Feb 23 & 24, 2014 Pacific Coast, Half Moon Bay

We had a great bike ride on a path that parallels the beach. I was having such a good time, I forgot to take pictures!

At the end of the day, we sat on the slope to the beach watching the sun go down.

 

Photo by Ann R.

 

Feb 25 & 26, 2014 Redwood National Park, Elk Creek

We drove along the Avenue of Giants and saw magnificent Redwood trees, some over 300 feet tall. The signage tells us that the “champion” trees can grow 370’ tall, have a 16’ diameter, 52’ circumference, and can live to be 2200 years old! What a humbling experience to walk in their presence!

(Continue reading below . . .)

 

It feels so different to be in the Redwood Forest after spending most of this month in the desert. Even though we are still in California, the tall trees, green leaves, abundant sword ferns, cloudy skies, the darkness of the deep woods and now a drizzle turning to rain, all remind us of home. We so enjoyed the warmth and dryness of the dessert, but we realize we also miss our home environment.

 The scale of these giant trees is difficult to capture.

 

En route from the south end of the Redwood National Park to the north, we stopped in Crescent City and checked out the stormy coast. (click panorama to enlarge it)
 

 

Feb 22 & 23, 2014 Pacific Coast, El Capitan State Beach

We have headed west to the California coast. It is good to see some greenery and water. At the end of a long day of driving, we had an amazing sunset.

The cool, 60° air was delightfully refreshing. We each put a throw on our lap and enjoyed sitting out in the evening light.

Before departing the next morning, we took some time to explore the rocky beach.