Big Basin Redwoods

Visiting Big Basin State Parks has fluttered in my mind for about 2 years. Every now and then, I'd look at a map and think about going, so when some friends planned a one-night camping trip there and invited us, I jumped at the opportunity. Yes please! I can't believe we haven't gone sooner. It was easy to get to - no traffic, and didn't take too long at all. Best of all, Big Basin did not disapoint me in the least. It exceeded my expectations. It was lush and beautiful. A coniferous jungle that literally put a spring in my step as I walked through it. Seriously. Take me back there! The weather was a pleasant temperature the entire time we were there, although we were blessed with rain through the night, drizzles in the morning and then a downpour to pack our tent up in. I say blessed because the rain brought out the banana slugs, a creature I had never heard of before this past weekend. The kids loved going on hunts for the fruity slugs as well as salamanders. Greta surprised us by being willing to hold a salamander. It was totally outside her comfort zone, but she did it! 

We had another interesting experience with a different type of animal - a racoon. We had been told they're spirited but found out first hand when one of the little beggers stole a grocery bag of smore supplies from the table we were eating our dinner at (in the dark), only a few feet away from a human being! Talk about courage and a good eye for the good stuff. Greta has repeatedly told us the story of the monster, named racoon, stealing our marshmallows and taking them home. 

I love, love, loved being in the redwoods! Camping on that hard ground with very little sleep was so worth it!