california-day 3

One of my bucket-list items for this trip was going to see the Redwoods.  We figured out that we could all fit into the truck, so we cozied up and headed to the Santa Cruz mountains :)  Nay Nay read to the kids nearly the whole way there...

We parked at the Roaring Camp entrance, left Papa on a bench to enjoy the fresh air, and walked through the trees at the Henry Cowell State Park. I felt really bad doing that, but he really doesn't have much strength or endurance with his legs.  Thankfully, it was a beautiful day with a nice breeze, so he claims he didn't mind one bit.  

At the entrance to the trails, they have a huge cross-section of the oldest know coastal redwood tree.  It sprouted and began to grow more than 2,200 years ago. They even have a marker dating back to the birth of Jesus and when the modern calendar began.  

A sign near the cross section read:  "Like the pages of a book, the rings of a tree tell the story.  Since a tree produces a new ring every year, its age can be discovered by counting its rings.  Tree rings also reveal climate changes such as plentiful rainfall or drought.  With enough rain a tree will produce more growth and the tree ring will be wider.  Tree rings carry information about other changes in the environment like insect attacks and floods.  Even burn scars from fires can be seen in the rings."

The trees were incredibly majestic.  I wanted to take pictures of everything even though I knew the images would never do them justice!

Along the trail, we came to the "Fremont Tree."  It was named after a man named John Fremont (know as "The Pathfinder", who came through the forest in 1846. It was reported that he spent the night in this burnt-out hollow redwood tree.  The kids were a little freaked out about going inside, but once Kevin was in, they followed.  All 5 of us fit comfortably inside, but it was crazy dark without the use of our flashlights!

This tree is known as "The Giant", stands 270 feet tall and 17 feet wide, and is almost as high as a 25-story building.  And to think that it grew from a seed the size of an oatmeal flake!!

After our walk, we boarded Dixiana, an 1880's steam train, to take a tour of another section of the redwoods.  Although it was super pricey (Thanks for paying, M & D!!) and hot, it gave my dad an opportunity to experience the trees and we learned a ton.

My little guy was super disappointed to find out that they weren't doing the train robbery reenactment, so he laid his head on me and the train quickly lulled him to sleep. But he woke up as soon as we stopped and watched the trees go by.

At the mid-way point, they allowed us to get off the train and take a look around. We basically just took more pictures of Dixiana in all her glory. 

Then we headed back to Roaring Camp...

We planned on going to a swimming hole called the Garden of Eden, but it was very unclear how to get there and it seemed like sheer cliff, so we hiked down to the river bank instead.  

It only took Colby about 5 seconds to fall completely into the chilly water. 

Kevin took a few pictures, and his selfie was cracking me up...

The views were stunning and we all loved the adventure. Except Papa, who was waiting for us in the car because there was no way he could have made the hike down to the river.)

Such a fun way to end our adventure in the Redwoods!!

We made it home, ate some dinner, then headed to Rite Aid for my favorite childhood ice cream. I was the only one brave enough to do my double scoop on a cone, but I quickly turned it upside down into a cup, haha.  Chocolate Malted Crunch is my fav!!

Best day EVER!