Today we want to visit the oldest trees on our planet, the Redwoods.
At the Visitor Center, we will be equipped with the best tips for exploring the Redwoods. The kids will be appointed as Junior Rangers and have a gleam in their eyes while receiving wooden buttons. Now, nothing stands in the way of our next adventure.We are making an effort to get cell phone service beforehand, to send dear birthday greetings back home. It is not always easy to be reachable on the coast or in the forests. But it worked.
In the past, the Redwoods covered an area of approximately 1 million hectares. Until 1916, the trees were massively cut down. After that, a conservation organization was founded that campaigned for the preservation of the trees. Today, only about 55,000 hectares remain, which have been strictly protected. The Redwood forests are completely funded by private money and have been handed over to the state. For each section of the forest, the buyers received a sign with their name. We are now exploring the Simpson Reed Cove section.
Already at the roadside, we are amazed at the size of the trees. The path leads us around the largest trees. We see many fallen trees that could not withstand the storm. The roots of the giants only reach up to 2 meters into the ground. Above ground, they are 60 times as tall.
It is impressive for us to see such gigantic trees.
In the afternoon, we return to the coast. In a small harbor, we even see sea lions. They fight each other and roar very loudly.
As we leave the little village, a herd of deer stands by the roadside. The cars stop one after the other and watch the animals. The leader does not like the hustle and bustle and starts herding the herd. Fascinating spectacle.
Today is truly the day of animals. When we reach the beach where we will stay overnight, a small family of dolphins comes and hunts for fish in the bay. We observe them swimming up and down for about three hours. DREAMLIKE!
Where else do you see such a variety of flora and fauna in such a small space? We are completely enchanted by the Pacific coast.
When the sun sets, it creates a beautiful light over the waves.
And then that magical starry sky appears again.✨️
The Big Dipper
05/09/2022 Monday
Today we start early in the day and take a long hike through the Redwoods. Up and down the mountain we go through dense forest. Unlike in the previous section of the forest, there are fewer fallen trees here.
And if a tree blocks the path, a tunnel is simply built through.
After taking a wrong turn, our round is now a bit longer. The advantage is that we see deer feeding on the roadside.
06/09/2022 Tuesday
The third day in the Reedwoods leads us along the Street of Giants. Here too, the name speaks for itself, countless large trees stand on the right and left of the road. Hardly any sunlight shines through the dense tree canopies.
At a rest area stands the 'immortal Redwood tree'. It has survived a flood, a forest fire, and a lightning strike and still stands with lush greenery.
There is a fallen tree next to it that serves as a climbing cave for the children.
Then we continue on Highway 1. The roads become narrow and winding. Jens has no trouble guiding our large mobile home through the mountains.
The view is once again breathtakingly beautiful and we can choose a sleeping spot on the most beautiful beaches.
07/09/2022 Wednesday
We continue on Highway 1 and enjoy the great weather. Along the coast, there are many different rock formations in the water, which makes it interesting around every curve.
When a path leads to the beach again, we naturally take the opportunity to splash around in the cool water.
08/09/2022 Thursday
We sleep particularly well at the seaside during the nights. We hear the waves crashing and the fresh sea breeze blows through the window. There is absolute darkness and silence.
Today, Jens shows us the lighthouse at Point Reyes. Those who know our apartment know that this lighthouse hangs as a canvas above the sofa.
As planned, after a winding drive over vast farmland, we reach the western point.
A herd of deer
Arriving at the parking lot, we continue uphill on foot. From above, we can see the endlessly long and lonely sandy beach along the steeply sloping coast.
The wind is blowing hard, and the trees are leaning.
The destination is within reach and then the disappointment, the steps down to the lighthouse are closed. We had imagined it differently.
We let our gaze wander over the sea and spot seals in the water.
We think it's great to revisit places, with the big difference that we can show them to our children now.
We are creating great moments together here. We wouldn't want to miss the time.
In the evening, Benedikt tries fishing again. We have no chance against the seagulls. They catch one fish after another, and we look foolish. Additionally, we lose a hook deep in the seagrass. But practice makes perfect, as they say.
