The coast redwoods are protected by several California State Parks and a National park. The various park entities work together to publish maps, manage trails and eradicate old forest roads. Today we drove on a very old road through ancient groves in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. It was a very foggy morning and chilly. The road started out paved, went up around a bunch of sharp curves until it was at the level where the redwoods thrive, and then suddenly became narrow and dark. The dirt road wound between 1000 year old redwoods. Sometimes the space between the trees was only inches wider than our truck with its big mirrors. Few cars were on this road so it was very quiet. We drove slowly among these ancient trees in absolute awe.
We stopped at a trail head into the Stout Grove of giant trees and walked down the silent path. The fog drifted among the tops of the trees. The Smith River runs along the grove and the rich soil from the flood plain has contributed to the growth of these colossal trees. Each time we were amazed by a tree we saw another one that was even more amazing. There is no way to describe the experience of looking up and up and up to the top of these massive trees. They have a presence. They seem to breathe. They are so alive. I love big trees. 
On the way back to camp we stopped by the ocean and found another rock covered with sea lions. There was a little patch of beach that was sunny. We watched the waves and enjoyed the birds and sea lions and said goodbye to the Pacific. Tomorrow we may catch a glimpse of it as we turn east and start the trek home. We talked with our children and grandchildren on Skype after we returned to the RV. We still have some fun things to do on the way back, but my traveling heart is starting to think about home.
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