- La-Jan

By LA-jan - July 09, 2018

Camping - Part 2

We stayed 2 nights at Big Basin, then packed up and headed

north to Samuel P. Taylor, also in the Redwoods!

The first night we all fit in one campsite. It was quite roomy, near the facilities

and we set up in no time at all!

The dutch ovens came out and dinner prep was in full mode.

Every night was a feast and our appetites were healthy and everything

tasted marvelous!

As we were checking in, we met a cyclist from Vancouver on his way

to San Diego! He was allowing 3 months and was all alone!

What an adventure! Everything he needed was on his bike!

We noticed he was camped right next to us and so we invited him over

for a glass of wine and some food.

It was the evenings entertainment and quite interesting

to hear from a Canadian as our country was

starting a trade war with them!

He quite liked Americans, he said, but couldn't quite

say that about our Administration.

Very Canadian, he was so polite!

Very smart guy and very high tech skills that he was

going back to.

Early the next morning, we found that Pat had arrived overnight.

He found a nice spot inside a tree to make his cot comfy!

The next night we moved into a second site and Dan and Bridgette

stayed in the same spot.

The three vehicles fit quite nicely here.

Right beyond us there was the creek.
It was a really nice site and close to showers which was
really appreciated!
Marty was always up early with hot coffee ready and
waiting for us as we straggled out of our beds.
We took a drive out to see some local area.
Our ride took us to Point Reyes and Heart's Desire Beach.

I really enjoyed seeing some of the small towns along the way.

Heart's Desire Beach was really cold and windy, but it didn't
stop the local from playing in the water!

We drove on to Point Reyes and caught some wild life.
Quail, elk and cows.

The cows were actually on an old dairy farm that had been
there over 100 years! We went up and toured the original grounds
were a care taker Ranger and his family stay.

Unfortunately, that is the only picture I have.

More back at the camp meal time!

Early the next morning, we had a quick breakfast and packed up for the Russian
River and a canoeing trip!

When we arrived, it was HOT! We shed our clothes and slathered up with
sunscreen!

Unfortunately, Pat lost his keys and had to stay behind to get a locksmith.
Terry volunteered to keep his company, while we took off!
It was a perfect river to start out canoeing on. Nice and lazy!

It takes 3-4 hours to get down the river, so we stopped for lunch when we found
a nice shady spot.

It was quite relaxing, but also a lot of paddling. We did have to learn how
to co-ordinate and steer at times, but no harry events. Dan did have
trouble getting the steering down by himself, as Bridgette was not
able to help, and he ran under some trees and poor Bridgette took
a tumble in the canoe, but came up smiling!
All in all, a great adventure!

That evening we made it back to Bogeda Dunes in Somona State Park
and set up. I ran to the shower, as I didn't have to cook, but it was pretty chilly
that night. It is on the bluffs above the coast. Taylor got right to the fire duties
and we all appreciated that!

I think I must have had five layers on that night with wet hair and
the cold air went right thru me! I didn't have enough
layers, so Eileen kept bringing more
out of her camper for me! We were laughing so hard, because just
a few short hours ago we were sweltering in the sun and splashing ourselves
to keep cool!

Last morning in our Jucy!