May 21 – 27, 2012 - “Redwood National Park”

We made the decision to spend a week in Crescent City, CA, largely because we didn’t want to be without a campsite over Memorial Day. So with that behind us, we departed Santa Rosa northward 120 miles to Leggett, and called Redwood River Resort home for the night. 

We rely heavily on www.rvparkreviews.com when choosing a new home, and read the reviews carefully (with a grain of salt), and realize what constitutes a 10 for one person, may only warrant a 6 from another. Redwood River Resort had ratings from 1 to 10. But, being true vagabonders, felt the risk vs reward for one night wouldn’t be that bad. As it turns out, the park was beautiful, set in the giant redwoods with only one drawback for us. They claim to be big rig friendly, but I would describe them as big rig iffy. Upon check in, they gave us a pull through, but when we got to the site, the maintenance crew was “manicuring” it, and suggested we take a back in site. The road is very narrow in spots and lined with vegetation, so after 5 or 6 jockeying attempts of back and forth, finally managed to get Elly parked without damage; we “rubbed” the vegetation quite a few times, but luckily no scratches. (As usual, click on any image to enlarge.)

The next morning we once again moved 175 miles northward to Crescent City on the California coast, and checked into our new home for the week at Sunset Harbor RV Park. While it may not be as picturesque as Redwood, it will be more than adequate for us as we explore the area.  

The following morning we awoke with frost on our noses; 48 degrees and I’m thinking we may have moved too far north too fast. This is definitely NOT 7 second weather. After our usual breakfast, coffee and WDYWTDT, we decided on the nearby Battery Point Lighthouse / Museum. What’s unusual about this lighthouse? It is located on an island, and at low tide you simply walk a few hundred yards along the ocean floor to visit. Today low tide is 9:41 am, and the museum is open from 10 am – 2 pm, when the tide starts to rise.

 The museum is operated by the Del Norte Historical Society, and they ASK for a $3 per person donation.  While $3 is a fair price, in all the museums we have visited, we have never been asked for a specific amount OR had them collect it; usually there is a jar or box to place the donation in. If this is their policy, why not just state “Admission Fee $3 Per Person”? Short answer; we’re in CA. Oh, and guess what? No pictures were allowed to be taken inside the lighthouse.

Each lighthouse has a unique light signature, with the proper charts, mariners can pinpoint their exact location. The signature for the light at Battery Point is 3.5 seconds on and 26.5 seconds off, and can be seen up to 14 miles away.

OK, on to the main attraction, our primary reason for being in Crescent City; Redwood National and State Parks, home to the world’s tallest trees – icons that inspire visions of mist laden primeval forests bordering crystal clear streams. Here one fell years ago and they simply cut away a section to allow for passage. These trees can take up to 500 years to fully decompose.

When logging began in 1850, roughly two million acres of ancient or “old-growth” redwood forest canopy mantled the coastal mountains of California. Today, just about five percent remains and Redwoods National and State Parks preserves over 35% of that.

As the tallest living things in the world, coast redwoods can grow higher than 370 feet and live more than 2,000 years. In their lifetime, they absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and can store more than 400,000 pounds (200 tons) of carbon in it's trunk alone - the equivalent of about 800 tons of carbon dioxide. The average American produces about 1,600 tons of carbon in his or her lifetime; just two mature coast redwoods have the capacity to offset your entire carbon footprint for life!

The following morning, at low tide, we ventured 15 miles south to the Klamath Overlook hoping to see the Grey Whales feeding at the mouth of the Klamath River. Unfortunately, Mother Nature had other ideas, and it was so foggy, we could barely see the surf. We spotted a few sea lions, but no whales. Oh well, maybe next time.

Tomorrow is Memorial Day. Putting politics aside, our veterans are the ones who fought for the freedoms that we enjoy every day and unfortunately at times, some take them for granted. Please take the time to reflect on the sacrifices so many have made, for without them, our lives would not be the same. Thanks Vets!

Until next time, take care and stay well……….Thanks for stopping by.............