I'm an adventurous soul on a mission to explore all 63 national parks. My passion lies in crafting short stories and sharing personal photographs that capture the essence of these remarkable journeys. Through my words and images, I strive to convey...
Just two days into our Highway 101 drive, and nature's already showing off its breathtaking wonders. As we entered the land of the Redwoods, I couldn't believe my eyes. An unexpected 'Oh my gosh' slipped out as I gazed at these enormous trees.
Redwood National Park, tucked along Northern California's coastline, shelters these giants – the Sequoia sempervirens, or the 'always living' trees in Latin. These ancient coast redwoods stand over 300 feet tall and live for a whopping 2,000 years.
Picture trees stretching beyond 300 feet – taller than a 30-story building! Some boast trunks wider than 25 feet – wider than two side-by-side shipping containers! Being among something so huge and old felt unreal. Some of these trees have been thriving for over thousands of years!
Staying focused on the road was tough with these towering giants all around. Each tree commanded attention, their strong presence filling my senses. Their green canopy painted a beautiful picture in the sky, turning the drive into a magical storybook.
Then, a sign for a drive-through tree caught our eye. The thought of driving through a living tree felt like an exciting adventure. The Shrine Tree, hollowed by fire long ago, became a tunnel-like path over time. And there's a place where cars can drive on top of a redwood! All these fun activities for a small fee – definitely worth it!
Touching the bark of these giants, seeing the stories of centuries in their patterns, and looking up made me feel small yet filled with an overwhelming sense of wonder. Their enduring beauty amazed me. The wisdom of the Redwoods spoke loudly:
Stand tall, anchor roots deep, Embrace your natural beauty, Take risks, stay grounded, savor life's sights!
Our journey along the Pacific Coast Highway was filled with breathtaking stops! From the iconic Bixby Bridge and stunning Big Sur, to dining at Nepenthe and marveling at McWay Falls. We even visited the grandeur of Hearst Castle. But my favorite part was staying at the Madonna Inn, in the Safari Room, a room that felt like a wild adventure with its jungle theme – wooden carvings, animal prints, and a rock shower that seemed like an animal's playground!
As we headed to our desert home along Interstate 10, passing familiar spots like the Cabazon dinosaurs, the wind turbines, and the majestic Mt. San Jacinto, it felt like meeting old friends again. Another fantastic journey captured in our hearts!
Next up, we're at White Sands National Park, where the sands gleam as white as snow. There, I'll be taking my mom dune sledding in what feels like an adult-sized sandbox – closing one chapter of adventure and eagerly anticipating the next!
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