walk, there is much to see.  The sign states that the lighthouse is active and serves as a private residence.  We have fun exploring both the outside and inside.  We are surprised at how much living space there is inside (living room, kitchen, two bedrooms and an added bathroom).  The lighthouse is fully furnished--mostly antiques (some are original pieces).  We are both surprised by the piano!  We get the grand tour--all the way to the top!  The stairway is very narrow and Kevin has to duck most of the way.  After squeezing through the hatch, we discover a spectacular view of the Pacific.  Boy, that tiny bulb is quite blinding and can put off a lot of heat!  As a closing tidbit, we learn that Tim McGraw stood on the old 'potty squat spot' to film one of his music videos:) 

                  

As we get back in the car, we realize it is now lunch time.  We decide to try a local spot near the harbor called Fisherman's Restaurant.  Well, we thought Ivar's had the best clam chowder, but OMG(oodness)...this chowder is thick and creamy and full of yummy clam chunks!!  Kevin just can't resist and wipes the bowl clean with the not-so-good bread:)

  

Day Three: Monday, June 6th

How did we ever travel without a laptop?  It is so convenient...unless we both want to use it at the same time.  Don't worry...we are sharing nicely:)

Just wanted to tell Sondra and Jake to have a safe flight and to email us some Georgia sunshine!

We are heading out to explore Crescent City, CA and the sights along the Redwood Highway.  The weather is chilly and overcast once again. 

I thought California was supposed to be sunny???

Day Two: Crater Lake cont'd

The awe of the snow continued as we wound our way up toward Rim Village.  Neither one of us really knew what to expect when we reached the top...all we had been told was that the lake's visibility was good today.

There weren't many people when we reached Rim Village, but it wasn't long before the bus of Asian tourists arrived:)  We had to climb a rather large snow embankment before we could see anything.  Then, there it was...a giant hole filled with water (Kevin's description)!  It really was an incredible sight.  Everything surrounding the blue water was covered with a white blanket of snow.  We both took a quiet moment to take it all in and then, the dilemma...how do we get all of it in a picture?  Kevin decided to try out his video skills.

Unfortunately after two attempts, Kevin's video will not download:(  We'll try again at a later time.

Today we saw several people in shorts...brrr!  I finally asked one girl if her legs were cold and she simply replied, "I just wasn't prepared."  Thank you, thank you, thank you Sondra for preparing me:)  We also saw a guy in a kilt (he didn't seem too bothered by the cold).  Kevin informed me that it was a 'utility' kilt.  Being a kilt-owner himself, he was quite impressed.  He said that it was like a 'cargo' version.  Let's hope he doesn't run across one any time soon...he will wear anything cargo-style!

As our day drew to a close, we just had to go back up and look one more time.  Kevin was really sweet and made footprints for me to step in:)  It really is a beautiful place.  Even though we did not get to take the boat out to Wizard Island, our trip to Crater Lake was totally worth it!  The best part about our second viewing...we were the only ones at the Rim!!  For a moment it was all ours to enjoy.  It is hard to believe that a mountain once stood in that very spot...wow!

   

Day Two: Crater Lake cont'd

After watching two videos at the Visitor Center (the story of Mount Mazama and the challenges of plowing snow at Crater Lake) and eating lunch at Annie Creek Restaurant, the rain finally stopped.

Kevin and I couldn't believe the amount of snow...only the doorways to the various buildings were visible.  It certainly did not feel like a [Georgia] June day!  

 

Day Two: Crater Lake National Park

Let me start by giving my friend a big 'THANK YOU' for keeping an umbrella in the car!  As we made our way to Crater Lake, the weather was cool and overcast.  Upon our arrival at the park, it was raining and 42 degrees (much different from the day before)!  We were told by several people that this year's snowfall was above average.

Are We Almost There?

'We've got a long way to go and a short time to get there--we're go'n do the most that can be done!'

We are estimating about 4200 miles for our total trip...coast to coast!  We are very thankful for our safe travels and hope that they will continue throughout our journey.

                                                                                                        Total miles
Day One:        Lacey, WA to Roseburg, OR                    391 miles                391
Day Two:       Roseburg, OR to Crescent City, CA          318 miles                709
Day Three:     Crescent City, CA to Ukiah, CA               255 miles                964
Day Four:       Ukiah, CA to San Francisco, CA               136 miles               1100
Day Five:       San Francisco, CA to Bakersfield, CA       287 miles               1387
Day Six:         Bakersfield, CA to Williams, AZ              467 miles               1854
Day Seven:    Williams, AZ to Grand Canyon, AZ             78 miles               1932
Day Eight:      Grand Canyon, AZ to Kanab, UT              224 miles               2156
Day Nine:       Kanab, UT to Bryce Canyon City, UT       171 miles               2327 
Day Ten:        Bryce Canyon City, UT to Moab, UT        282 miles               2609
Day Eleven:   Moab, UT to Cortez, CO                                       
Day Twelve:  Cortez, CO                                           220 miles               2829
Day Thirteen:  Cortez, CO to Amarillo, TX                   716 miles               3545
Day Fourteen:  Amarillo,TX to Evans, GA                    1265 miles               4810

WOW...4810 miles!!  It certainly was a long trek, but we had a great time:)  We were certainly blessed throughout the trip--great weather and safe travels.  We only had one minor setback in Oklahoma:   a flat tire:(  We were lucky though because it was on I-40 during the day and Kevin did not have to change the tire on the traffic side.  (Also, Kevin gave me permission to sit in the car as long as I was very still.)  After, two tire shops and one Arby's stop (sadly no Oreo Jamocha shakes) later we were back on the road!

I'll miss my daily view...

Some days he was more clean-shaven than others!