The Coast (Part I)

With an unexpected Friday, the 5th off for Eric, we scrambled to put together a four day mini-vacation. Destination: north coast of California to play at the beach and then head to the Redwoods. We know we have to take advantage of all the amazing opportunities this state has to offer. We were able to cross two off our "to-do" list in 4 days. It was a a bit of a travel to get to our destination but we were convinced it would be worth it once we arrived. 

We started out our trek north from Marysville driving through rows and rows of orchards. We passed so many peach trees full of peaches. everywhere we looked there were fruit stands. We eventually had to stop and purchase fruit and nuts for the car ride.

We made it to the town of Eureka later in the afternoon. We planned to watch fireworks over Humboldt Bay since it was the 4th and we needed to celebrate. Neither of the boys remembered fireworks since last year we missed out on all 4th of July activities due to a very bizarre sickness called Hand, Foot and Mouth.

But before the fireworks we walked on the boardwalk and stumbled upon a carnival. Of course we had to do a few rides!

The fireworks were awesome! We watched them right off the boardwalk in a patch of grass and luckily had a nice blanket to stretch out on. It was pretty cool that evening so we were all snuggled up. 

The next morning: BEACH!

Mad River Park was our first stop. We walked the sand dunes and made our way closer to the ocean. Everyone was so excited and then, there it was. The beautiful, vast, powerful sea!

Kaleb was blown away! He saw it and proclaimed "WOW!" 

Buckets and shovels in hand - away he went.

The water was COLD but it didn't stop us from getting a little wet.

We scoured the beach for shells. We found lots of giant clam shells and a few broken sand dollars.

And sea weed!

It was so windy. because we are rookie sea-go'ers we weren't prepared for the wind or the dampness. After being there a few minutes I could taste the salt on my lips. We couldn't tolerate it for too long, though we certainly tried! Poor Eric hauled our cooler and chairs all the way down and we ended up having to leave to go eat lunch elsewhere. 

We headed further north to try another beach (Clam Beach) but it was the same conditions. 

So we decided to head north further in hopes of finding a better spot. And boy did we!

Trinidad. A cove. It was beautiful and protected from the wind. We hiked down a steep stairwell and found an oasis awaiting us. 

Gorgeous! 

The boys could have played here for hours! The sand was so perfect. They made castles and tunnels and rivers and mud holes and....you name it, they made it.

Even Eric got into making sand castles!

Just too cute of a picture not to post. 

And, there were California Sea Lions lounging on the rocks. Pretty cool!

Everyone has to do this! It was actually Kaleb's idea because he saw other writing in the sand. 

With much protest, we left to go find dinner. And lo and behold we found an amazing cafe right on the ocean called Seaside Cafe. One can't be on the coast and not eat fish and chips! Kaleb inhaled the clam chowder and gave the fish and chips a valiant effort. 

Jax liked the "chips."

The next day we devoted to the awe-inspiring Redwoods. (But that will be the part II) 

It amazed me that The Redwoods were so close to the ocean. So we got to sneak in some more beaches along the way. We swung into High Bluff Overlook near Klamath.

Steep cliff. Very nervous mommy - but I will be blowing this picture up because I think it's the perfect picture. My 3 boys and a beautiful backdrop. ( and they're all holding hands)

I could breath in this seascape all day!

Quick snack break then off to find some dinner!

We couldn't resist the seafood and decided to go for a second nite of fish at a different restaurant.  Kaleb ordered his very own bowl of clam chowder again. And loved it, even though he made a connection in his brain that he was eating clams!

Then we hurried across town to the beach to see the last of the sunset. 

And play in the sand, and listen to the waves, and smell the salt.

And feel the mist on our faces one last time.

And climb big rocks.

And out run waves.

And spend time together - just being a family.