Escapees March-April 2019 Vol 40 Issue 5

SKP Stops

   Humboldt County, California             

despair if you are there on a foggy day. It is easier to photograph when the light is soft. There’s a unique motorhome display at the Redwoods State Park visitor center, between Weott and Myers Flat, next to Burlington Campground. This “travel-log” was carved from a single eight-ton redwood log and mounted on a Nash Quad chassis. Built in 1917, it was hollowed, using adze and axe, by Charles Kellogg, famous as a naturalist noted for his ability to sing bird songs. The Eel River is a designated wild and scenic river, and it can be wild. Watch for the high-water sign in Weott. The 35-foot pole designates the high-water mark from a devastating winter storm in 1964. The park is designated as a world heritage site and international biosphere. There is no charge to drive through. During the summer months, reservations are needed for the campgrounds, and there are length limits. There are also private parks along the route. To get to Avenue of the Giants, take the easy exit at Phillipsville, about 20 miles north of Garberville, if heading north, or the Pepperwood exit heading south, about 45 miles below Eureka. There are additional exits/ entrances along the route. Inside the groves, all the senses come into play, with a scent unique to the environment and quiet that is reverential. The size of the trees dwarfs all else, and with ages up to 1,500 years old, they make most other species a brief blip in time.       

                                                                         T his magical 31-mile drive travels through Humboldt Redwoods State Park and several small communities. According to the park’s information, it is the “largest expanse of ancient redwoods left on the planet.” Viewing from the road as you drive is spectacular, but parking allows visitors to walk through the redwoods. An auto tour describes several of the nature walks. The trails range from a half-mile to several miles, and most are level and easy. Founder’s Grove, one of the best known, is a short half-mile round trip. I am fond of the Drury-Chaney Grove. Anyone interested in architecture will want to see the covered hearthstone shelter in the Women’s Federation Grove, designed by Julia Morgan. Inside the groves, it is cool and shady. Sorrel covers the ground and ferns sprout from downed redwoods. The coast redwoods thrive in this small, geographic area because of the wet winters and frequent summer fogs. However, there is less fog along Avenue of the Giants than among the trees that are closer to the coast. Don’t

 

29

 