First stop was the Redwood Visitor Center.  We marveled at the waves, walked amongst the rocks and driftwood.  The ranger told us of waves that came almost to the building.  We planned our time between north and south and headed out to commune with the trees. The park is divided into the northern and southern sections.  It’s long and narrow.  The north is harder to access but worth the trip.  We camp in the middle at Elk Valley Campground.  Day 1 we visit the ranger station, obtain trail passes for Tall Trees Trail and then travel north to the Oregon border crossing into the park just south of Grants Pass.  We try to drive straight through but I cannot resist stopping to see the elk grazing near the road or taking a moment to hug a redwood that stands like a sentinel on the scenic byway. We spent time alone at Stout Grove, marveling at the majesty.  Feeling blessed to enjoy the forest in solitude.  We drove the old stagecoach trail winding through the giant trees on hard packed dirt.  It …

I was thinking of renaming this post but any label I add will not justify the raw power, beauty and relentless force of the sea and storms.  We arrived here from the snow, edging through Portland still reeling from the 15″ snow storm.  We traveled to the coast across the ridge of foothills.  The signs requiring chains ignored in favor of the sunny crisp winter day. I was panicking a bit.  I had hoped for sunshine and a mild climate.  After all the last 8 years had been mild and gorgeous winters.  At least from afar, not so for natives especially farther inland.  The mild weather meant severe drought, lack of snow for winter activities and West Coasters forgetting what winter weather really felt like. We braved the windy road and headed down the coast.  We chose an RV Campground with a large heated pool (84 degrees) and a hot tub.   We spent time each day swimming laps and soaking.  It was crazy having such a cool facility.  Of course cell service was non-existent. There was a short walk to the beach.  …

“Snow shoeing?  In the snow?  I am escaping winter.  Why would I want to go to the snow?  They have feet of snow.” Joel exclaims in dismay. “You have to.  What could be cooler than snow shoeing at Mt Rainier?  It’s a national park. Who wouldn’t want to do that?”  I replied. “Besides, we need our stamp.”  The good old passport stamp.  It’s a bit hokey but it gets you to the outer limits of parks and keeps you going when you might opt for less strenuous relaxation. It snows at Mt Rainier over 100 feet of snow a year.  The record is a few inches shy of 120 feet in a single season.  It’s incredibly beautiful, rugged and an adventure in snow travel.  Chains required.  Road open 9-4pm.   Don’t be on the other side of the gate when they lock it or you better have a sleeping bag. We hiked, saw hot pots, historical shelters and meadows of snow.   We photographed ice crystals.   We viewed the mountain glacier in its freshly painted white.  It was framed by the baby …

Day 1 Off to Seattle