Up The Proverbial Creek

We left Willow Creek and continued our trek north, enjoying the scenic coastline and redwood forests of northern California. Plus, after two weeks on the road, I was finally closing in on that elusive first stamp of the trip in my National Park Passport.

We decided to spend the night at the Elk Prairie Campground in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.  The Revelation Trail from the Visitor’s Center to the campground is a wonderful walk through the redwood ecosystem designed specifically for the visually impaired.  The trail encourages you to use all your senses, not just your sight.  Unfortunately, I can only share it here visually.

The campground is named for the herds of Roosevelt Elk that roam in the open prairie areas of the park.  We chose a campsite in the meadow area of the campground, hoping to see some elk during our stay.

Marley decided that the best way to attract the elk was to roll in their $hit.  He did an excellent job of becoming one with the elk but not so much with us.

Marley getting a much needed bath!

The next morning we hiked the Revelation Trail again (did I mention it was a lovely trail?) and found about ten elk grazing in the prairie near the Visitor’s Center.  The Roosevelt elk are the largest land mammal in the park and can exceed 1,000 pounds.  They are distinguished from the black-tailed deer by their much larger antlers.

We finally got on the road about noon, still heading north.  We stopped at the park headquarters in Crescent City and I stamped my passport. Redwood National Park, check!

Shortly thereafter, we crossed into Oregon to finally begin the Pacific Northwest part of the Pacific Northwest Tour.  We camped about 50 miles from the border, at the Humbug Mountain State Park, which had a short walk to the beach.  I know, I know, another beach.

 
We had a lovely dinner of fresh fish and chips and a homemade Rhurbarb Crisp for dessert.  Thanks again Anne, for the rhurbarb, I have been craving it for months.

The next morning when we were dumping our tanks, we experienced a sewer malfunction.  Our fancy macerator (basically a garbage disposal for poop) stopped pumping.  I will not go into all the messy details, but we were up the proverbial (“$hit”) creek, without a paddle.  Ah, the unexpected joys of traveling.

Today’s 3 Fun Facts:

1. The coastal redwoods can tower to 380 feet in height, the base diameter can be up to 22 feet in diameter, the root system is typically only 10 feet deep and they can live up to 2,000 years.
2. The scientific name for the coastal redwoods, Sequoia sempervirens means “ever living”.
3. The Roosevelt elk still will not accept you into the herd, even if you roll in their $hit.