One of the scenic drives in Redwood National Park is deserving of a post all on its own. When I stop at the Kuchel Visitor Center, I am given one of the typical NPS foldable brochure maps. As I am asking the ranger for information, I happen to notice a picture on the back of the brochure. My next question is “How do I get THERE??”

Bald Mountain Road is about 20 miles outside of Crescent City. The road starts out as two-lane, but midway changes to a bumpy gravel road. I have just finished the Stout Grove hike when I decide to try to find the lupine meadow I have seen in the park brochure. The sun is beginning to set, and fog is rolling in so I am losing light fast.

Once I hit the gravel road, I start to question whether or not the drive is worth it. I contemplate turning around, as it gets dark FAST in the forest, when I come upon a clearing with a couple of elk beside the road! I forget where I am, and stop dead in my tracks in the middle of the road. As I am stopped, a man comes by from the opposite direction and says “Keep going! There’s a whole herd on the other side of the hill!” I crest the hill and pull over to watch these curious creatures for a while, both of us staring back at each other, waiting for the other to make a move. But it is getting darker quickly, so I must press on.

I drive the gravel road through very thickly wooded, dark forest, then begin to climb a hill up toward a ridge. As I crest the hill, I see unfolding in front of me a small gravel ribbon of a road lined with fields of purple on both sides. In the distance are verdant green trees against darkening shades of mountains with drifts of fog overtaking. It is a scene that takes my breath away.

Just as with the Texas bluebonnets, the lupine doesn’t really smell all that fragrant on its own. But put them in a thick field, and the perfume is intoxicating. I suspect it is even more so due to the thick air of the fog overhanging. Once again, I find myself in an enchanted heavenly place all alone, left with the surreal feeling that if this is a dream, I hope it is a reoccurring one.

Jedediah State Park is only 10 miles from Crescent City, and if you want to drive the 10 mile scenic Howland Hill road, then you must pass through Crescent City, or double back over the pot holes a second time. I had been through on my way to the State Park, where I stopped along the shoreline to take advantage of a strong AT&T signal to call my Dad to wish him a happy 93rd birthday, and grab a bite of lunch. While standing at the counter, I happen to notice a row of postcards featuring a picture of a lighthouse. As a self-proclaimed “Lighthouse Nut,” I must beat a path to any beacon along the coast.

The Battery Point lighthouse, built in 1856, is one of the most unique structures I have ever visited in that it is on an islet, only accessible at low tide. I ask the waitress for directions on how to reach the lighthouse, and she tells me they offer tours. She says, “If the road is underwater, no problem, just bring a pair of water sandals.” When I arrive, it is high tide. Water sandals??? How about a pair of pontoons?? I note the tide chart in the parking lot, as well as the time for the organized tours, and plan to return the next day during low tide.

High Tide

Low Tide

As I climb the small flower-strewn hill, I am immediately head over heels in love with this place. I am welcomed by the friendly, helpful volunteers, who usher me into the “parlor” where they tell me they have a more in depth tour for us “Lighthouse Nuts.” As we move from room to room, I marvel at how adorable the little house is, filled with charming antiques, with knock-your-socks-off views from every window. (No photos inside the house, sorry.)

Original Fourth Order Fresnel Lens is down in the gift shop.

It is when we are in the master bedroom, and I am looking at the leather chairs facing the big window overlooking the craggy bluffs below that I learn….these volunteers LIVE here! She is showing me her bedroom! OMG!!!! Where do I sign up?? Give me a pen NOW!!

There is a waiting list until 2017 for the one month shifts. They want couples, because of the work effort required to maintain the grounds and house. That gives me two and a half years to recruit. “SWF ISO fellow Lighthouse Nut. Must have own lifeboat and be able to row.” 😉

A few left-over scenes from Trinidad, CA, that didn’t really fit anywhere else…

Trinidad Memorial Lighthouse, replica to memorialize those lost at sea.

Hot Clam Chowder and Cold Anchor Steam from Seascapes on the Pier

Some kind of flowering vine on Trinidad’s public beach…

My first west coast sunset, Trinidad, CA