Return to Ferngully...I mean Fern Canyon

As I drove north from Ukiah, CA this morning, I entered Redwood country.  After spending so much time in the dry, desert-like southern part of the state, it was refreshing to see everything so green.  In my past road trips, I had my trusty Chevy Blazer to take me everywhere.  And, while visiting the redwoods, I drove that Blazer through a few drive-thru trees.  Wanting to carry on that tradition with my new Outback, I went to the Chandler Drive-Thru Tree in Leggett.  With the Memorial Day holiday weekend, it was surprising busy.  I had to wait in line behind half a dozen cars ahead of me.  When it was my turn, I took pics of my car before I went through and after...no room to get out once you're in.  And, yes, my car fit...barely! 

I continued driving, and decided to stop for lunch when I reached Humboldt Redwoods State Park.  The trees are so majestic towering over you...almost a religious experience.

Continuing on, I arrived at my final destination of the day, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.  As I turned off the highway, there was an elk viewing area adjacent to the road.  There were about 30 elk grazing and resting.  One of the last remaining herds of Roosevelt elk are located at Prairie Creek.  Most of the elk I saw were does and half-grown fawns...I only saw one buck with velvet antlers.

One of the biggest attractions in Prairie Creek is Fern Canyon, a narrow canyon with steep, damp walls covered with ferns and mosses.  The canyon was used as a location in the movie, Jurassic Park 2: The Lost World.  I had visited Fern Canyon in the past, but it didn't go so well.  At the time, there was quite a bit of water flowing through the canyon, so my boots got soaked.  In addition, I tripped over a log and bruised my shin pretty good.  Most disappointing, though, it was too early in the year for ferns.  This time around, everything went much better...for the most part anyway.  When I got to the canyon, everything was lush and green, and there was much less water.

I started at the far end of the canyon and slowly walked out, trying not to get my feet wet.  I was wearing a pair of good quality waterproof hiking shoes, so things went well.  I stepped on logs when I could, and picked the shallowest part of the creek to cross when I had to.  As I neared the end of the canyon, I was patting my own back that I avoided dunking my feet when I suddenly slipped on a log.  I tried to jump the rest of the way, but a little water got into the back of my shoes.  Rats!  I was walking back to the parking lot when I encountered a man and his daughter coming toward me in the opposite direction.  I moved to the far right and misjudged the edge of the trail.  My right foot dipped down and I nearly face planted on the trail.  How embarrassing!  With only my ego bruised, I brushed off my dusty clothes, and cursed my clumsiness. 

Well, tomorrow is the last day of activity on my road trip.  It will be a zoo day...and a lot of driving.  My vacation has been fun, but it's time to call it quits and head on home.  It seems like I've been gone so long because I have.  It will be nice to sleep in my own bed and hug my cat!