The Oregon Coast

After exploring the Redwood Forest, Max and I took a drive up highway 101 to the Oregon coastline.  This has been by far the most beautiful drive.  Through all of the twists and turns, we came across some of the most amazing views and beaches that stretch for miles.

I talked to some campers from Colorado at the last campsite that gave me a tip to a free campsite just outside highway 101 that sounded nice so we were going to head in that direction next.  In the meantime, we took a leisurely drive along the coast and stopped at a beach to enjoy the day and watch some people doing the same.

Max loves being on the sand and really, what's not to love?  The beaches here are so calm and the smell of salt water in the air is one of my favorite scents.  This trip so far has been so different from the last two.  For the most part, I have talked to more people in the first few days than I have in the last two trips combined.  For some reason, I just went along my way and didn't really engage with anyone.  Sometimes you will get the best tips from locals in the area and you never know how the direction will change if you decide to take in the advice and do something you wouldn't have normally done without the exchange.

So we are planning on the unplanned.  It's not going to be perfect, but it will be an adventure and I look forward to while seeing and exploring places I wouldn't have thought of if I didn't take the time to listen and take advantage of a new experience.

For today, we are enjoying all of the beauty of the Oregon coastline.  It is an incredible sight to see.

The Land Of The Giant Trees In Redwood National Forest

I am in awe of this forest.  I specifically wanted to come to the coast to beat the heat and that I did.  It is hard to describe in words what the trees feel like in this forest.  Without sounding corny, this redwood forest is truly magical.

I wanted to take a scenic drive through the trees but the road was closed so Max and I took a walk down the drive.  If you have seen the movie Avitar, this would be the closest thing to actually being in the movie.  The trees, ferns and all plants seem to have taken a mass amount of miracle grow and make you feel pretty insignificant standing next to them.  It was hard to actually capture the feeling I had in pictures but here are a few from our walk.  The day started out foggy when we hiked out of our campsite, but to me it was so beautiful.

We left our site, walked on the beach to watch a coyote, met the Muffin Man while I stopped for coffee and then toured the forest.  I don't plan what I am going to do far in advance but I am so glad I took the turn to the coast to see this forest.  It's been a little under 30 years since I've been to this place and these trees have been there much longer than any of us have been on this earth.  I am glad that we decided to protect this part of the forest for all to see.

Along the way, we also stopped to take a picture of Paul Bunyan and his Ox, Babe.  Beware, Paul will talk to you.  He said, "hello young lady in the blue shirt."  Such a charmer.

If you've never been to this forest, I would recommend it.  I love Yellowstone, Yosemite, and all of the national parks but there is something about this one that holds a place in my heart.  Next we are going to see where the coastline takes us.