Day 5 - California border to the Redwoods!

Kristen and George woke up with sore legs this morning, dreading the long 65-mile trek to Elk Prairie Campground in the Redwood National Forest.  One of the highest climbs of their ride lay in this leg of the trip--an ascent through the first of California's coastal hills, just south of Crescent City.  Highway 101 winds uphill on a ridge overlooking the ocean, carrying logging and commercial trucks and RV's down the coast.  The riders motored through the hill at a steady 5 mph pace, into a gorgeous section of forest, where misty fog hangs amongst the mammoth trees (some were three of Kristen's arm spans across!)  

The evening brought the campers to Elk Prairie Campground, a lovely, quiet setting of the Newton Drury Scenic Byway, where campers are nestled amongst some of the biggest Redwoods.  Sun bears, black bears, and elk frequent this area, so "bear boxes" (large, metal, strong) have been constructed at each site as a place to store people food.  

So far, George and Kristen consider the day's ride to be one of the highlights of their trip, with the variety of terrain and incredible views of the largest trees in the world.  The tallest trees reach 350 feet high!  The sad irony is that the lumber industry is still alive and well in these forests, and travelers can still see trucks loaded with one giant redwood.  Paul Bunyan and Babe the Ox even greet visitors at the Trees of Mystery, a tourist site on the Redwood Highway housing art that's been carved out of the wood.  

Still working on posting pictures!  Internet has been spotty and slow at best, but lots of great photos should be coming soon!