Our goals for day 3 were to do a major overhaul of van to make our tight quarters more organized, find a beach to surf and run, and spend some time with the California Redwoods before heading across the border into Oregon. At this point, with 4 bikes inside the van, a bike rack purchase was imminent. Following some down and dirty research and a few phone calls we scooped up the Thule Hitching Post Pro (thanks Joey!) and were now able to access the front and back of van without getting out - a major milestone for our little van home.
BEFORE PICTURE. YIKES!
With the van locked and loaded we continued north to spend some time with the Redwoods, a must if you are driving through this part of California. As the world’s tallest living species, the Redwoods are extraordinary to see and they make for an ideal setting for a nice long trail run or hike, one of my favorite activities. We landed at the northernmost point of Humboldt County in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. A state park with all you can hope for - sandy beaches, interesting wildlife (Roosevelt Elk), lush forrest and foliage - this place truly is majestic. Our original plan was to camp at Gold Bluffs Beach, a coastal campground in the dunes of a 10 mile stretch of beach, a few miles off Highway 101. Gold Bluffs was FULL, news we would only encounter more on our August camp sessions, but we ventured just a few miles north and found an opening at Elk Prairie. We nabbed a great site and after a short bike ride to do some Elk watching, we posted up by the cozy fire for some hot spaghetti, ahhh comfort food.
My favorite moment of the trip thus far was our morning drive out of the park - sun rising, cool temperatures and surrounded by giant Redwoods, groovin’ to the new Alabama Shakes. I recommend you try this. Press PLAY below for the online version =)
GROOVY MORNING DRIVE THROUGH THE REDWOODS
Thanks for stopping by. Next stop - OREGON!
- Megan, HOBO 1