Redwood Access Trail

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

CA

 

July 2014

 

Who knew 1981 was the International Year of the Disabled? Not me. The only thing that I'm aware of that came from that year is a .5 mile fully accessible trail in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. This is just a guess, but I would bet this was one of the first accessible trails through a natural area in the United States.

 

The trail was beautiful and very easy to navigate. I would think most wheelchair users could complete this trail with little or no help. When looking online or on the park map, this trail is usually designated as a nature trail and not by the Redwood Access Trail name.

 

The trail started next to the visitor center and only had one disabled parking spot. Even on a weekday morning, the entire parking lot was packed and people were finding alternate places to leave their cars. We were fortunate to find a regular spot and made it work, but it would be nice if they would add a few more disabled parking spots.

***Especially considering the amount of "older" people that use disabled spots. ***

 

(More Redwoods Access Trail Pictures)




Roosevelt Elk

Northern California Coast

 

July 2014

 

 

 

 

In addition to seeing a few Roosevelt Elk on our way to Gold Bluffs Beach Campground, we were fortunate to spot a few herds in Elk Prairie and Elk Meadows. Laurel really enjoyed looking for and spotting the elk. Surprisingly, Kellisa wasn't too excited.

 

 

(More Roosevelt Elk Pictures)

Gold Bluffs Beach Campground

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

CA

 

July 2014

 

 

Heaven on Earth!

 

Our campsite was situated on a small strip of land between the Pacific Ocean and towering bluffs. There was a constant fog and ocean breeze adding to the magic. We were far off the beaten path and would be playing and sleeping in a real tsunami zone. Roosevelt Elk and bears frequent the campground to make it a little more interesting. The temperature never rose above 59F. The three of us fell into a deep sleep snuggled in our sleeping bags listening to the waves and near constant breeze. We will be back!!!

 

(More pictures from paradise)

 



The Lady Bird Johnson Grove

Redwood National Park

 

July 2014

 

 

 

We found the 1.4 mile Lady Bird Johnson Nature Trail in Redwood National Park very accessible. The trail was wide and free from roots and rocks. There were a few elevation changes adding a little challenge to the hike. Laurel pushed Kellisa for part of the trail. Kellisa also wheeled herself, she really enjoyed controlling her speed on several downhill portions. Losing control as she sped down a few little hills is probably more accurate.

 

Laurel enjoyed following our path on the trail map and really liked making the decision to go left or right when presented with the option. She put a lot of thought into it. She also used binoculars to look for birds and she was  excited when she spotted a few.

 

(More pictures from The Lady Bird Johnson Grove) 



Oregon Redwoods

Interpretive Trail 1106

 

July 2014

 

 

We crossed into Oregon to hike through one of the northern most strands of redwoods. We had to drive a narrow, winding dirt road deep into the mountains just to find the trailhead. We were the only car in the parking area. We found the trail to be accessible, yet challenging with some hilly sections. The sun barely penetrates to the forest floor, which I found a little eerie. Most of the trail followed a ridge high above the surrounding valleys.

Near the end of the hike, we heard a loud sound that I cannot describe from the valley below. It wasn't human and it didn't sound like a roar or growl. I have no idea what it was, but it was loud and close. Too close. Laurel was very frightened and wanted me to hug her for the remainder of the hike. I have to admit being scared and looking over my shoulder until we were safely in the car driving back down the road.

 

(More pictures from the Oregon redwoods)

Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park

Mill Creek Campground

California

 

July 2014

 

 

 

 

All the campsites in the Redwoods State Parks were booked in advance and I thought our only choices would be a hotel or commercial campground. We got very lucky when I checked at the Mill Creek Campground at Del Norte Coast Redwoods for cancelations and they had a disabled site for two nights. We didn't spend much time at the campsite, but Laurel enjoyed exploring the area when we were there. We did attend a ranger program that discussed Bigfoot sightings in the area, including the famous film from the 60's which was shot only a couple of miles from the campground. Laurel now has a huge interest in what she calls, "Bearfoot." We also learned about tsunamis that have hit the area, including major damage after the 2011 earthquake in Japan.

 

(More pictures from the campground)

Crescent City Beach

Crescent City, CA

July 2014

 

 

 

We continued north along the Northern California coast with an early morning stop at the Crescent City Beach. This was Laurel's first time trip to the Pacific Ocean and Kellisa's second, she visited Cannon Beach in Oregon back in 2009. I was pleased with how well the Hippocampe rolled through the sand and water.

 

The water was cold, but Laurel still wanted to swim and was very disappointed that I wouldn't let her because we were warned of deadly rip currents in the area. After leaving the beach, we spent the day hiking. Both girls had such a great time that we stopped back at the beach later that day on our way back to our campsite.

 

 

(More pictures of the girls loving the Pacific)

Fleishmann Grove Trail

Humboldt Redwoods State Park

California

July 2014

 

  Our first hike among the giant redwoods was the Fleishmann Grove Trail in Humboldt Redwoods State Park. The trail was accessible and it was one of the best trails we've ever hiked. We were all alone in this magical forest. The trail was just challenging enough to be fun. I think a regular wheelchair might struggle a little. Kellisa did tip back at one point and Laurel rushed to her aid. Kellisa was fine and both girls had a good laugh.

  

 

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Discharge Day

15 years ago, Kellisa was discharged from the NICU after 113 days:

 



Shrine Auto Park

Avenue of the Giants

California

July 2014

Along the beautiful Avenue of the Giants, we stopped at the touristy Shrine Auto Park that features a drive thru tree. Instead of driving thru like most, we parked and walked (wheeled) thru the tree. Laurel had a great time exploring the hollowed out trees that resembled caves. The park wasn't the most wheelchair friendly, but Kellisa was still able to enjoy herself. All things considered, I'm not sure how you could make a place like this more accessible without ruining the very features that make it interesting. I think the owners did the best that they could, so I would recommend a stop, but caution that wheelchairs can't do/see everything there is and the wheelchair user will probably require some help, especially for the steep road sections (if you decide to get out and explore like we did).

(More Shrine Auto Park Pictures)