A Peaceful Weekend in the Redwoods

As summer comes to a close and pumpkin cream cold brews start creeping into your local Starbucks, I can't help but be reminded of a quiet weekend away in the Redwood forest. Last November, when my husband and I were canceling our wedding reception and coming up on our first big holiday away from our families, we decided NOT to waste the long weekend. We were going to take our seclusion to the extreme, exploring an entirely new region of "The Golden State" in search of an atmosphere that actually felt like the fall we were used to.

I've talked before about California's lack of seasons; it's still a shock to feel like you've skipped winter only to have spring and summer stretch into fall again. Although Ohio often gets bashed for experiencing all four seasons in the same week (or even day), I do miss the crisp autumn air and falling leaves. The definitive change in weather gives you something to look forward to, it creates anticipation for spring break and summer vacations that you simply DESERVE after the devastating winter you experienced. When we moved to California last fall, I was homesick not only for my family but for the comfort that a hot vanilla chai brings on a chilly, overcast day. I knew we weren't going to find this in Southern California, so we decided to seek it elsewhere for Thanksgiving. Driving almost 10 hours north, we made our way to the Avenue of the Giants, experiencing a drop in temperature that left the roads foggy and mysterious. The drive consisted mostly of naps and audiobooks, but we did make one stop for gas that turned out to be much more charming.

Driving through downtown Cloverdale reminded me so much of home with its small shops and colorful autumn leaves. Pulling off to the side, we stopped at Pick's Drive-In for a delicious burger and milkshake before continuing on our way.

Finally, just before the sun started to set on our misty, winding road, we arrived.

Checking in to the Redcrest Resort, we unloaded our gallons of water and microwaveable foods into Cabin 12 before immediately collapsing into the recliners against the wall of our "living room".

Turning on the Hallmark channel (hooray for cable!) to catch a Christmas original (yes, I know Thanksgiving hadn't even happened yet), we made some hot chocolate and turned up the heater before unpacking and choosing our trail for the following day.

Although many people would argue that waking up at 6am defeats the purpose of being on vacation, we still had a bit of drive to our trailhead. With snacks and lunches packed in our picnic bookbag along with a gallon of water (it wasn't enough, we ran out with a few miles left...eek!), we pulled out of our little driveway and headed towards the James Irvine Trailhead in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. This 9-mile route took us not only through the beautiful Redwood Forest, but also Fern Canyon before opening out onto Gold Bluffs Beach. With the temperature in the low 40s, we were more than happy to break out the hats, gloves and scarves that had not been used since Ohio's last harsh winter. Our wool socks kept our toes from turning to ice for the first few miles as we warmed up, stopping for pictures and enjoying glimpses of the warm sun peaking through the trees.

Although the trees did their best to shade us from the sun, the well-marked path lead us to a bright opening where our eyes had to adjust to the sparkling water of Gold Bluffs Beach. We walked to the perfect picnic spot, watching as the damp, spongy ground turned to warm sand and an entirely different but equally stunning view.

Heading back was a bit busier as it was now approaching the early afternoon. We were happy to make it back to the car where we had left another gallon of water.

We warmed up, using the car's heater for the first time since moving to California, and headed back to the resort where our cozy cabin was waiting, warm and glowing with Christmas lights.

The next day, we slept in (we deserved it). Besides, the only plan for the day was a scenic drive through the Avenue of the Giants. With multiple pull-offs and shorter trails, we enjoyed this new view of Humboldt County, stopping to stretch a few miles in alongside fallen trees and elk footprints.

Although the plans for this day were much more relaxed, we still found plenty of places to get our steps in and enjoy another quiet picnic.

Before heading back to the cabin, we made a quick stop at Hoby's Market for some chicken and jo-jo's (microwaveable pizza pockets weren't going to cut it this time). Enjoying our dinner on the front porch, we decided to explore the campground and surrounding area. Since it was their off-season the picnic area and recreational activities were pretty open, which meant that I got to beat my husband at ping pong multiple times before he destroyed me in tetherball. Walking across the street, we made our way to the "Eternal Tree House" before returning to our cabin for the night.

Just like that, the holiday weekend was coming to a close and it was time to make the 9-10 hour drive back to sunny Pasadena. We stopped to pick up a magnet at the souvenir shop before driving among the giants one final time.

Happy fall, y'all.