It seems like it has been forever since my husband and I got away for the weekend. You know, just the two of us. Holding hands, telling inside jokes, and feeling like a couple was so great for our souls.
Traveling with covid-19 restrictions has a few advantages as well as disadvantages.
The advantage is that you won’t have to wait in line for anything. No need for you to wait for the nice folks in front of you to finish taking their picture. You won’t have an opportunity to offer if they’d like you to take a picture of their entire family because chances are you’ll be the only one on the trails.
The disadvantage is that you won’t get the “normal travel experience.” You won’t be having small talk with others in the elevator because only one family can enter the elevator at a time. You can’t smile at those you pass by while keeping a distance of six feet because face masks are required even when your ordering food from your car.
You will no longer be able to enjoy complimentary tea and scones, complimentary lobby coffee, crème sherry or facial tissues in your guest room because CDC says it is not safe.
While it may seem like there are many disadvantages to traveling during this time, for those who understand how important it is to travel, it is never a bad idea to pack your bags and go on an adventure. Especially, when you’ll be surrounded by giants who have withstood so much for thousands of years. The stronger their roots are entwined together the higher they rise.
The Grieg-French-Bell Grove
This beautiful place can’t be real. It sure looks like it’s from a fairy tale. Here you’ll walk through narrow pathways between what looks like clover but are actually redwood sorrel. The thought that you might find a four leaf clover will cross your mind and you’ll keep searching for that lucky one by scanning the ground with your eyes. You’ll spot albino redwood growth growing from the side of a large redwood. From the distance it will look like it is dead but as you get closer you’ll see that it is very much alive and thriving. It is just lacking chlorophyll.
Located at 30733 Avenue of the Giants, Scotia, CA 95565.
Founders Grove in Humboldt Redwoods State Park
Here you will find trees of all ages. Some of the trees are over 2000 years old. These trees aren’t afraid of a small fire because they have thick fire resistant bark and they lack resin. ” The greatest accumulation of plant mass ever recorded on earth was a redwood standing in Humboldt Redwoods State Park. This temperature rainforest has seven times the biomass ( living and dead organic material) of that found in a tropical rainforest. ” -Ron Jones
Big Trees Loop Trail in Humboldt Redwood State Park
You won’t want to miss your opportunity to see The Giant Tree in person. It is pretty amazing. The Giant Tree was once known as The Big Tree until a tree was discovered that was bigger than it.
To get to the Giant Tree and Flatiron Tree you’ll first have to climb up on a fallen redwood tree that now serves as a bridge.
The Tall tree is to the right of the parking lot and it was once the tallest tree in the world ( it is 366.5 feet).
Benbow Historic Inn
When you first lay your eyes on the Benbow Historic Inn you’ll see right away that this place is special, unique, and rich in history. You’ll wonder what famous person once stayed here and when you find out that Eleanor Roosevelt, Prince of Jordan, and Cher (just to name a few) actually enjoyed the same Inn you’ll feel like you stepped back in time.
Staying here during the holiday will lift your spirit. It is pure magic here in December.
Here you have twenty two rooms to choose from. Some of the rooms have fireplaces, others have soaking tubs, and a few have private balconies.
We stayed in the Terrace King. Here you’ll have all of the modern amenities. You’ll enjoy eating and drinking outside on the balcony. The view of the stone bridge and Benbow gardens are breathtaking from the balcony.
If your like me and you love quality over quantity food then you’ll love eating here. Everything we put in our mouth was rich in taste.
Located at 445 Lake Benbow Drive, Benbow Garberville, CA 95542.
Benbow State Recreation Area
The stone bridge is beautiful here and the small lake is perfect for rock skipping.
Located at 445 Lake Benbow Dr, Garberville, CA 95542.
Transformed Trees
Shrine Drive Thru Tree
Driving through a living tree is an experience that should be on your list. You will literally be driving through history. Who knows how long this tree will still be standing.
Have you always wanted to drive over a fallen redwood log? Well, you can do that here.
Here you’ll find two adorable tree houses that are made out of Redwoods. You’ll be tempted to climb into one of them and look out of the heart shaped windows.
To enter it costs $10 per car. If your walking in you’ll only pay $3. Don’t expect anyone to sit at the booth. Also, bring exact cash to put in the box or you’ll be overpaying.
Located at 749F+8W Myers Flat, California.
One Log House
If your driving by, the One Log House will get your attention. This 2100 year old redwood has been transformed into a log house. It has a white door in the front with two small rectangles that lets light in to the log house.
Inside you’ll find a table with chairs to enjoy a meal, two long beds, and a sink with a stove near it. You won’t find a bathroom here but I suppose that’s what an outhouse is for. Shower? Nope, you won’t find that as well.
This log house used to have wheels on it. Can you imagine everyone taking pictures and pointing at you while you traveled around the United States?
Located at 705 US-101, Garberville, CA 95542.
Thank you Benbow Historic Inn for hosting our wonderful stay.
Thank you for reading our blog post.