Anniversary Vacation !! Part 2 - The beautiful northwest!!

After a six hour drive up the scenic coast, we arrived at our destination, Smith River, California. It is RIGHT at the Oregon border. A two minute walk away. There are a few amazing rivers in the area. Darin tried his hand at fishing the Smith River a few times, but with no luck. They are right between the good fishing seasons, and the locals say the fish were all spooked because the waters were so clear. It was sunny and beautiful weather the first couple of days we were there. We went completely prepared for constant rain--but were happily surprised!!

This river is amazing!! And even though Darin didn't get so much as a nibble on his line...it was still perfect times spent on the river. So peaceful, and incredible!!

We saw a few starfish, and LOTS of elk. It's the weirdest thing--there are herds of elk all over the place up there. There are signs along the main roads saying "elk crossing next two miles". It was really fun to see a couple of different herds in different areas. These in the picture were in a field just across the street from us. We visited lighthouse #2, Battery Point Lighthouse, in Crescent City. You can walk to it at low tide.

I DID NOT take nearly enough pictures of the Redwoods!! What was I thinking!! We hiked several trails int he National Redwood Forests. Amazing stuff!! The trees are humongous!! Some nearly 400 feet tall. The forests were so peaceful--full of ferns, clovers, moss, mushrooms, mist, and brilliant GREEN everywhere!! Oh...and HUGE trees!!!