From Trinidad to Jurassic Park

Blue skies greeted us once again today and after lengthy consultation with Google and the guide books we headed north, initially to the little village of Trinidad. Trinidad’s population according to the last census was a little over 300 but it has no fewer than ten public beaches and a spectacular coastline.

Trinidad harbour

We spent some time walking around a headland and then enjoying the stunning beach along with a few hardy locals- despite the sunshine it was blowing a gale, not really Aussie beach weather 😊 Heading north on Highway 101 we only had to travel a short distance before we reached Patrick’s Point State Park and for a seven dollar day pass  enjoyed more beautiful vistas of shoreline and redwoods.

Patrick’s Point State Park – Agate Beach

We did a couple of short hikes and then enjoyed a picnic lunch and a cup of tea out of the new thermos – very civilised.

Our next destination was Fern Canyon, just out of Orick in the Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. We were a little apprehensive after reading a recent travel forum report which detailed fording two creeks, a very rutted dirt road and ‘having to wade through water’ to view…… but being the Aussie adventurers that we are, decided to give it a go.

The creek crossing- yes I think our insurance covers us….

The travel report turned out to be grossly exaggerated ( although we did need to wade through ankle deep water and cross a creek) but it was SO worthwhile! This location was actually used in Jurassic Park the movie and was absolutely sensational, my photos once again cannot truly represent what a little green paradise it was. It is named for the Californian native ferns growing on the fifty foot high walls of the water course and is also a World Heritage site. We were so glad we had made the decision to visit even if we left with water logged shoes! After leaving Fern Canyon we joined the throngs of cars and RVs parked at Elk Meadow, just before rejoining 101, where a group of Roosevelt Elk were grazing seemingly oblivious to the snapping shutters.

We were warned not to get too close!

Roosevelt elk

They have been reintroduced to this area and are a popular photographic ‘trophy’ now. Having seen the majestic moose on previous trips, we were a little underwhelmed but snapped the obligatory shots before heading home.

Tomorrow,  we cross the state line into Oregon!

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