Redwoods camping trip

For Tristan's birthday we decided to do something out of the ordinary and take our kids camping.  We purchased a tent about 6 months ago and decided this was a good opportunity to break it in.  I've always wanted to see the Redwoods so that's where we decided to go.  It was such an awesome place.  The forests were amazing.  The soft ground muffles sounds and there were very few animals or birds.  Even with the kids running around the atmosphere was so peaceful and still.  I'm so glad I can cross that off my bucket list.  We also visited Crescent City, California.  We camped at the Del Norte Mill Creek campground.  We went to Stouts grove and did a few trails through Jedediah Smith National Forest.  Definitely an experience to be had rather than read about.  We travelled south to Trees of Mystery on the recommendation of some friends.  The park was really cool with a 50 ft. tall Paul Bunyon and Skycoaster up the mountain through the tree tops.  As well as lots of trails with notable trees pointed out and named.  We learned about octopus trees (a tree that grows over a fallen log), burls (the large knots on the side of the tree), and how redwoods grow.  Did you know that a new tree can attach to an older one and share the same root system?  One of the trees at Trees of Mystery is 12 trees sharing one root, called the Family Tree.  We visited the lighthouse in Crescent City and looked at the tide pools.  It was chilly but a lot of fun.  I'm so glad we went!

Holes large enough to climb inside the tree.

Some trees become hollow inside.

There are our little people with huge trees!

Lunch and the age old past time of rocks in the river.

She's riding her shark

The Cathedral tree.  This picture didn't turn out, but it's 7 trees growing in a clump.  Lots of weddings are held here.  There is a permanent pulpit in front of the group.

The Brotherhood tree - largest at ToM.

Brotherhood tree.

Waiting for the trip up the mtn.

Proof he did it.  He stopped to smell the flowers.

We took 101 North to come home and I love driving the coast.  The cliff views over the ocean are breathtaking and it was sunset.  Though, my pictures didn't turn out at all.

We stopped for a potty break and discovered some DINOs

Strangely familiar....

Even the bridge was like Charleston.

Best camping trip ever.