In the Redwoods

25.9.

We find wifi and coffee in Brookings at a Christian cafe. The fact that people here don't wear masks seems to have a religious background as well.

Our goal is the Redwood Parks, which protect the remaining 5% of the tallest trees on earth. The other 95% fell victim to the wood hunger of our ancestors. The giants of the forest sometimes shoot up to five or more from the same trunk and protect the nine different types of ferns that cover the ground from too much sun. A beautiful forest that was able to become so old mainly because the glaciers of the past ice ages did not advance to the coast.

We take our first walk in Jedediah Smith State Park. Then we take a little nap in the car before visiting the national park. The trees there are not yet as tall as in the state parks, but luckily for them, they will probably still reach their full size.

Provided, of course, that they remain undisturbed for the next 1500 years.

Another hike takes us to some groves in Prairie Creek State Park: what beautiful giants of the forest live there! On the way, we meet Eric, a retired nature guide, who explains a lot to us and invites us to his campsite since we couldn't get a free spot anymore. There we cook him dinner and chat with him about nature and his life: for several years he has been following the seasons to the most beautiful places on the American West Coast. He actually lives in New Orleans, but you can only find him there in the winter. Unfortunately, his loyal companion, a German Shepherd, died a few weeks ago, which is really bothering him.

We exchange email addresses and hope to see each other again in the desert in three weeks.

26.9.

The currency exchange for the amount of our extra vehicle on Eric's pitch proves to be difficult and ultimately takes an hour before we give up and leave without paying. Today we also hike on a trail through the evergreen Redwoods before heading towards Ashland to spend 4 days with our host Cody and his son Tamron. We make a lunch stop in Crescent City at the well-visited Seaquake Brewery, where the sour beer is super and the food is fantastic. We buy extra strong glue to fix my tripod, then we drive along the Smith River via Grant's Pass to Rogue River State Park where we spend the night and can shower again.

Located right on the highway, it's not exactly a gem, but sometimes you can't be picky. And despite the constant roar of the highway, we sleep well and soundly.