2003-09-25: Elk
We arrived at our first California destination in three months amidst the coastal fog. As we pulled into the campground, we were thrilled to see a huge herd (one buck and about 40 females) of Roosevelt elk grazing. We were told that this buck had defended his harem the day before. The buck that was trying to move in not only lost an antler but also the battle. As darkness fell, we began to hear the buck bugling, a sound once heard you'll never forget. I guess since this is rutting season, it's not surprising that we heard this mating call well into the night.
2003-09-26: Among the Redwoods
We had planned on staying in Humboldt National Park but changed our plans due to dense smoke due to area fires. We continued south to the Richardson Redwood Grove where we found a place to stay in the big trees.
2003-09-26: Majestic Giants
Right beside our campsite were these two huge redwoods and the remains of a third one. It's awesome to stand among these majestic giants and look up to try to catch a glimpse of their tops.
2003-09-28: Rodeo Training
We had noticed a rodeo arena across the street from our campground in Duncan Mills. On Sunday morning as we sat around after breakfast we started hearing rodeo type announcements and horses whinnying. We walked over and discovered they were holding a fun day gymkahana for all age groups. It certainly wasn't the Calgary Stampede but it sure was fun watching the kids doing things like the barrel races.
2003-09-28: Horses and Dogs
Couldn't resist this shot of a rider with her two best friends - her horse and her dog.
2003-09-29: Fog, Pelicans and Seals
After the fog lifted, we drove 6 miles to the coast to find that the fog had not yet lifted there. Here at the mouth of the Russian River, the pelicans seem to also be waiting for the sun so they could fish while the seals flip and flop and play in the water.
2003-09-29: Lifting Fog
As we drove a few miles south on Highway 1 to Goat Rock State Beach to find that the fog had begun to lift. It was cool watching the blue sky materialize as the fog bank raised. The pelicans seem to enjoy this weather shift as well as they quickly took flight.
2003-09-29: Arch Rock
This formation was unique not only because it was almost a perfect bridge but also that it was flat topped.
2003-09-29: Jenner
The small community of Jenner is located at the mouth of the Russian River. Standing on the beach at Goat Rock one can see how the community grew up the hillside.
2003-09-29: Russian River
Duncan Mills, the location of our campground, is about 6 miles upriver from Jenner. Although we aren't in a riverside site, we have a 5-minute walk and we're here on the Russian River.