A Redwood Thanksgiving
Since people usually get some sort of time off for Thanksgiving, we decided that it would be a perfect time for our family to get together in a new place. We decided to head north of our hometown and see the redwoods. We all decided to get together in Trinidad, CA, where we stayed in an AirBnB.
The drive up was where it all started, with the trees getting larger and the understory getting darker. I was already excited about all of the amazing things we were going to see.
Our first stop upon arriving was at Patrick’s Point State Park, where we went for a short hike. The trails there are wide and mellow, and it was pretty wheelchair accessible. We saw Patrick’s Point and Wedding Rock, and we found alot of
My mom and I looking over Wedding Rock.
A new perch.
The next day was our first day entering Redwood National Park. We went to the Prairie Creek Visitor’s Center, and we did a hike that runs parallel to Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, and on the way back we did the Big Trees Wayside. We saw “Big Tree,” as well as lots of mushrooms, ferns, and other vegetation.
Although some trails may not have been “ADA accessible,” we somehow made it work with my cousin, Katelyn, and her wheelchair.
The next day, we did the Trillium Falls hike, and we visited Lady Bird Johnson Grove. The Trillium Falls hike, though extremely difficult to do with a wheelchair, was not impossible. Trillium falls was a very pretty, rocky waterfall with some nice pools at the bottom.
The next day was spent making 5 batches of cinnamon rolls, a whole bunch of Italian bananas, and many a pie, and the day after was spent eating all of these goodies, along with some turkey and other thanksgiving food. After the holiday passed, we returned to the park, and we went up Fern Canyon. Fern Canyon was super cool, as long as you don’t mind walking through a river. The walls were lined with thousands of ferns, and the water ran cool around our feet. By the time we were exiting the canyon, the sun was setting and the light glowed gold on the canyon walls.
When we drove back to Trinidad, we stopped for some clam chowder, and drove up to the beach. The sunset was gorgeous, and there was just enough light left to run around on the beach.
Staying in Trinidad and spending a holiday exploring a new and beautiful landscape was a great use of our time. I learned so much about a new forest type, and my interest in the Pacific Northwest grew exponentially.
On our way home, we drove the entire Avenue of the Giants, and we took Highway 1 for a scenic drive back. I hope to return soon and go on a search for the great Hyperion. Enjoy some nature pics, and go hug a tree. Until next time…
