Avenue of the Giants, July 30

We have all day to tour the Avenue of the Giants. We leave the trailer at the RV park, driving just the truck. At the first grove we stop to walk into the forest on a shady, woodsy trail. The trees are huge. We stand at the base and gaze up, up, and up some 300 feet into branches and bark. There are trees that have fallen that allow us to feel the scope of just how tall they were.

Big Trees

The "Immortal Tree" has survived flood, fire, lightening, and the axe and continues to flourish.

Further along is a tiny house complete with windows built inside the trunk of a redwood tree stump.

Anna wishes someone will put 20 bucks under her pillow

And then the Shrine Drive-through Tree. This time even though the sign says no pick-up trucks, Brokaw is determined to make it through. We get out the measuring tape. We tuck in the outside mirrors. It appears possible. I get out to take pictures and watch as the truck enters the tree...it really looks like the opening is too small. I hear some squeaking and I think it's too tight a fit, they should back out before they get stuck. Brokaw presses on. We draw a crowd. People are skeptical. Me too. And then, they are through. There is definitely a redwood stain on one door handle. One young man says he recorded the whole thing and will post the video on YouTube. If so, I'll post the link. And here it is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lj4T3zGUGuQ

Tight Squeeze

And Out The Other Side

We are in Bigfoot territory and the kids are fascinated. Sean buys a map of recorded Bigfoot sightings. Not any near where we are camping. Drat! We are hoping to see him. We discuss whether Bigfoot could be real....I tell them I believe in keeping my options open. So do they.

Bigfeet

Draw Your Own Conclusions

Anna's Favorite:  "Bigfoot is cool."
Message to Mom and Dad: "Do you know Bigfoot exists in reality?"

Sean's Favorite:  "Bigfoot exists and I will find him one day."
Message to Mom and Dad: "I still miss you."