Day 55, Sunday May 27, 2018, The Redwoods in Jedediah State Park and Forest.

That was the highlight of the day, and even though we did get to the end of the road for the Lake Earl, the trails were too long for us to  walk that distance to get there. So the Redwoods it was.

The road to the Jedediah  State Park is route #199, which runs from  CA 101 to Grants Pass. The Redwoods on this highway are about 4 miles into the road, with the Park camping grounds about 10 miles .  The access to the Redwooods is quite simple as they are right by the road (199). It is of interest that "anyone can purchase the rights to a grove of trees and have them names after  a friend, family member or individual. " Suggested donations to dedicate a redwood grove or tree range from $25,000-$250,000+ for groves and $2,500-$25,000 for individual trees. These levels are based on the age, location, and accessibility of groves or trees across 19 Redwood Parks." (See sites for details)
So we stopped at a number of trails and groves and viewed these giants of the forest. Being  a holiday weekend the roads were busy ,but people were courteous and patient.
 

We'll start with one of Jim by a big Redwood.

These truly are giants.

The root section of one of the toppled trees/

These are Sword Ferns

They just seem to reach the sky.

One by the road is huge.  (300' when mature.)

 We stayed there about 2 hours and decided to try one more look at the Estuary of the Smith River.  IT is a truly beautiful venue. A couple with two young children came up and said,"This is really exciting, we didn't know that rivers looked like this where they empty into the Ocean. " (They had only been on rivers inland.) Again, today, there were Harbor Seals, Cormorants and  Gulls. The Ocean was quite frothy with whitecaps, as the winds were 20-30 mph.

The one Western Gull joined a small group of Black Oystercatchers.

A good close up of a Western Gull

All along the trail in CA are these markers.

One last northerly view of Battery Lighthouse.

There were Harbor seals there again.

 The day ended with some "down time"in the trailer for letter writing and photo downloading as well as heading out to get "Sunday Breakfast" at 5:30 Pm. Ruth loves Sunday eggs. We opted for Denny;s as neither of us had been there in many years. It  was very clean and neat and the food was very good.

Tomorrow we head for Coos Bay , just up the road about 135 miles (US 101)  we will be there three nights and will meet with some of Jim's friends that he taught and knew in the Alaskan village of Newtok.  More on that in two days.

Enjoy the photos from today.

Day 54, Sat. May 26,2018, LIghthouses and Estuaries and More Birds

It's rather spectacular that right out our windows is the Battery Lighthouse that is "Tidal Blocked" but can be accessed when the tides are out.  There is a walkway ,but in  high tide it is under water.

The rocks in the foreground reveal a road at low tide.

 So that was the first objective this morning. Some tine spent looking at the "Crescent" shaped harbor, and getting the lay of the land. Remember we said that this town was inundated by Tsunamis twice in recent history, so a huge seawall or breakwater was built in the 1980's. They are reinforced with the  Dolos units. These are 36 ton concrete units that are "T" shaped and designed to slow down the storm surge. They may not stop a Tsunami but will slow it down for sure.  Two earthquake water surges in the Pacific have hit Crescent City in the 2000's, and caused minimal damage.

Looking toward the port of C.C. from the lighthouse. Before the breakwater  was installed you can imagine what a Tsunami might have done.

If you look hard you can see our trailer in the campground from the lighthouse. (HA!)

Those Volos Units help to keep the storms from the land.

 A trip to the "Visitors Center" turned up a locked door and an entry led to it. Signage problem? Never did get the assistance we wanted.
BUT... we left there and drove up Pebble Beach road from where you can see the largest colony of birds on one rock on the West Coast. This is called "CASTLE  ROCK" and sticks out about 1/2 mile into the water just west of Crescent City. There are documented 260,000 birds on it. Eleven different species nesting. Zoom in on the photo to see the birds if possible.

This is Castle Rock with 260,000 birds on it. The "gray" areas are all birds 'wing to wing"

The end of the Rock also has thousands of birds. Common Murres, Western and BB Gulls, mostly

Driving up Pebble Beach Rd. further were more places to see both the birds and seals hauled out on the rocks. At the end of the road was Pt. George and the Pt.George Lighthouse. Four lighthouse keepers were killed there over time from storms that sent waves over the lighthouse They no longer have lighthouse keepers. (Technology!)

As yet I have not identified this flower, The stamens (white) stump me.

The old Point St. George Light Station.

The St. George Light out to sea . There are no visitors allowed.

The beach north from Pt. St. George.

 The last stop of the day was to see either Lake Earl (story later) or the Estuary of the Smith River (named after Jedediah Smith).  We did get to the Smith River Estuary. It really shows the effect of the fresh water emptying into the salt water at that point. There were Harbor Seals, CORMORANTS, A  PERGRNE FALCON, RING BILLED AND WESTERN GULLS, and a SURF SCOTER among others.

Ruth found this "wave". Burls are a big business here.

**White Calla Lilies grow wild  here.

Harbor Seals hauling out at Smith River. Pup on the right, Mom on left.

Smith River by the Ocean. (Harbor Seals, Cormorants, Gulls.)

Smith River (L), Pacific Ocean (R)

The trip to  Lake Earl will be done tomorrow.  Driving to it today led to a side trip on South River Road.  (South of the smith River). Of course Ruth found that to be a great photography moment. There were flowers  all the way to the dead end.  Here they are and tomorrow we will see the Jedediah Redwood forest and also Lake Earl the largest and most prolific Estuary on the 'Continental' west coast.

Rhododendrons that are just starting to wane.

These were all at one home.

Very beautiful in this area at this time of the year.

 See you tomorrow.HA!  This weekend in the USA is Memorial Day weekend where we honor those who have died in defense of our country, Thanks to all who have served in the Military.

Day 53, Friday May 25, 2018, At Crescent City California, near the Oregon border. (7 months til C'mas)

We are safely esconced at Crescent City California  at the last stop before the Oregon Coast. Many birds here but because of the rain today  we completed the laundry and got the truck  new oil in ts system.   We'll look for birds tomorrow.Ruth worked on the DVD for our last trip to the Rose Parade and it is started nicely. I think you will like it. At least those who will see it.

So not much to blog about. A little background, perhaps is in order.  Near here are two very important IBA's (Important  Bird Areas)  and we will visit them tomorrow. Because the estuaries of the rivers , and the lagoons along the seacoasts, both the land based birds (freshwater mostly), and the seabirds can be observed in close proximity with litte travel to accomplish]that. So tomorrow we will try to do just that.

So for this blog I will post a few photos that might be of interest in the past few weeks  that we did not discuss in the blog. Our campsite looks out on three significant spots. 1 The wave barrier that  was built after the 1964 Tsunami hit and devasted Crescent City (see next). 2. The Battery Point Lighthouse. 3, The Fishing port that has been rebuilt twice since the Tsunamis.

First a little about Crescent City CA.

 Crescent City is located  about 20 miles south of the Oregon border. Crescent City's offshore geography makes it unusually susceptible to tsunamis. Much of the city was DESTROYED by four tsunami waves generated by the Good Friday earthquake off Anchorage, Alaska in 1964. More recently, the city's harbor suffered extensive damage and destruction due to TSUNAMIS generated by the March 11, 2011 earthquake off Sendai, Japan. Several dozen vessels and many of the docks they were moored to were destroyed as wave cycles related to the tsunamis exceeded 8 feet (2.4 m). Its climate is also very moderate, with very cool summers for its latitude as a result of intense maritime moderation. Nearby inland areas behind the mountains have significantly warmer summers. The warmer coasts are south where the Pacific current is moving north. That current moves away from the cast south of Crescent City.
The city is also the site of the Redwood National Park headquarters, as well as the historic Battery Point Light.  (That light is right out our window). Due to the richness of the local Pacific Ocean waters and the related catch, and ease of access, Crescent City Harbor serves as home port for numerous commercial fishing vessels.  (Also right out our window to the south)
The damage from the 1964 earthquake that centered in Alaska found the next morning this damage that was counted: 289 buildings and businesses had been destroyed; 1,000 cars and 25 large fishing vessels had been crushed; 12 people were confirmed dead, over 100 were injured, and more were missing; and 60 blocks had been inundated with 30 city blocks destroyed in total. Although most of the missing were later accounted for, not all were tracked down. Insurance adjusters estimated that the city received more damage from the tsunami on a block-by-block basis than did Anchorage from the initial earthquake. Other cities down the coast  were hit, but because of the city’s unique position on the coast and some underwater terrain, it felt the brunt of the waves.

ENJOY THE REVIEW.

Mosaic eggs in the Botanical Garden

One of two wooden bridges on the Coast (Mendocino)

A Perigrine Falcon "hovering".

This White Faced Ibis looks wet!

An as yet, unidentified flower . So simple and clean.

Ruth made me go back for this one. (Oreo cow)

The first view of the Pacific at Navarro River

The Fair advertisement at Gilroy, Mendocino County

Thimbleberry blossoms They will be ripe this week.

A type of Lilac

Sometimes there was open sky and four lanes

The Hearst Castle back side.

Elephant seals (Moms and pups ) hauled out

Some of California's hikers getting on their gear.

Many walkers on the Golden Gate Bridge.

Grapes in the valleys. Wineries  as well.

Didn't show this rose  that was in the botanical Garden, yet.

"Whaddya mean I have bad breath?"

California Gull in California.

Common Ground Squirrel. Many of these.

Day 52, May 24, 2018, Move from Endocino CA, to Crescent City , CA... More Redwoods and a trailer repair.

The advice was "...NOT to travel with "a"  trailer  on Route  #1 from Endocino to Crescent City CA". It is doable with a car or small truck, but trailers ( and Big Motor Homes)  would be hazardous for many reasons. The curves, the "non existent" shoulders in most places, a narrow road (9 foot lanes), hills and stopping traffic if you are too slow will make it a hazardous trip.

So we took the alternate route and that worked out fine. CA 20 out of Fort Bragg heading east to US 101 is fine. A bit winding and hilly,bit even big rigs are able to move along when watching the curve signs and you should respect them. No.... you BETTER respect them. The scenery is excellent with many Coastal Pines, some Douglas Fir and Eucalyptus along the way. There are few farms as the terrain is very steep.

Arriving in Willits, CA at about 10:30 we thought about stopping at the place I could not get on the phone as we were "mountain locked" and could not get a phone signal in Mendicino.  As we approached the end of CA 20 in Willits,  we did not know which way the entrance to US 101 was. So take a guess and we turned right. Fortuitous it was, and  I'll tell you why. It did not look right, so we stopped and asked a man at an O'Reilly's Auto Parts who was standing in the driveway. He remarked that my back brakes were locking up as they 'stuttered' when we stopped. He was right and that was the exact purpose we were looking for "101 Trailer and RC" .,He said it was just across the street a way.  We headed there and the clerk told us to go see "Chuck" in the back by the cement building. (See)

This was the "cement" building where I introduced myself to "Chuck"

We had a discussion an=bout the problem with the brakes on the trailer freezing up  at times.They needed adjustment. He was very  helpful and stated that he would look at them and if they needed adjustment he would do that and if anything was needed besides that he would not be able to do that as ati would take too much time. So I agreed to the "contract" and he got to work. This man had 37 years experience in brakes, with trucks and RVs of all kinds. He had worked there 17 years and that said something to me. He was efficient, friendly, looked like and talked like he knew what he was doing.  He had the first pair "up to snuff" and they were fine. He checked them on the calibrator and started the second set on the passengers side. One was fine but the second one was either with a cut a wire or the magnet s were worn down so they wouldnot s=respond. He told me hefelt that he could replace that one if i wanted and would sell me a used pair that has practically zero mileage on it that he had just taken off a trailer. I agreed to the used one and he replaced the brake assembly with the "new"one. 45 minutes after he started, he was finished. I felt good and he also said that that would get us home in good shape .  (After I tried them on 101 going to Crescent City they worked fine on all those hills and curves) . We talked about tires and a bent axle that was wearing two tires and gave me some advice  on that.  All in all it was a blessing that we turned the wrong way on 110 in Willits as we had to go the other way to get to 101 going north.  So here are a few pics of the journey along US 101 to the coast.

Scenes along Highway US 101   from Willits  to Crescent City CA. Many  winding roads and some fog up in the mountains. This stretch of road also includes the Valley of the Giants  where there are many camping grounds available.

There were many road stoppages . Many washouts this year.

WHAT A SMALL TOWN IN THE N. CALIFORNIA "WOODS" IS LIKE...
Myers Flat's downtown consists of a general store, the "Four Mori Market"; a coffee–espresso shop called "The Daily Grind"; The "Trading Post" saloon; "Drive Through Tree"; an antique and used item store, "Latz in the Flats"; A gift shop called "To Dye For Designs" that does custom embroidery as well as unique tie-dye clothing; "Riverbend Cellars" Winery; the "Groves" restaurant; The "Myers Inn", a bed and breakfast; and the "Knights Restaurant" (now closed). There is also a RV park called "Giant Redwoods RV", and a laundromat called "Myers Flat Laundromat" (now closed). Some of the town is connected to the local Myers flat utilities and the town has its own volunteer fire department. Population in 2010 was 146 people.

Read below for info on this old lumbering town.

Myers Flat was founded by the Myers family in the mid-19th century. The Myerses were some of the first homesteaders in the area, growing apples, pears, sweet potatoes, and corn. The town initially served as a coach stop for travelers on their way to San Francisco. The Morrison-Jackson mill was started and was active for a long time until the mid 80s when the mill closed down. The old mill site and most of its land are now a part of Riverbend Cellars and much of the land is covered in grape vineyards. Much of the town was destroyed in the flood of 1964. Because of its shallow elevation and proximity to the Eel River, the town still has problems with flooding. The town lies below the 100-year flood line. Much of the town is trailers and cabins and some people have homes built to withstand flood waters.

Because of its location at the southern entrance to Humboldt Redwoods State Park, the town receives much tourism during the summer months, The town has wine tasting and cold beer at the local market–saloon as well as off-sale liquor. Seasonally other events such as the "Redwood Run" and various music festivals bring people from all over the world to Myers Flat. Myers Flat is made up of many families and young people. The local slogan is "Myers Flat is where it's at”.

Again there were the Redwoods.

Many curves and twists in the road

More curves

And more curves

Empty logging trucks going back for more.

Some clouds set in.

And the clouds get heavier.

 You  didn't see a straight stretch of road , did you ?   Then before the coast, the land opens up leaving the Redwoods behind to catch the mists off the Ocean.

The land opens up into mixed scrub and trees.

Oh, Ho! Found another of the family names.

 At last as we arrived in Crescent City, CA safely.

A beautiful deep lavender Sweet Pea.

One more curve around the bend.