Day 12: Fairyland!

Our journey into fairyland continued today! Even Mike (somewhat) joined in, proof that either I, or this amazing forest, is having an impact on this man.

We started the day by getting up early, packing up, and heading in to Kuchel Visitors Center to get an access pass to Tall Trees Grove, an old-growth forest that houses (guess what) some of the tallest trees in the world. Check some of our pics below for just how large they were. It's hard to describe the height, but some of them are well into the 300+ ft. range. It was about a 4 mile (supposedly) strenuous hike in and out. Apparently not strenuous enough for this guy, however, since he felt the need to run uphill on the way out! I just hobbled behind on my injured knee, grandma-like.
 

Tall Trees grove (And Mike showing off)


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Apparently these are called goose pens.  They can also be used as Jamie pens!























































Or Mike pens, although I don't think he'd stay for long.







We unfortunately had to leave fairyland to set up camp and have lunch down the road at Big Lagoon (a... wait for it... big lagoon, creative Californians!). Here we got to play my favorite game... Find the Can-Opener! Mike thought he would put it somewhere safe, which of course he forgot. I tore the entire car apart, just for him to find it inside the burner. Uh-huh. At least I got to rearrange the car, his organization was not working for me. 

Looking for the can opener


 

See, I put it somewhere I'd remember... I just forgot!
















After all that work we headed back to fairyland at the amazing Fern Canyon, a large canyon whose walls are covered in ferns. Not sure why I felt the need to explain that!
I took a wrong turn on the trail and we ended up hitting the coastal trail again, but it led to some elk on the trail, so I guess it was a worthwhile detour.
Tomorrow, we're headed somewhere for a shower (it's past time!) and then on to Yosemite. I think I'm more excited for the shower. Mike's even promised to change into a new sleeveless shirt!


Cheers to summer!

Fern Canyon



Mike had just asked if I wanted him to take a pic of me.  I said no. 
Then a couple asked if we wanted our pic taken together... he
started to say no, but I quickly cut him off and gave them the camera.
He looked at me like I was crazy... silly, I wanted a picture with you!



Feeling tiny!

A river near Tall Trees Grove.  Mike always finds water!