More from the Redwoods

This entire area is made up of many different parks, both National and State and most deal with the Redwoods. I decided that I’d try my luck a little further south in an area that I had past through Sunday on my way to Crescent City. The original destination was “Lady Bird Johnson Grove” and do the 1 mile loop; while I did end up there the getting there was much more fun. I had also past a sign on Sunday which gives drives a scenic diversion from the 101 which itself is very scenic; I figured if they’re advertising this stretch as being more scenic I’d have to go, the problem was that I couldn’t remember where I saw the sign.

The scenic drive happened to be on my way to Lady Bird so I decided to take it. For those of you who are keeping track, the drive is along the “Newton B Drury Scenic Parkway” and you really don’t want to miss it. Is it better than “Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park”? It’s not better nor is it worse; it offers a different scenic landscape one which I spent the majority of my day in.

For those who might not know, a mature redwood tree is huge, we’re talking a trunk which is measured in yards not feet (I’ve attached an image showing a comparison between my Ford Edge 4 door parked next to one of these and that wasn’t the largest); anyway as I was driving on the parkway I came to a wayside called “Big Tree Wayside”. Now I figured that the folks naming this stuff either ran out of the cool names or they where just having some fun so I decided to stop and see. Turns out that yes there were some big trees as well as an extensive walking/hiking trail which I took. Several hours and many miles (and several images) later I arrived at the Elk Prairie Visitor Center and Park Headquarters where I rested up for the 1.5 mile walk back to the car (I actually had the choice of walking on the road which would have been slightly more than ½ mile).

After finding the car and collapsing in the drivers seat I continued to Lady Bird. I’m not going to write much about Lady Bird as frankly I didn’t like it; guess I’ve gotten too spoiled by what I’ve seen so far.

Again for those who are keeping track; I plan on returning to Jedediah as well as Big Tree but first I’m driving up the coast tomorrow into Oregon.

Hope you enjoy the images.

I want to add a side note here. I was asked several months ago to submit a couple images to Phase One (they made one of my cameras as well as the digital back I use). I woke this morning to see that Phase One has me listed on their website as “Photographer of the Week”. Needless to say I’m very honored and pleased with this. If you’re interested in seeing some of the landscape images go to PhaseOne.

Thank you for visiting

Don

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This posted has been edited to correct some stupid typos!