Our trip next took us to northern California and Redwood National & State Parks. As we learned from a park ranger, it is the only park in the US that is BOTH National & State. The park, near the northern limit of the coast redwood’s narrow range, preserves the remnants of a forest that once covered two million acres and, at the turn of the 20th century, was badly threatened by logging. The state of California and the Save-the-Redwoods League came to the rescue by acquiring hundreds of groves and protecting them within 26 state parks. Three redwood state parks—Jedediah Smith, Del Norte Coast, and Prairie Creek—were encompassed by the national park when it was created in 1968.[source] Most people know Redwood as home to the tallest trees on Earth. It is indeed that and more. We were fortunate to share space with these giants, enjoy Fern Canyon, the ocean coastline and catch salmon in the estuary during our stay. Our campsite was situated right along the Klamath River, though chilly & foggy in the morning and evening, provided a lovely backdrop for our stay. We even took in several rounds of table tennis at the campground. So much fun!
We hiked among the mighty Redwoods our first day. Anyone who has ever been in their presence will attest to how small you feel – in many ways. Understanding how long some of these giants have held their place here brings that moment of awareness of my infinitesimal smallness in the scope of this world. But that was a moment – long or short lived, small or big, we all have that possibility of making an impact on this world. The indigenous Yurok inhabit this land and we learned much about their past and present from our visit.
We did get to see “Big Tree” which is just a tourist attraction since we got to see other bigger trees. It’s just that Big Tree is big and old and in a convenient spot for tourists to see and appreciate and take pictures. So did we.
Trail hike amp is a bit messed up cause I forgot to turn it off as we drove away LOL!
That afternoon we hiked along the coast to Hidden Beach. Challenging hike but we got through and enjoyed the trek.
We also discovered that even if a campsite advertises free WiFi it doesn’t mean you get access to it! That’s ok, we’re used to it by now. Just don’t promise it!
On Monday we headed out early to meet our fishing guide Mick Thomas. Been a long time since we woke to an alarm at 5:30am. He took us out salmon fishing in the Klamath River estuary. We met him at the dock, boarded his jet boat, flew over some pretty low water, skimming rocks to get there and trolled until we hooked. In the meantime we shared stories and pictures. Mick so in love with his granddaughter Jolene who turned 1 the day before. He also showed us some of his hunting & fishing photos – one of a herd of bull Roosevelt Elk in a field that blew my mind. Must have been between 30-40 of them. Very cool. So cool that a dude who lives that life got out of his truck to photograph them. Mick, very cool dude. Good times.
We hooked 3 and pulled in 2. Brian got the first salmon – pulled in a 8-50lb. fish (closer to 8). First one I tried to reel in shook off the hook; I wasn’t reeling her in right. I was okay with that because there was a limit of 1 salmon per so if I’d got that one, we’d have been done and it was still early. We trolled some action. Then, Mick thought we’d have a lull because the tide wasn’t moving so we’d have to wait a bit. Brian said he hadn’t seen any seal activity which is a sign of fish in the water. Then a few seals started to pop their heads up we noticed. And then another hooked and I was on to reel her in. Mick was great helping to guide/coach me and we landed her. About 18-20lbs. woohoo!!! Brian took a video, so cool.
One thing I just loved that Mick said – “the salmon are imprinted with the river where they are born and return there to spawn”. Wow.
In the photo with both our catches, B’s looks the same due to his use of perspective in pushing his fish forward. Very good B! I needed 2 hands to hold mine up :).
Mick filleted the fish for us, took the roe for steelhead bait and tossed the carcasses in the water. We watched a seal swimming back and forth nearby after catching the scent of the first carcass which was pretty close to the boat. Mick threw the second (bigger) one further out and that seal moved in to grab the remains for her lunch. We finished up and went back to camp to store our catch and take a nap.
Since we got back at a decent time, we decided to go out and see Fern Canyon that afternoon. You’ve likely seen this scenery in some movie. Dusty dirt road to get there. Brutal – but the lush canyon was worth it (but then again, I wasn’t the driver). I’d never experienced anything like this.
Fern Canyon 
Fern Canyon 
Close up view 
dripping water 
waterlogged 
about (click to enlarge!) 
Dust covered ferns
Very Good day, tater. We also both noticed that our fitness level had definitely increased. Things that were so hard were now not that difficult.
I broke vegan that night to partake of this glorious fish that gave her life to nourish us. Delicious! We even shared some with our camping neighbors as we had more than we could enjoy or fit in our freezer. They were very appreciative.
Next destination-San Francisco. Staying in Marin County RV park, but spending a couple nights with Kev & Jesse. Drive from Klamath to Marin was serene. Until there was traffic. Hello city.
Wanderlust In Silver 