Redwoods and more of the coast

Another day on the road and another beautiful drive from San Francisco to the Redwoods. We cut over to the coast for 50+ miles of beautiful California coastline. Turn after turn of incredible views. It was a great way for Amanda to see the Pacific for the first time. We stopped a few times to just take in the scenery. Then we drove through the redwood tree in Leggett before making our way up the Avenue of the Giants to the Hidden Springs Campground in the Humboldt Redwoods State Park.

We spent two nights at the campsite. During the day Amanda and I went for a 7 mile hike which started right behind our campsite and brought us to Williams Grove. Huge redwoods - everywhere! After having some lunch we walked down to the Hidden Springs beach on the peaceful Eel River to go for a swim. We met a nice couple that suggested we drive out to Shelter Cove. Shelter Cove is where the Lost Coast is, so I figured if were weren't going to hike it this trip we could at least see the trailhead. We grilled a nice little dinner and watched the sun set and the full moon rise. After scrambling around on the rocks and taking some photos it was time to leave. One problem - I didn't have the keys for the rental car! After searching the car three times, we came to the conclusion that they must be in the ocean. Unfortunately, Shelter Cove is in the middle of nowhere! The nearest tow service was an hour away, then the car had to be towed to the Eureka Airport to exchange it for a new one. Ben and Amanda went back to the campsite while I went to the airport with the car. After getting to the parking lot at 2 am, I slept in the car while waiting for the Hertz to open. After getting the new car at 8ish, I drove to Trinidad and spend the morning on the beach, waiting for Ben and Amanda to catch up with me. Trinidad is a cool little town with super friendly residents and breathtaking beaches. Not a bad place to have to spend a few hours. $550 for the tow, $200 fee for losing the key, a great couple days in Northern California = priceless.