The Idiot is spending ten days on the Northern California coast to stay in shape for the resumption of the MedTrek in southern Turkey in September. He and partner Liz Chapin have been hiking along the Pacific Ocean and on numerous trails in the majestic redwood forests.
Various trails through the serene and silent redwoods, which have existed here for over 20 million years, provide a meditative workout. The Idiot’s usual haunts are the Redwood Creek Trail and the numerous paths in the Prairie Creek Redwoods just north of Orick, CA. This is the home of Roosevelt elks which graze in misty roadside meadows and on grassy hillsides throughout the year.
Entering the Prairie Creek Redwood Park on a ten-mile round-trip hike through Fern Canyon. (Photo: Liz Chapin)
The Redwood state and national parks have well-tended paths.
“We’ll cross that bridge when….”
Liz negotiates her way through verdant Fern Canyon where ferns cover the canyon walls.
Aptly named Fern Canyon, where seven different types of ferns drape the canyon walls.
The easy 16-mile round-trip hike (it’s long but involves little climbing) on the Redwood Creek Trail goes to the Tall Trees Grove, site of some of the world’s tallest trees.
Looking from the ground to the treetops.
Liz hugs a tall redwood tree.
Walking on the firm Pacific Ocean sand is a delight during the comparatively cool (well, compared to the 100-plus temperatures in Redding, CA, and southern Turkey at this time of year) and frequently foggy summer days.
The Idiot often leaves his sandals behind while trekking on the Pacific Ocean sand.
Nothing beats a sunset on Clam Beach near Trinidad, CA.
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