REDWOODS NATIONAL PARK

June 29, 2006 (8.5 miles)
Long drive this morning up to the redwoods on the slow, curvy roads. Stopped at the visitor center first thing to get a permit for Tall Trees Grove. The drive in was almost as long as the hike, but it was worth it to see some of the tallest trees in the world. Lots of Stellar's Jays around and another new one for me, the Hammond's Flycatcher. Next, we stopped in Oreck to get quarters for the state park showers, then headed out on the Coastal Trail. Since it was getting late and we had to set up camp, shower, and eat before the 8:30pm campfire program "Brainy Birds", we stopped at the overlook and didn't go all the way to the beach. It was a good plan because I saw another new bird, a juvenile Gray Jay. It was super cute and really interested in us. Back at camp, we had showers that were more like power washes, then chowed down on our delicious freeze-dried meals. I finally got a better look at a Swainson's Thrush. Oh yeah, other cool wildlife sightings today were Roosevelt Elk and a covy of California Quail (7+ babies)! Other cool things about the Coastal Trail were the Skunk Cabbage and ferns. It felt like walking through a rain forest... that and the trail was mostly level with lots of bridged stream crossings.

Tall Trees Grove

June 30, 2006 (7 miles)
Great short hike this morning! Parked at the beach and saw some more elk, then wandered into Fern Canyon where the climate was cool and misty. The canyon walls were literally dripping with Five-finger Ferns and there were many Lady and Sword Ferns mixed in. We finally saw some amphibians, a newt and a frog. After finding a camp spot for the night at the north end of the park, we headed out on a scenic drive along the Smith River (which I rafted part of once, much further inland, while I was in college), then hiked down to Boy Scout Tree and Fern Falls. It was another relaxing and fragrant hike, and the falls were really beautiful. Not huge, but cool with the contrast between the dark rocks and bright green ferns. Saw another new bird on this hike, the Varied Thrush, which was gorgeous. We saw some Band-tailed Pigeons too... they sound like creepy owls. In addition to the cool birds, we saw a Rough-skinned Newt and get this... a Pacific Giant Salamander... eating a Banana Slug! Yes, we have pictures. Did you know it's good luck to kiss a Banana Slug? Good thing I did it back in 6th grade at Science Camp, and Jay did it back at Point Reyes. Although it was gross to watch, the salamander was really pretty, even iridescent. The weird thing about the trail (and the others we've hiked here, actually) is the number of dead shrews (7) and mice (3) we've seen just lying in the middle of the path. We stopped by the visitor center to report it (maybe due to a cold snap?), just in case... along with some rule-breakers who had dogs on the trail. Then we hit Crescent City for coffee and phone calls, while there was cell reception. Stopped by the beach and saw some Common Loons, Whimbrels, and crabs. All in all, a good day. Now, if we can just get Jay's shins feeling better... Maybe a few days off at Robyn and Stephen's house will do him some good. I know it will for me... I can't wait to see those two!

Roosevelt Elk at the beach

Five-fingered Ferns cover the walls of Fern Canyon

On the trail out to Fern Falls and the Boyscout Tree (where's bigfoot?)