Day Eight (9/22/2010)

Harris Beach State Campground, Oregon

Got up this morning, in the Harris Beach State Park, only a few miles from the Oregon-California border.  The weather was a little foggy, with a high cloud cover, but it was warm. 

Deciding that we had been spending too much time getting ready to hit the road, we got out of the campground fairly soon, after breakfast. 

Stopped in Crescent City to get some information about the Redwoods National Parks, and to look at a lighthouse, but the tide was in, preventing us from walking out to it, so we went to a pizza place for lunch; I guess food always works to satisfy, when you're frustrated. 


Redwoods National Forest

Got on the road after lunch, and made it to the Jedediah Redwood National Forest, gawking at the huge redwoods on both side of the road.  In one place, a redwood was so close to the road that they had actually cut a notch out of the side of it, so large trucks and RV’s could make it by, without having a collision. 

We did the normal tourist thing at the “Trees of Mystery,” where they have the big statues of Paul Bunyan and Babe, the Blue Ox.  There is a short trail through the redwoods, and, afterwards, we took the gondola ride, called “The Sky Train,” which is about one mile long, taking you up through the canopies of the redwoods. 

Debbie & Peter, in the gondola car behind us

View of the Redwood Forest from the top of the Gondola

On the trail, we met Peter & Debbie, a couple with whom we hit it off, right away.  We took pictures of them and they took pictures of us, we exchanged addresses and e-mails.  Great people, and we hope to stay in touch with them. 

Peter & Debbie

Bonnie, standing by what she later called, "The Blue Moose"

None other than Paul Bunyan, himself

There is also an interesting museum in the gift store at the “Trees of Mystery,” full of Native American artifacts, such as baskets, arrowheads, clothing, old photos, etc.

 

This couple seemed nice, so, trying to be friendly, I nodded and said, "Hi," but
they seemed a bit aloof and unresponsive. Oh well, you can just never tell
by appearances.

After leaving the "Trees of Mystery" tourist trap, we traveled on to the Prairie Creek Redwoods Campground, where we stayed for the night.