RV Trip to Washington, Fall 2021
Day 2, Hollister to Garberville, California September 7, 2021
After a good night rest at the Casa de Fruta RV Park where we had the whole section of the campground to ourselves, we were ready to hit the road and continue our drive up north. This is going to be a long day of driving as we planned on driving all the way up to Garberville area. We did not make reservations for the night and thinking of checking some campgrounds before we decide on where to stay. This is not traveling season and we figured that it would not be too hard to find a camping spot along the way.
Our very private camping spot at Casa de Fruta.
Driving in San Francisco is not an easy task, especially this time with the RV. We did not want to make any stop along the way through town since parking could be a huge problem. We also needed to avoid the hilly areas near downtown which could complicate matters. We have been to San Francisco plenty of times and we did not mind missing all the major tourist attractions on this trip. The route we picked would be the easiest and most direct way to travel through this big city. The 101 North then switched to 280 West near San Francisco Airport, then onto Hwy 1, going through the Sunset District - then meeting back with 101 before crossing the Golden Gate Bridge worked very well for us. After crossing the Golden Gate Bridge (free if going north), we made a brief stop at the Vista Point for lunch and took in the beautiful views here.
Designated parking spaces for RVs and buses made this a very convenient place to stop.
Horseshoe Bay
Too bad the bridge was covered by thick fog this morning.
The Lonely Sailor Statue at the Vista Point.
This Vista Point is also a good parking area if you want to walk the bridge.
The rest of this day was spent driving up north and I did not get any photos on the way other than the videos that we captured throughout the day. After checking a campground in Willits, we decided to continuing on our drive since it is a very small and rundown campground with not much amenities.
By the time we reached Garberville and found the Richardson Grove RV Park where we have stayed before, the office was already closed. We just picked a spot and hooked up for the night. There were plenty of spaces in the campground but we just picked a spot near the office. That was when we discovered that we had a flat tire.
There is a gas station right outside the campground so I went in and asked them if service is available. I was told that there is a tire shop about 9 miles further up if we can get there. Now I wonder why I did not think about calling AAA for emergency service?
Anyway, there was nothing much we could do ourselves but just wait until the morning and see what we should do. Fortunately, it looked like the tire was just a little flat and not all the way gone.
(Video for this day that covers our route is here.)
Day 3, Garberville to Crescent City, California
September 8, 2021
It was nice getting up in the morning at this quiet campground. The traffic out front which is Highway 101 was a little noisy but it really did not bother us that much. After breakfast, we checked the tire and it looked like it was OK to drive a little further down. We just had to go slowly and carefully. When we got to the little town of Garberville, we had to take another smaller road to the town of Redway and that was where we found Redway Tires. We were prepared to pay big money to get the repair done or getting new tires.
Verne, the gentleman we met at Redway Tires, was really helpful and kind. First, he told us that they didn't have the kind of tires we needed. That made my heart sank. Then, he checked all our tires and fixed the problem. He said we did not need new tires because it was just the little valve that was crooked and causing the leak. He worked and checked on the tires for an hour, got us the new valve, and only charging us $10. I was totally shocked at his honesty. Of course, we paid him more than he asked for. What an angel! May God bless him as he continues serving the community. Don't we need more people like Verne!
Getting the repairs done.
Perfect!
It was quite a relief when we drove away from Redway and Garberville. God has a way to answer our prayers and watching over us. Now, we are ready for our adventure.
(Video of the Richard Grove RV Park and the morning getting the tire fixed here.)
Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Eureka
From Garberville, we drove past the Avenue of the Giants which we have visited before and continued on to the coastal town of Eureka. I have noticed that there is a Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge before reaching downtown Eureka and since we have never been there before, I thought it would be nice to check that out. It turned out to be an enjoyable stop. A short, relaxing place for a quick visit, and it's free.
Entering the Wildlife Refuge.
An excellent place for bird watching.
We did not see much 'wildlife' other than birds and cattle, probably because it was around noon, but the scenery made up for a fun stop.
A stop at the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center of the Redwood National and State Parks gave MOR a chance to take a little nap. Ch and I walked around to the beach and checked out the place where we have been many times before. Except this time around, we were just visiting the exterior of the visiting center instead of going inside the building because of COVID. The park rangers also set up work stations in front of the entrance during work hours.
Information still available outside the building.
The beach was quiet but very windy.
A nature-made wind covering.
Redwood National Park
As always, we like to take the Newton B Drury Scenic Parkway instead of Hwy 101 when passing through the Redwood National Park and stop at places we feel desire. We were running a little late, so we just stopped at the Big Tree trail head, hike the short trail to the trees. Still amazing even after seeing that so many times!
Crescent City, California
We did not have campground booked for the night because there are many choices on the way. There are a few campgrounds near the Klamath River area that we only have to pay half price for because we are Passport America members. But, looking at the time, we felt that we should be able to make it to Crescent City, and possibly make it for dinner at the Chart Room, our favorite restaurant in that city. After making a call to the Lighthouse Cove RV Park at the last minute, we went straight to check in and made it just in time before they close the office for the day.
After finding our site, instead of setting up camp, we headed out again to the Chart Room for dinner. There were quite a few customers waiting in line at that hour and we happily joined in. We have missed this place a couple of times because of their opening hours so we were happy that we made it this time. With the busy business they had, the wait was a little long but we were able to enjoy the sights of the sea lions off the harbor.
Sea lion colony off the pier.
To-go orders only but they have picnic tables outside.
As for us, it was too windy and cold sitting outside so we brought our food back to the RV and enjoyed this delicious meal.
A short drive back to the campground and we set up camp at the water-front site with the beautiful view of the bay. The only negative was that the fog horn at the harbor was blaring all night long. I guess it's something they had to do to avoid any mishap out at sea.
Our site at the Lighthouse Cove RV Park.
We could even see the Battery Point Lighthouse across the bay.
The beach a short hike down.
What a day we had! Fixed the tire, enjoyed the Redwood forest, and the beach, a great seafood dinner, and ending with a neat camp site in town. What else can we ask for?!
(Video of this part of the trip here. )
"Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be my people. Walk in all the ways I command you, that it may go well with you." -- Jeremiah 7:23