I saw some redwoods but it of course started to get dark quicker than I wanted, so I had to make a quick decision. Should I camp in the Redwoods or drive further to get a hotel?
I decided to attempt camping. I drove into a few different spots hoping for campsites, but it took me longer to actually find a spot. Finally I found open campsites in the Patrick's Point State Park.
When I got to my spot I was considering just sleeping inside my car. But the camp host and my brother convinced me that it wouldn't get too cold and I might as well camp in my tent while I had the chance. So I began setting up my tent IN THE DARK. I think it took me an hour or more to set it all up by myself. I even got my air mattress blown up. But that took more work than originally planned. The pump stopped working halfway through, so I had to continue blowing it up by mouth. That was a challenge, to say the least. But after that I just added the sheets, blankets and pillows and my bed was ready. I was ready for bed too.
I was a little concerned with safety, since I was by myself in a tent. So I had a huge maglite flashlight, a hammer and mace within my reach. I also had a camping chair full of heavy books blocking the tent door. And then, in case all that didn't sound crazy enough...I also tied my tent doors shut from the inside. There was no getting in my tent without cutting it open. And there was no messing with me, without getting physically hurt.
I ran to the camping bathrooms before climbing underneath my five blankets and sleeping bag.
But it got down to 47 degrees and I never was able to really warm up through the night. I tossed and turned. I didn't get much sleep. But I can say that I camped in the Redwood forest. At 7am I got up and started packing up the wet and dew covered tent.
I took a nap in the Jeep in between all the packing. And even though there were showers in the bathrooms up the hill, I decided it was too cold to walk around with wet hair. So I took off to San Francisco, without a shower.
Little did I realize, that I hadn't even seen the bulk of the Redwoods along the 101 yet.
What I saw next, was truly amazing.
And I was able to still see all the fun little touristy stops too. I drove down part of the Avenue of Giants, I saw the humongous Grandfather Tree, I drove through the Chandelier Drive Thru Tree. And most of all, I was humbled by the gigantic trees I was among. It was truly a magical experience that I will never forget.
I also perfected taking my self-timer photos that I'll have for forever.
I'm so grateful to have had the chance to drive through the Redwoods and see them in person.
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