The Avenue of the Giants is is one of so many breathtaking and unique features that make California such an amazing state. Less than an hour ago, we were relaxing on the coast, now we are in the middle of towering redwoods—hearing them creak ominously.
While there isn't much left to see at Hobbiton, USA, there is more than just a defunct roadside attraction to access from the same parking lot. The Living Chimney Tree gained its titular characteristic in 1914 when a fire hollowed out this 78 foot tall tree without actually killing it. The resulting charred inner room is about 12 feet in diameter and stretches so high that it is difficult to see where the chamber ends. I wouldn't have been against setting up camp inside for a night. There certainly was plenty of room. When it comes to burnt out trees, this one is pretty remarkable. It makes for a pretty short stop: walk in, turn around, sing a song to test the acoustics, then exit.
We are programmers. We've copped to that. So, I suppose it goes without saying that Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings films were not our first exposure to the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. When I discovered that there was the remnants of an old hobbit themed roadside attraction in the redwoods, we were going there.
We do try to keep our journeys rational and high brow. Yet, every once and a while, we can't help but be pulled in by a pseudoscientific tourist trap:
Once we had explored Glass Beach, it was time to head up the coast and inland to the redwoods. Yet, not far outside of Fort Bragg, we came across the Pacific Star Winery tasting room, perched atop the ocean bluffs. Along with its stunning views and pleasant owner, the winery sports a solid Tempranillo.
Last night, the temperatures plummeted but this morning we woke up hot. The sun beat down on our truck shell giving us the extra spur to get up and head out early. The tide tables indicated that low tide would be at 8am. I must have read them wrong because it was high tide when we arrived at the shore. All the same, we trotted out to glass beach, an accidental oddity on the California coast.
With the fire behind us but on our mind, we were extra conscientious campers today. We headed due west for Mendocino. The drive spanned the temperature gamut: from 100 degree golden rolling hills, spotted with oak, to 56 degrees in the Redwoods, overlooking Fort Bragg. Our destination was Russian Gulch campground. Apparently, it was the destination of many, because the grounds were filled by the time we arrive. Fortunately, the ranger not only advised us on where to go instead but called ahead and arranged for the last spot to be held for us. We arrived in MacKerricher State Park campground 15 minutes later and happily paid for out camp site.
Hindu Temple nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains, California
Bodie is the gold standard of ghost towns. Where other ghost towns have ten or so old buildings in varying degrees of disrepair or renovation, Bodie may only have 10% of its original structures but that still accounts for 110 structures preserved in a state of arrested decay. There is a stamp mill with it's original machinery literally falling through the floor, off kilter structures, and occasional doorways that lead to...nowhere.
It's hard to believe that just a few days ago we were sweating it out in Death Valley. Now, we are perched above June Lake, with a view that takes reservations to procure, and a smug sense of satisfaction. The only down side with the picturesque Oh! Ridge Campground, though, is the wind. It sweeps over the lake and hits us with a ferocity that I though was reserved for a response to the dozens. I haven't said anything mean about June Lake's mama, but the wind is certainly fierce.