The next day we set out again on Highway 101 into California. Along the way we saw Redwoods and more coastal views. We drove through Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park. This was the first time we saw redwoods along the way & we pulled over to spend a lot of time frolicking in the woods, poking our heads in the hollowed out trunks of trees larger than I ever could have imagined & admiring the wild ferns growing all over the trees. I can’t describe how fresh the air smelled in the park. Just think of fresh dirt, dewy grass & damp trees. It was such refreshing air. We drove through with the windows down, of course.

We later took a detour off Highway 101 onto Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway though Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park to see more redwoods. This was months ago, so I can’t remember clearly which park was more scenic in comparison. They are very near to each other, though, so it would be worth it to see them both in a trip.

Once we left Prairie Creek, we got back on 101 & drove through Humboldt Lagoons State Park. Our final stop on 101 was Arcata. This is where we took a coffee break at Cafe Brio and discovered Blue Bottle Coffee. That’s some seriously good coffee. I also had a brownie there. Not just any brownie, but the BEST BROWNIE I’ve ever had in my life! I’ve tried & tried to recreate it using various recipes but alas, no brownie will ever be that brownie.

Leaving Arcata, we got on 299 East/Trinity Highway to Weaverville. We drove 299 through Shasta-Trinity National Forest & Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. This area was full of high elevation views of rushing rivers, cascading mountains & the peaceful, quiet, stillness that can only be found in nature. We drove until we got a view of the sun setting & moon rising over Mount Shasta. Once it was dark we reached Redding. From there, we took Interstate 5 South all the way to Napa where we stayed for the night.

Next stops: Napa & San Francisco!