Crisscrossing California

Since leaving Redding on September 6th, we have wondered south along the northern California coast through some majestic redwood forests, picturesque beaches, and sunny vineyards.  After  


Tim on "Xena" in Redwood Forest

 motorhoming through the southwestern corner of Oregon, we camped in Jedidiah Smith State Park along a beautiful stretch of the freeflowing Eel River, and among 10-15 ft diameter redwood trees.  Most redwood forests that yet remain are now preserved within state and federal lands, and lie very near the cool and wet coastline.  
As we traveled south along U.S. Highway 101 through this sparsely populated part of California, we visited some coastal communities such as Trinidad, Arcata (home of Humboldt State University), and Eureka (the largest).

Arcata, CA Area Coastal Preserve

There are remote sandy beaches with dune communities, and rocky coastlines, typically harboring small fishing boats.  Also, many small native American communities can be found in this part of California, now with small "casinos".  We enjoyed are short stays in these areas, as the coast was 20 degrees cooler than inland areas only 30-40 miles to the east.

We re-entered the dry heat of central California on September 11th, as we arrived at an RV park on the shores of Clear Lake in Lake County.  Lake County is one of 3 or 4 premier grape vineyard areas in CA, and lies directly north of Napa County.  Daytime temperatures were again in the upper 90's, but night-time temperatures would often fall into the lower 60's.  Unfortunately, 

Lake County Vineyard

with the continuing drought situation in California, Clear Lake docks were de-watered, and the lake level was a good 20 feet below 'normal' September levels.  Filamentous plants and algae filled most shallow bays, and made swimming and most water sports impossible in this normally large lake.  Nonetheless, we made the most of it and visited vineyard tasting rooms during the day and attended a local bluegrass festival during the evening.

On September 14th, we headed east back through the central valley and into the high Sierra's near Lake Tahoe.  California continues to be plagued by large wildfires.  Smoke from that area has darkened the sun and sky during midday here in Squaw Valley for several days, even though that particular fire is over 50 miles away.


Wildfire Smoke Over Lake Tahoe

This morning Paula and I stuffed some bears with a small group of people here in Squaw Valley.  It was enjoyable.  The bears are intended for children in Africa with AIDS.  Talk to you soon!

 

Heading for the Northern California Coast - Early September!

We're driving north into southern Oregon along Interstate 5, to Grants Pass for an overnight. Our pleasant 2-week visit with Doug and Della came to a close.


Motorhome Parked at Doug's House

 Doug and I worked together in Anchorage, Alaska for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service from 2004 to 2007. They live in Redding, California now, close to Della's parents. Our stay with them was punctuated by local fun recreational trips in the area, in addition to a 3-day trip Paula and I took (with the assistance of their Jeep) to a Blackberry Music Festival, the Lava Beds National Monument, and to Burney Falls State Park. The trip to higher elevations provided a brief respite to the otherwise hot 95-105 degree weather. It has been a long time since they have received any rain here, and drought conditions seem to have permanently set in. Wildfires are common and longlasting in northern California, and water supply reservoirs are at all time lows.  Despite this, it is a region of striking natural beauty, and extremes.

Rafting on the Sacramento River

 

Exploring a Cave at 
Lava Beds National Monument



All Time Low Water Level in Shasta Lake