Redwoods are tall

9/27/11

We pulled into Redwood Park late at night and had to wait for the morning light to reveal the giants towering around our campsite. The Redwoods had stood here for hundreds of years, but our visit would only last part of the day.  We began the day with breakfast of eggs, sausage and pancakes cooked at the campsite on the portable stove. The Redwoods at our campsite were impressive, but not the largest that we saw. 

After breakfast, we visited a nearby ranger station and got information on a local hike. We then drove to Stout Grove where we were told that we could see some really magnificent specimens. We learned that Redwoods are the tallest living organisms on the planet, reaching more than 300 feet. We spent a half hour at Stout Grove, taking pictures and looking up in awe, and then proceeded further down the road to the Damnation Creek Trailhead where we embarked on a hike to the coast.

The trail at Damnation Creek started at 1000 feet above sea level in an old growth Redwood area. Over 2 miles, the trail descends to the edge of the Pacific. The hike to the coast took about an hour and gave us a great opportunity to take in the magnificence of the trees. For nearly all of the hike, they blocked our view of the ocean. The view upon arriving at the ocean was spectacular. Twenty foot waves were crashing on the rocky shoreline and creating a mist along the coast. There was a rock outcropping at the end of the trail with a narrow natural bridge to climb out on. We sat on the outcropping and watched the waves and ate a snack before heading back.

The way back was more strenuous, but we made good time by completing the 2 miles in about 45 minutes. We then began the 6 hour drive from Redwood Park to San Francisco. Arriving at San Francisco, we could tell that it is a cool city. We met with Drew for Sushi and he gave us great advice for attractions around the city. We then went to his sister Erica's apartment were we spent the night. Although Erica was working the night at the ER, her husband Justin welcomed us in. He was very helpful in giving us advice about other outdoor excursions around California. We then took our first showers in 3 days and got a good night rest.