Amoung the Giants (Arcata/Ave. of the Giants)

Bullard's Beach was our last stop in Oregon, and the next morning we were heading over to the California State Line. We weren't looking forward to this, and only because of the California Agricultural Inspection Station. We have never been stopped before to be "searched" and luckily so because I usually have lots of fruits and veggies in the refrigerator (and this time around was no exception). Once we got to the inspection station, we were surprised to be routed right past the station and a sign signaling the station was closed! What happened there?

Woohoo! We didn't have to stop! So, we continued our way down to Arcata, CA where we reserved a spot for a couple of nights. It surprises us how fast we can get to a certain place when we are not trying to get anywhere in Alaska or Canada, haha! Everything seems closer.

Once we set up camp, the first order of business was to find a farmer's market. Our previous experience in California (though not in this area) yielded an amazing farmer's market in San Luis Obispo, CA, and on the way down to Arcata we past many farms with workers picking crops. We located one close by in McKinleyville at a Safeway parking lot, where we promptly headed. We bought some fresh apples and peppers, though what I really wanted was peaches/berries to make a pie or cobbler. So, we went to Safeway to load up on some California grown peaches and avocados, haha! While in the parking lot trying to find our way out, we found this totem pole...

We made our way back to the motorhome to cook dinner and Sean was wanting to work on getting his horn to work on the motorhome (which he found out wasn't working on the way to Arcata). So, we chowed down on some chicken fajitas and homemade guacamole and salsa, yum! Sean wasn't able to figure out exactly what was wrong with the horn. I decided to try to put together the peach cobbler, and I must say that pealing and de-pitting peaches has got to be the worst thing ever! It took me about an hour to get through 8 peaches, haha! It was worth it though!!!

The next day we were expecting lots of rain, so we got up early to head down the Avenue of the Giants to tour the Redwood Trees. These trees are truly amazing and majestic!

We found a campground off of the road that featured the "Immortal Tree" and it earned this name due to the fact that it survived a ridiculous flood, being struck by lightening multiple times, burned in a wildfire, and an attempt at logging by axe!

We know it is gimmicky, but Sean and I wanted to go through a drive thru tree while we were here. Luckily, there was one on the Avenue of the Giants road called Shrine Drive-Thru Tree and also featured a Drive-On Log. Knowing Sean's off-roading niche, we had to go on it!

Then we were headed to the drive-thru tree! It was amazing this tree was even alive, and at first glance you would think otherwise. It was completely burned and hollow in the center, held secure by thick metal cables, and obviously missing a huge chunk in the center. Obviously, you are not able to make anymore drive-thru trees, so the remaining few are preserved to the best of the owner's ability. At $6 admission to drive through the tree as many times as you fancy, I can't imagine what the admission would be if this were the only drive-thru tree!

Here is a video for your enjoyment!