(Podcast) Northern California Redwood Forests, Crescent City, Redding, and Beyond!

Season 1 Episode 10.

The Redwoods.

If you took dinosaur habitat and combined it with a fairy realm, you might get close to what these ancient forests embody.

Today, we visit the giants and are just as blown away as everyone says we would be.

However, our “plan” was given several twists and we didn’t end up where we thought we would, which led us to the glorious Stout Grove, around Crescent City, and over to Trinidad to explore, discover eateries, and another brewery.

Sometimes things go awry and it turns out really well anyway! Sometimes you end up having to back down a one-lane mountain road with an audience. We can laugh at that now, right?

Then we drive across northern California to check out Redding. This area is well-known for its community, hiking, mountain biking, and (unfortunately at that time) for a couple of raging wildfires happening way too close to people’s homes.

We had a WHOLE lot more on our agenda for the Redding area, but the smoke from these fires was so dense we decided to move on — not to mention wanting to give a grieving community some space and humility. We did visit a couple of great gear shops, though, and made some fun acquaintances for future visits!

Sometimes when you keep running into unexpected obstacles, you decide the time is right to just move along. We set our sights on Tahoe via a winding path through agricultural land and beautiful foothills.

The town of Grass Valley, CA, was an unexpected and wonderful surprise — especially when we discovered the Empire Mine State Historic Park. Whoa!! Following that unplanned detour was a highlight of this trip leg as we make our way to Lake Tahoe for the next episode.

Links for the episode: Redwood National and State Parks (nps.gov/redw); Stout Memorial Grove Trail, Crescent City; USDA Forest Service Active Fire Mapping Program; Jefferson State Adventure Hub, Redding (jsahub.com); SeaQuake Brewing, Crescent City; The Hermit’s Hut, Redding; Trinidad Memorial Lighthouse Park; and Empire Mine State Historic Park, Grass Valley. (A few favorites — Vita Cucina and the Crescent City Crab Shack — were closed or uncertain during COVID; call before committing.)

May all of our traveling dreams return safely and swiftly. It’s always a perfect time to scheme and plan for your next adventure.

(Podcast) Misadventures in Tahoe, CA-NV

Season 1, Episode 11.

Tahoe Misadventures. Well, nothing like arriving in an area and nearly leaving your mark on the landscape… literally! Be careful driving with your RV in the Tahoe area, and remember: if you are coming from the West/North, go clockwise around the lake and save the pretty scenery for a time when you are not pulling a trailer.

There are a lot of great campgrounds in the Tahoe area, and with a little planning ahead you can stay at one of the stunning State Parks that surround the south side of the lake. Or if you are looking to be closer to the action, you can even find some great spots in town to set up camp.

Whether you are looking for food, gambling, outdoor adventures, or just stunning scenery, the Lake Tahoe area can give you memories that will last a lifetime. There is a reason this has been one of America’s Playgrounds for more than 150 years! Ever since the Gold Rush, Americans have been coming here in search of escape and exciting adventures.

Advice we would give when visiting Tahoe… Enjoy!! AND DON’T GO THE WRONG WAY AROUND THE LAKE!!