There's still controversy about whether they are Harbor Seals as the host says or Sea Lions - we've all heard them barking. Either way, it's still pretty cool.
Heading back to the same Prairie Center this morning to hike the Rhododendron To Foothill Trail To Big Tree (a loop). It's around 7 miles and elevation gain over 960 ft.
On the road in, I spot a female mule deer crossing the road. (Nope, still no elk.)
We gear up and head off on a trail along the parking lot, then under the road on a side walk along a creek. Then it's the trail head.
For some reason, Steve is leading this morning. Not sure why, perhaps because there's a lot of uphill and wants to set a pace or there's simply too many places to get screwed up and off on the wrong trail. What ever the reason, it's a good pace and we're all lined up like little ants.
The first big tree of the day!
I like the landscape here. The ferns are large and there's lots of large redwoods and it's more open with more dappled sunlight.
And the trail is not monotonous as it curves, switchbacks and big logs to climb under.
The top the elevation gain is the intersection of a road. We all meet up
and continue for a bit of a more rolly landscape and obstacles.
On the downhill, I find the purple berries of what appears to be Queens Cup.
The downhill is very steep in spots; sure would not have wanted to go up this way. There are more bridges
And more obstacles.
Finally reach Foothill Trail and start to the Big Tree - our lunch spot.
It's mostly flat now and soon I find a big tree. I wasn't sure if it "The Big Tree" but I stop anyway.
The guide arrives -- this is not "The Big Tree" but I get my picture taken anyway.
Just around the corner is "The Big Tree"
But mine was bigger :)
Time for lunch!
And then the 3hr drive to Grants Pass for the night. (I see a bunch of wild turkeys along the way.)
The view from my hotel room.
