After a restful stop at Fort Bragg, CA, Helen and I drove 200 miles due north to Klamath, CA. Our home for the next four days is the Klamath River Campground. Our mission was to walk among the massive Coastal Redwoods that have thrived in this area for thousands of years. Again, we were not disappointed by either our home or the trees.
I reserved a campsite at this campground many months ago, primarily for the favorable reviews on RV Trip Wizard. No one lied. The owner, an amiable fellow, assigned us to a grass-covered corner spot overlooking the scenic Klamath River. During our stay, I had many opportunities to photograph scenes of the area and around the campground that should give readers an idea of the peaceful setting we enjoyed. The owner also said I could use campground water to give Ruby and Dora the bath they both desperately needed.
Helen and I had two outings in Klamath. The first was a drive to Klamath Beach Overlook to view the sea lions gathered there to rest and feed. These large mammals assembled on the sand in what appeared to us as a small convention. Although we stood a hundred feet or more above their meeting place, we could hear them roar, grunt, and groan constantly. The roar of the Pacific did not overwhelm the chorus. The drive to the overlook took us by a beach where several photographers stood on the beach to take pictures of waves crashing on the sea stacks.
Our second outing accomplished what we came to Klamath to do–stand under the enormous coastal redwoods. We chose Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park for our hike. The two-mile trail took us along a beautiful stream and through a fern-laden forest dotted with wildflowers. With the first step, however, the redwoods became the focus of our attention. Information posters along the trail told us that many of these giants are over two thousand years old. The trunks of many of them are over twenty feet in diameter and reach a height of 200 feet or more. It is almost impossible to photograph an entire tree from ground to crown. I tried.
At one point on the hike, we approached The Big Tree, a redwood used as somewhat of a display model. This impressive piece of flora measured 286 feet in height, 23 feet in diameter, and estimated to be over 1500 years old. Standing beside this redwood, I found myself wishing that this tree could talk so that it could tell me the things it had witnessed over those 1500 years.
Alas, the tree won’t talk to us, so we’ll be Easin’ Along…mission accomplished. Join us next week at Crater Lake.
Beautiful Joe! Know you and Helen are having a great time!!
Good morning, Foster,
We’re blessed – and grateful for the opportunity. Thanks for checking in. Joe
Hi, Joe! Fabulous photos, lovely campground and impressive trees. Nothing like the redwoods (and sequoias) to make one feel rather small and humble. They’re just stunning, aren’t they?! You and Helen are certainly having yourselves a magnificent adventure!
Thanks, Mary,
I would love to trace the Redwoods back through time. Imagine what the world looked like when those things were seedlings! We are having a wonderful trip, especially so now that the temps have warmed a bit. Thanks for stopping by! Joe
The California redwoods are truly the hallmark of creation, and John Muir would agree 🙂 My turn to envy your walk among the redwoods and ferns; sounds absolutely delightful! Your campsite really looks nice with the grass and overlook of the river. I always love sea lions. Enjoy your drive to Crater Lake and stay cool!
Good morning, Terri,
You would love this place! Klamath River Campground is lovely, and Photo Ops are everywhere. So much to do, and so little time. Loved your post this weekend. Please stay in touch. Joe
Looks like another great spot to put on our list when we finally make it back to Cal.
Hi, Cammy,
You and Mike would love walking among these big trees. And…there is a beach to walk nearby, but watch out for the sea lions! We watched the church service this morning–you sounded great! Have a good week! Joe
I fully agree, Joe and Helen. If only trees could talk. What revealing stories we would hear!
Klamath River Campground looks stunning. Thank you for taking us there.
Donna,
You’re welcome! Still miffed we missed Victoria Island. Keep the Island pictures coming on Retirement Reflections so I can stay connected. Have a wonderful week! Joe
Those ancient trees are awe-inspiring, and I think you did a wonderful job of capturing how immense and beautiful they are. I love the photo of tiny Helen next to those giants! 🙂
Hi, Laurel,
I was blown away by the size of those trees, and walked almost the entire trail with my mouth agape. Helen will be thrilled when I let her know that you referred to her as “tiny.” Great to hear from you. Loved your latest post!
Joe, there is (or WAS) one big ol’ redwood (in CA, I believe) that had a trunk cutout through which a roadway passed and you were invited to drive your car through it. I have a picture of our 1985 Suburban “easin’ through” it…. I’ll find that pic, and send to you via Faceboook Messenger.
Guy
Hello, Guy,
Great to hear from you! Send it on! I would love to see it. We’re having a great time this summer and still have about six weeks left before returning to Knoxville. Thanks for stopping by, and please stay in touch! Joe