Keepers Log Monday, September 10, 2018

Welcome to the Monday edition of the Keepers Log.  Today and Tomorrow the lighthouse is closed for tours.  Still, certain chores must continue: Teare watered the flowers, I raised the flag, did outside sweeping, and fed our pet gulls.   Next, we took the garbage over to the trash bins on the mainland next to the public parking lot.  


With a long high tide in the middle of the day, the tours are on hold for two days so Teare and I decided to hike a trail we learned about.  The Boy Scout Tree Trail in the Jedediah Smith State Redwood Park extends in one direction and dead ends at a waterfall.  Approximately 2.8 miles into the trail sits the largest redwood in the forest.  It is known as the Boy Scout Tree.  The Boy Scout Tree stands 238 ft high and is 23.24 feet wide.  Since we are without a car, we hired a cab to take us to the trail head.  The hike was beautiful.  The redwoods were majestic.  The forest appeared to be ancient.  What we both noticed was the absolute QUIET.  (other than the bird at the end!)

We were able to hike the moderate trail to the Boy Scout Tree in 1 hour 40 minutes.  We wanted to look around at the quiet giants, but in many areas the abundance of roots on the trail demanded that you look down as you moved to avoid tripping or twisting an ankle.   The Boy Scout Tree did not disappoint.

                                                                 The Boy Scout Tree

After a rest and a snack, we hiked further down the trail then turned around and headed back in the direction of the trail head.  Teare almost stepped on a snake.  Then she began seeing figures and shapes in the trees and their appendages.  

                                    Do you see the "bear" attached to the right side of the tree?

                                           Comparing my one day beard to the mossy tree...

                                                             Things are looking up!

We completed our hike, with all stops for photos, rest, etc, in approximately 4 hours.  Our cab returned in the pre-arranged time and off we went down the dusty road to Crescent City.  Instead of heading back to the lighthouse, we diverted to Torero's Mexican restaurant for a late lunch / early dinner.  From there, we stoped at Safe Way for some grocery items and continued our walk straight back to the lighthouse...there was more ice cream in the bag...

Tide was low and we scooted across.  We unpacked and responded to phone calls.  Teare relaxed and I read a little.  We watched the sunset with a couple from San Francisco and two young travelers from Australia and Switzerland.  Afterward, we took down the flag and headed in to our cozy lighthouse radio room. 

Thanks for joining us on our trip to the redwoods.  If you have never witnessed a redwood or sequoia first hand, consider adding it to your "to do" list.  Photos do not do them justice.

We hope everyone is well.  Until next time, this is Bill signing off from a windy and white capped Pacific off Battery Point Lighthouse.  Good Night.