This gives you some idea of the size of these trees, which
are several hundred years old. They really need to be
experienced - photos or stories just don't do them justice.
As "Avenue of the Giants" is a 2 lane road, with giant trees on both sides, sometimes on the edge of the road, there aren't many places to pull over. But we did find one.
This gives you some idea of the size of these trees, which
are several hundred years old. They really need to be
experienced - photos or stories just don't do them justice.
Eventually the trees succumb - either to old age, or wind,
or some other natural event. Even earthquakes have an effect -
somewhere I have a photo of a large redwood which happened
to be across the fault, and the base split when the ground
moved in the 1906 earthquake!
That's Yvonne way back in there!
How many people does it take to hold hands around a redwood?
From here we meandered along, absorbing the atmosphere
of these giant trees. And enjoying the peace and quiet.
But, alas, the road ends, and we rejoin Highway 101,
which leads through Fortuna to Eureka.
We have been laughing about this ever since. Fortunately
Peter and Yvonne were quick enough to get their camera out
and snap this photo before the vehicle moved on.
Ah, Fortuna, you'll long be remembered! Not that "Mr Rooter"
is Fortuna only, of course - it's a nationwide franchise!
We followed the highway along to Crescent City before taking 199 inland towards Grants Pass. This is a wonderfully scenic route, especially the California section as it follows the Smith River valley, again through giant trees, and coming in to the western end of Grant's Pass. We checked in to the hotel, cleaned up and went for dinner at Shari's.
Leaving San Francisco
RtW Tour Page