A little blog keeping – congrats to the winner of the Browns ticket giveaway – Sarah Z! In case you’re wondering, her response to favorite tailgate food was, “Buffalo chicken dip is a must for every game day! Extra franks and tortilla chips!”

After our few hours in Portland, it was time for us to visit the Redwoods. We left Portland pretty early and drove down the highway, noshing on some of those amazing (and sickening) Voodoo Doughnuts, knowing we had a few hours before we’d finally reach our destination. We decided to go hiking near Jedediah State Park. After stopping off at the welcome center and chatting with the Park Ranger, we figured we’d hike the 5ish mile Boy Scout Trail that would take us to the famous Boy Scout Tree. I had seen the photo of the Boy Scouts in front of this huge tree and knew we just had to see this humongous tree. How could a tree be that big?

Boy Scout Tree!

The hike was gorgeous. It was labeled “intermediate” meaning it wasn’t boring but wasn’t hard at all, and I had no idea how many humongous trees we would see! Tree after tree – they were all SO BIG. We walked leisurely throughout the forest, taking pictures (as true tourists would do) along the way. Seriously, I felt like every second I would be like, “B! Look at THAT tree! WOW!” And then B would go, “Do you want a picture?” To which, of course, I’d say, “SURE!” And we’d stop and take a few photos. Then we’d pass another HUGE tree and I’d be like, “B, look at that tree! It’s huge!” and the pattern would continue.

B in front of the path

goofing around

along the hike

BIG TREES

We did this for a while. Then suddenly we hit a small waterfall, and the trail ended. At this time, we were surrounded by only a few somewhat big trees – but nothing impressive. I mean, sure they’d be impressive by Cleveland or New York tree standards, but compared to Redwood trees? Meh. I couldn’t believe it – had we missed the Boy Scout Tree? Was it not labeled? Was it one of the trees we had passed but didn’t realize it? Ugh. B walked around a few areas that looked like they could be part of the path (including climbing up the waterfall – yipes – and across a fallen large tree stump which could have been a trail?) but we saw nothing. We finally turned around and started hiking back. I couldn’t believe we hadn’t seen the Boy Scout tree on the Boy Scout Trail.

and this is where the path ended?

As we walked back, after a few minutes B saw what looked like an unmarked part of a skinny trail that strayed off the main trail. He decided to follow up the trail – and lo and behold – the Boy Scout Tree!!! Yes, a SUPER large tree, with a faded sign that read, “Boy Scout Tree” was up the hill apart from the main trail. We were THIS close to missing it! But we didn’t – thank goodness.  But if you read nothing of this post, know this – the Boy Scout Tree is not directly on the Boy Scout Trail. My job is done.

standing in front of the famous tree

B climbing the Boy Scout Tree

We hiked around some more, drove around through the amazingly big trees and ended our day with a dinner in the cute town of Eureka, California. Never been to Eureka? It reminded me of a small East Coast town, like somewhere in Maine or even Cape Cod – lots of restaurants, shops, and a mix of tourists and townies along the water. We enjoyed some delicious fresh seafood and ice cream – so good after our day of hiking – before calling it an early night for our first night in California!

we found the ocean!

Eureka!

dinner in Eureka – fresh fish!

Miss recaps from the beginning of m trip? Start here: Scenes from Vacation … First Stop, Seattle! Next Stop … Portland! (subtitle: 5 things to do in Portland)