Exploring the Redwoods

It was a bit of a crazy morning with school work and barking dogs, but we eventually pulled ourselves together and headed into the Redwood Forest. What an amazing experience to share with the kids. Ron and Wyatt had run out of pants to wear (I have to do laundry today), so they wore shorts with long socks pulled up.They looked like they were ready to hike in the Swiss Alps, and perhaps this made them feel more adventurous because they were very excited to set off hiking amongst the giant redwoods.  

Before I became a teacher I used to age ancient cedars for the Ministry of Forests. I spent a lot of time hiking in old growth forests in BC and I find this type of ecosystem fascinating. To be walking beside ancient giants reaching to the sky is incredible and humbling. The life that these trees have had and the world events they have been alive for is astounding. We were all in awe as we walked through the forest. I could not get over how quiet it was. So incredibly peaceful. After our chaotic morning this was a much needed Zen moment for all of us. 

I have to say that I loved talking to Ariel and Wyatt about this incredible ecosystem. It was a really fun hands-on science lesson and I enjoyed feeling like I was passing on some of my knowledge to the kids.  We explored the Simpson Reed Grove Trail and the Peterson Memorial Trail. Ariel and Wyatt learned about how fallen trees become nurse logs and provide nutrients for new seedling growth. 

We also talked about the shallow root system of these redwoods. The plentiful rain that this forest receives means the roots do not have to dig deep for water, but the shallow roots mean they do not have much support. This is disadvantageous when strong storms blow through. To help anchor themselves, these giants will actually intertwine their roots with neighbouring trees. They become a true network of support for each other.  

As we walked through the forest the kids noticed that some of the trees had black bark.  This is because redwoods actually have a natural defense against forest fires. Their thick, spongy bark is around 12 centimetres thick and can reach 1.2 metres thick at the base of the tree. This, along with the water-based sap they produce, helps to protect them from flames. Ariel and Wyatt were fascinated at yet another example of how amazing nature is at trying to take care of itself. It was a great walk full of science, and I believe Ariel and Wyatt left with a greater appreciation for the forest and with a wish that that these ancient giants will be protected forever.  

The kids love the rivers within these National Parks so we headed to the Smith River. The water level is not very high right now and apparently the King Salmon are all at the river’s mouth waiting for the fall storms to bring more rain so they can swim upstream to spawn. I can just imagine what the quiet river looks like when the salmon arrive. We let the pups stretch their legs and the kids played with their toys along the river’s edge. Ron took a moment to fish even though he knew he would likely not catch anything. It was just being present in the moment and taking it all in.  

I will admit that there was a definite nip in the air and we all had to bundle up a bit more than normal. It has been awhile since we have felt the cool damp air of the Pacific Coast. Ron got his fishing line caught in the small river and since Wyatt was already wet and in shorts he bravely went in to retrieve his dad’s line. Wyatt walked up to his thighs and heroically freed the fishing line. However, on his proud walk back to shore he slipped and fell into the water up to his waist. At this moment our peaceful river retreat was over. I can understand his grief because it was a bit chilly.  Our poor little dude. We all hustled back into the truck and cranked up the heat.  

Since hopes of hiking were over at this point, we took what we called a driving hike along Howland Hill Road and it was amazing. We felt like we were the only ones driving through an incredible forest. The road was so narrow (with pullouts for oncoming traffic) and we drove alongside huge standing redwoods. We loved it!  It reminded me of the forests around Tofino, BC where Ron and I got married. That is one place that all 4 of us can’t wait to visit again. It holds so many special memories.  

We went to Seaquest Brewery for lunch and along the way dried off Wyatt’s shorts using maximum hot defrost in the truck.  We all lost a few pounds in the sauna we created, but if Wyatt was willing to stop for lunch it was worth it. The lunch was delicious and the beer was cold. The wind outside at the brewery was also pretty cold but we persevered. I told the kids that their Canadian blood would keep them warm, but I am not sure that convinced them. I have never seen Ariel and Wyatt eat so fast lol.

From there it was back to camp for a long night of laundry. I do believe this is the last time I have to do laundry on the road and I am pretty excited. It sounds crazy but I will be so happy to see my nice high capacity washer and dryer. I might even give them a hug and say thank you.  When you have to do laundry on the road at campgrounds they never seem to have large enough washing machines. The dryers are huge but take a long time to dry clothes. On average we spend about 25 dollars each time we do laundry. 

It has been a brisk day, sonRon did what he does to the furnace and it now works again. A jiggle and jostle here and there and it fired up. Hurray! It will be a nice and cozy night. I am so excited to get our home on wheels into the RV shop for a tune up. She needs a spa day just as much as I do!

Goodnight from California!