Pepperwood and the Avenue of the Giants

 

 When I need to get away, but only have a few hours available, I am lucky enough to  escape for the afternoon to one of the most beautiful areas in Northern California, the Avenue of the Giants.

 

 

 At approximately 32 miles, the Avenue of the Giants is a leisurely drive through the beautiful California Redwoods.  I start my journey at the Northern end of the avenue in Pepperwood, CA(located about 40 miles south of our home).

 

 

 

 

The Avenue of the Giants runs through the Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Trail maps are located all along the Avenue.

 

 

Make sure to hike the beautiful trails that run through the area! With miles of trails, you could easily be the only one around for miles!

 

 

 

It's amazing how small you can feel while hiking among the towering redwoods. 

 

 

 

 

 But don't forget to look at the small stuff...

 

 

...unexpected beauty can be found by looking down, as well as up.

 

 So, if you are ever in the area, make sure to take a leisurely drive(and maybe a hike) along the Avenue of the Giants!

 

Eureka!!

 

 E is for the town I currently call home, Eureka CA. Frequently confused with the imaginary town that hosted the TV show of the same name, the Eureka where I live has a history more in lumber and less in science fiction.

 

 

 The Carson Mansion, built by lumber big shot John Carson, is one of my favorite buildings to photograph. The eclectic Victorian architecture draws my eye every time I stroll past.

 

 

We are lucky enough to have a park with a beautiful Redwood Grove right here in town. Sequoia Park is a beautiful place to spend a morning with my camera watching the light filter through the majestic trees.

  My favorite thing to photograph in Eureka comes around every July. Sequoia Gardens grows the most gorgeous array of dahlias I have ever seen. You can find me there at least once a week through the summer months  perusing the different colors and photographing these beautiful flowers.

I count myself lucky to live in such a beautiful area, with so many different things to see.