Redwoods - Uh Oh

Making our Way to the Redwoods - June 2

We were headed to the Redwoods and California and found a little forest campground called Patrick Creek Campground. Nothing fancy, just some shady spots in the forest right off the main road. Only one other camper is there and us. A truck camper pulls in but decides not to stay.

For some reason that camper leaving kinda creeped me out. Like maybe we shouldn't stay here either. But we do and I spend a sleepless night in the forest. I repeat the words of other forest campers often, "We are safer here than in the city...we are safer here than we are in the city." Then why don't I feel safe. Too much scary TV and murder shows I suppose. It is so quiet in the woods and...so dark! Wait, wasn't I looking for quiet, space, and time alone on this trip? Put it in perspective girl!!

We finally pulled out of Patrick Creek Campground before breakfast. We decided to just get out of there. We head toward the Redwoods. We drive through this old growth of Redwoods on twisty roads. They are amazing!! So big it is almost difficult to comprehend just how old and strong and amazing these trees are! I get excited about what we are gonna see once we get to the Redwood National Forest.

Uh-Oh

We are climbing some pretty steep hills and Lilah starts to really sputter! We take it nice and slow and pull over often but poor Lilah is telling us she has had enough. Fearful of what is ahead Charlie says we better not continue until he has a chance to look her over. We are sitting in front of the sign that says "Redwood National Forest" and make the heartbreaking decision to turn around. No drive-through tree today.

What is next?

We head up the coast and back into Oregon. I must say I am glad to be back in Oregon. The people here are so friendly and accepting. I really felt out of place in California. Maybe it was the spooky campground or the old growth Redwood forest or Lilah having issues but I really never felt comfortable there. Of course, we were only there for 24 hours or so, perhaps we will try again another time.

We end up in Brookings, Oregon and stop at Fred Meyers to stock up on supplies. We need to locate a place to stay for the night and get our bearings before proceeding up the coast. Our plan is to boondock all the way up the coast on the little pullouts and at visitor centers and such.

We check the GPS and other sources and find a place called Beachfront RV Park. Well, that sounds nice (and expensive)! So we decide to just drive down there and take a look...OMG!!!! The Pacific Ocean opens up in front of us!!! Simply AMAZING!!! The waves are so beautiful...strong, loud, powerful, blue, green, clear,,,yep, AMAZING!!!!

So, yes, it is a bit expensive for the best spots and we decide to splurge...I mean after all, how many times does a girl see the Pacific Ocean for the first time in her life!!  We pay for two nights. You literally look out the windshield and see the waves rolling in. You can hear the waves and smell the fresh salty air. There is a marina and we watch crabbing, fishing and shrimp boats coming in and out. The historic St. George Lighthouse is 6 miles off-coast and you can see her on a clear day. The people are all friendly, waving and saying hi, and they come in all shapes and sizes!! You know I am loving this place. They also have a laundromat and this is a very, very good thing!!

The campground is really a big parking lot with one RV lined up next to the other but it is also a city park. We have a good time watching people walk by, seeing vintage cars out on leisurely drives, and seeing the other RV's that are coming through. But the best thing we see...is the whales!!!


WHALES - Real Life Whales

We are walking down the sidewalk and as we go by a white pickup the guy inside says, "Hey, did you see the whales?" I, of course, let a little scream and run up to his truck..."What whales?" He points out to spot near a rock and says "Over there." and hands me his binoculars. "It's a momma and baby." he says. I am shrieking like a little kid on Christmas morning...oh my gosh, there are whales...I am seeing real life whales!!! I love that you see them and then you have to wait. Bill, as we finally learn his name, says "They will go deep before coming up again...just wait". "Be patient," I tell myself...and then there they are again!! OMG, it is just awesome seeing these creatures!! We hope for a tail shot but never do see the full tail! But we watched those whales for over an hour!! It was AMAZING!! Turns out it was a family of three humpback whales that were feeding.

We thank Bill tremendously and find out he had lost his wife earlier this year and is now in Brookings caring for his father, who has a brain tumor. My mom died of a brain tumor so I feel an instant connection with this kind man. He has a sweet and compassionate nature. Charlie and Bill talk about guy things and we are all instant friends.

Later that evening Charlie and I are walking along the beach and see a couple of seals pop up. Wow, whales and seals in one day!! How spectacular!! This just couldn't get any better! I think about the year we have had and how grateful I am to be standing here!! Our energies were really depleted and we needed these experiences to remind us of how amazing this world is!

We go to bed fully content!!

Charlie and Tammy