Camping at the Redwoods and on the coast.

I couldn't help but add every photo I like that captured this trip.  After spending some time in "the ville", we left for a four day camping trip in the Redwoods and on the Northern California coast.  My mom and Turner brought their RV.  The time went by too fast.  We stayed at the Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park and then at Patrick's Point.  If you have never been to either, I HIGHLY recommend them!  The Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is situated IN the Redwoods.  IN the Redwoods!!!!  There are multiple breathtaking trails at the Park, and a meadow where the elk like to hang out.  Jonathan and I went on a run on the trails and ran into some elk along the way...some protective elk that had little ones.  Gratefully, we made it passed them :).  We also went on an 11 mile hike (you can drive there, but not with an RV) to Fern Canyon (which was well worth it!). And, of course, we spent some time at the beach.  We already can't wait to go back again.    

The kids were pretty excited about riding in the RV.

I got to spend some time riding next to this cutie.

This was our first camping spot at the Prairie Creek State Park.  Though our spot wasn't too secluded, it was only because we had a large RV.  The camping spots for tent campers are nicer. 

I know, we had the RV, but Jonathan and I felt like sleeping in a tent.

Olivia really got a kick out of climbing in and out of the tent.

The beginning of our 11 mile hike to Fern Canyon and back.

Yes, 11 miles.  The kids really were amazing....but, we probably won't do that long of a hike with young children again. 

Our little fungus friend.

Claire got a little tired of walking.

The backpack is full of our supplies for the day.

Grandpa Jones carried Claire for about half of our hike.  

One of our many stops.

Our hike through Fern Canyon.  We had to scale some large logs to cross through the canyon if we wanted to avoid getting wet.   Jacob loved the climbing parts.

Why is it so hard to just get everyone to smile and look in the same direction?

Claire fell asleep on Grandpa on the hike back.

While stopped to look at the elk Olivia was excited to look out the window - at the cars driving by.

In anticipation for another car to drive by.

Lunch, pre-sand.  Overlooking a beach in Trinidad.

We found a friend on the beach, an elephant seal that was taking some time off from swimming to molt.

Can't ever be too careful about getting wet! 

Jonathan can dig out some pretty cool trenches in the sand.

Again, difficulties in getting a good family picture. :)