To Brookings OR or Bust

 Excited to finally get into AirBnB but- check in was 4pm.  What to do.  Drove north into Crescent City, CA and decided to go to Jedediah Smith State Park which is run in conjunction with Redwoods National Park.  Went to the visitor's center, was informed of a couple easy hikes and off we went.  But first we thought we were heading to the visitor's center and entered a park which is part of the National Park and it was a day use/campground right on the Smith River.  Pretty.  Lots of driftwood. Took some snaps then went 800 feet up road to the actual visitor's center.  

Smith River

Very large Redwoods

Based on their suggestion, traveled to Stout Memorial Grove which has some impressive redwoods.  These are very giant trees.  We thought how beautiful the grove would be when it was snowing.  Parking very limited but did squeeze in and walked the quick 1 mile trail and continued on the dirt road for another 8 miles and came back to Crescent City.  Saw elk which are very plentiful just grazing on the front lawn of the elementary school.

Kids on top of fallen redwood

Dave standing beside a fallen tree

Family was recreating a pose from when kids were young

Car was filthy so we found car wash, then went into the harbor of Crescent City and looked at the marina and views - brought back memories of us sailing on Lake Erie.  Saw in the distance a light house and found our way there.  Walked along the boardwalk, took pictures, saw the tide was in so we could not walk to the lighthouse for a tour.  Only reach the lighthouse during low tide.  Still very picturesque.

Time now approaching check in time, we got groceries enough for a couple of days and then got into the Airbnb at exactly 4pm.  Wow!  Magnificent views!  We just stared out the windows for at least an hour then I made a quick dinner, we watched the sunset and the fog roll in, and collapsed for the night.  We made it!

View from living room window