The California Redwoods

Our journey through the California Redwoods saw us stay at three different campgrounds; Hendy Woods State Park and two wonderful RV Parks found deep within the famous Avenue of the Giants area in Humboldt County California. We were definitely "humboldt" when we saw all these amazing groves of magnificent redwoods!

Hendy Woods State Park

It's no wonder why the majestic redwood forest is on so many peoples bucket list. These giant trees and ancient forests are literally older then Jesus in some cases! I mean who the heck can say they hugged a 2000 year old tree??? Imagine what these trees have witnessed over the course of history? Just the thought alone of a tiny seedling growing into the giant trees we 5 FreeSpirits got to climb on and walk amongst thousands of years later was incredible! To me, my mind was blown and I felt humbled, honoured, ecstatic and amazed (these are the best words that come to my mind) from our hikes and time camping within the redwood forests of California. Hands down a must do if you have any appreciation for nature at all. 

I believe the kids were even in awe with the height and width of these ancient trees. They absolutely LOVED our hikes through the redwoods because they got to climb, crawl across, play inside and walk on the trees still standing and fallen ones too. What a playground! Seriously some of our hikes were an entire day long and we would stop to have two or even three picnics (sitting on or inside a hallow tree of course made the picnics more fun) so we could keep exploring and we were all just having that much of a good time. It's such a special place for your spirit and senses in my opinion. It smelled of fresh pine and the air was so unbelievably clean and fresh I almost felt my lungs thanking me lol! But the trees! Oh trees so tall you have to bend your head all the way back and even still cannot see the tops! At times we (me) made the kids stop be still and silent (early meditation practice) to let their bodies and senses feel and take in their surroundings (something I've always loved doing in nature). Shyla said, " Mommy I hear God!" LOL (ummmm yup our 7 year old who is not brought up in an overly religious home just said she hears GOD!!) and Lennon remarked, "I hear trees, water and the wind blowing". Madden of course is not capable yet of doing this exercise, but he was sure cute trying to close his eyes as he jumped off a rather large fallen tree and rolled along the forrest vegetation :). We even got to witness a totally grass roots couple with dreadlocks and purple hair getting married inside one of these ancient trees in one of the many beautiful groves. It was so neat to see that. I felt like woodland fairies were hiding...this place is that magical. 

The weather got quite warm a for a few days and we managed to find the best little swimming hole for the kids to play. Eel river, which meanders through this whole area had several spots where you could just jump in and swim amongst all the redwood groves. We found one in particular where an old redwood had fallen to make a natural bridge which led to famous the 'Giant Tree' which was 300+ feet tall and had a circumference of over 50 feet! The water was crystal clear and was refreshing for all of us. We even met another traveling family from Colorado who we hung out with and discussed travel stories while the kids played together.

Hands down one of my favourite places on earth to be, but then again I keep feeling that way with more of what we get to see on this incredible journey. It just makes me want more. 

The Avenue of The Giants