Day 2 - Avenue of the Giants

Our day started in San Jose and then we drove and drove the day away around the bay away from San Fran and connected to the 101 near Novato, CA. Driving the 101 up to Eureka was a treat. The scenery changed from urban to rolling hills with vineyards to slow winding hills through thick forests.

As usual, we made a stop every hour to two hours to stretch and such.

snack in a grocery store parking lot. It was about 80 degrees.


we stopped here for a picnic snack where the temperature was in the high 80's


Next, we drove through Richardson Grove State Park. Hwy. 101 goes right through it. Just beautiful!

I loved seeing the Redwoods. Next time I go I will be there for a week so I can hike all the trails and see some of the super giants in the more remote groves. I also missed Fern Canyon in Redwood National Park (day three). Next time.



I had the hardest time taking pictures in the Redwood Forest. It was so dark!

We stopped and hiked in Humboldt Redwood State Park. It is along the Avenue of the Giants route.



Avenue of the Giants




When we reached Eureka, our next stop, around 6ish the temperature was in the 50's. Of course our kids still wanted to go swimming. And they did.

Day 1 - Lots of driving and Fort Tejon State Park

Day one we drove mostly on California interstate highway from our house to our destination, our friend Carly's house to stay the night.

Our first stop was several hours into our drive at Fort Tejon Historic State Park. I have driven past this park many times and never stopped. James and I are glad we stopped as this park is a great place for a picnic and pit stop.



We toured some adobes from the original fort which was established around 1854 and looked in awe at the 400 year oaks on the property. The history is interesting (the camel experience) and we also enjoyed some much needed exercise.



this little guy was looking for handouts as we ate


A man named Peter Lebec was killed by a grizzly in the area. Someone created a ceramic man and grizzly which details the event visually. Serena loved it. For days after our visit to this park and even at the end of the road trip she would say her favorite part of the trip was the man who was killed by the bear.

Three year old children say the darnedest things.

approx. miles driven - 400
about 7 hours