California Part 2

After experiencing the Redwood Forest, we drove down the coast a little more and then turned inland to get away from the chilly ocean breezes.  We set up camp at the scenic campground of Kimtu in Willow Creek, California.  It was so beautiful there.  The entire campground was on the side of a mountain with the Trinity river right below.  There were trails to the rock beach and crystal clean flowing water in the river.  Right behind our campsite was a waterfall which provided constant soothing noise, excellent for sleeping.  When sleeping outside, I wake up at the sound of an acorn falling so the waterfall was able to drowned out all the natural sounds of the forest.

Simon loves camping and hanging out in the tent!  He can't wait for it to get set up and the air mattress to be inflated.  I can't tell what he likes more, the cool breezes blowing through the tent or scavenging under the picnic tables for scraps.

The next day was my birthday and we went into town to do laundry and get some groceries. At the laundry we met the nicest lady.  She was Cahto Indian.  She raved about the beauty and natural resources of Northern California.  We told her about our trip and how we were seeing other parts of the country to make sure Florida was really the right place for us.  Adam asked her about jobs in the area and she said she only knew of one right now and that was "Fish Counter."  ???  Apparently her tribe is need of someone to count the fish in the river.  The fish population is unstable and they need to get an accurate read on what is happening.  Seemed like an impossible job for us and I wasn't sure if we had to become honorary members of the tribe and I think my mom's side of the family is part Cherokee and I'm not sure if all Indian tribes get along and I would hate to insight some sort of tribe war and I don't even know where to get arrowheads.  It would have turned out to be a big mess, so we thanked her for her wonderful conversation and gathered our freshly laundered clothes and went to the market.  Adam got us salad, tasty filet mignons, and mushrooms in honor of my birthday.

The rest of the day we explored the river bank and walked some trails.

This pine cone looked like a pineapple. I thought it was weird.

The trees had twirly moss, kinda magical

Simon wouldn't get out of his tent for most of the afternoon.  Finally I threatened to throw him in the fire and he got up.

At first he thought it was funny, but then his feelings were hurt and he sulked in the camping chair.

Adam made us our special dinner and it was so tasty!!  The best birthday!

The next day we headed down the coast and drove through wine country.  There were vineyards everywhere.  Really pretty.  I would have liked to have stopped at a winery, but it was really hot and Simon couldn't be left in the truck.  Maybe next trip.