Something To Do

John and Jo got a little tired of being housebound in our stormy weather, so when the first break came they decided to ride down Highway 101 and visit the Redwoods. John did remember to take his camera and today you get to share his pictures with me. This is one of my favorite roads, highway 101, going south towards Crescent City, California some twenty seven miles from here. This particular stretch of the road has a feeling of serenity as there are huge redwoods on either side, and the smell of pine brings about a sense of clean air as you take a deep breath and relax. The little city of Crescent City appears too soon and the air of business takes over until you get to the other side of the city and start driving up into the curving highway into a grove of Redwood trees that are a bit of heaven on earth. The forest is thick and deep and soon you are riding along with an ocean view as well.

Here is the Paul Bunyan statue that tells you that you have arrived at the entrance to the Redwood Park. There is a well stocked gift store with an ice cream bar, but best is the Indian museum within that tells a history of the people and the area.

Look up . . . yes, to the top of a redwood tree, one of the huge magnificent trees so old and graceful. Whoever said getting older and wider is not beautiful? The many redwoods point out what patience and beauty is all about. This is a wonderful place to visit and the tram ride up into the tree tops is a treat. It really doesn't matter how many times you visit this area, the trees have a magic spell that calls you to come back and relax in their magnificense.

Meanwhile over in the bay the sea lions laze in the fog and mist. This fellow decided he had enough of their company so took off on his own and is just a few feet from the parking lot. How he managed to climb up and bask in the greenery is any ones guess. I love the expression which has a haughtiness all its own.

This is where the loner should be, but look how crowded they are on one piling. No wonder the loner took off to bask on his own. There is another piling without a sea lion on it but they ignore it for brotherly love and togetherness . . .um. . . seems we know folks like that and it makes our world go around.

Our community helpers get out here to Azalea Park every year and light up every tree and bush and shrub they can find. The rain does not stop them and they do a tremendous job of making the park a special Christmas stop. Come to think of it the rain doesn't stop the people either as they put on their raincoats, carry an umbrella and slosh through the pathways to see all of the wondrous fairly land of Christmas lights. The snack bar is open and the hot chocolate and cookies await the folks who appreciate all the work and enjoy the wonders of the Christmas lights.




So today, January 1, 2011, a Saturday that feels like a Monday, enjoy the rest of your holiday. Hopefully you didn't overdo the midnight buffet or the toasts to the new year with eggnog. I didn't make it to the midnight Time Square ball dropping on television . . . by eleven thirty the eyes were heavy and sleep seemed more important, maybe it was that finger glass of brandy that I drank when I said goodnight to Jo and John and wished them love and blessings to count in the New Year. When you get to be an octogenarian you can sit quietly and sip your brandy and remember so many New Year eves that you danced the night away in good company, and the memories of sharing a kiss at midnight with the love of your life. See, the half hour to midnight was not wasted, even for a second . . . who needs to watch a ball drop to celebrate the arrival of a brand New Year. . . It is here!!! Make it the best one yet . . . it is yours to do!!! Hugs to all----- and I wish each and everyone a HAPPY NEW YEAR!