Wanderlust Wishes

It's been quite a rainy day in Georgia, so how about we take a little trip? Let's go across the country to Northern California, home of Humboldt Redwoods State Park.



Photograph by Michael Nichols

Follow along after the jump...

Did you know that Redwood trees depend on fog for thirty percent of their water intake? Their branches trap the fog and help bring moisture to the forest below.




Drury-Chaney Trail - Photo by Julie Kirschbaum

 

 

This State Park covers over 53,000 acres, is home to hundreds of campsites and has over one hundred miles of hiking, biking trails, and equestrian trails. Riding horses through the historic, giant Redwoods? Sign me up.




Eel River

After a long hike, we could take a dip in Eel River to rinse off the sweat. Supposedly, this is also a great place to fish for Salmon and Steelhead, although you have to wait until fall and winter when the water lever has raised after the summer drought.




Avenue of the Giants

If you aren't so much of a hiking fan, the 31-mile 'Avenue of the Giants' runs parallel to Highway 101 and winds its way through the forest. It was originally built in the 1880s as a stagecoach and wagon road, but has since been updated and is now also known as State Route 254. There are eight auto tour stops along this scenic drive that give you a place to stretch your legs and tell you a little bit about the area.




Hearthstone at the Women's Federated Grove, courtesy Avenue of the Giants

Wouldn't this be a lovely place to stop, light a fire in the hearth and share mug of something warm? Pull over on stop number five and a short hike will get you to the Hearthstone. Looks a bit like Hansel & Gretel, so don't forget to drop your breadcrumbs!

+Avenue of the Giants has lots of neat photographs from around the web with fun little "where's this taken" guessing games for anyone who's ever been there.

Have any of you been lucky enough to see a Redwood in person?