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From Bandon, we headed south toward the Redwoods, making a stop at Natural Bridges in the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor to take in the views. There is a path down to walk on the bridges, but not only had it rained and was muddy, but it was STEEP. We opted not to hike down, which felt like the responsible choice given recent injuries and general clumsiness. We were able to take beautiful photos from the viewing platform and did not require possibly needing to call for a rescue.
Before we got to Redwood National and State Parks we stopped at Trees of Mystery in Klamath, which was interesting in the best way with giant statues of Paul Bunyan and his Blue Ox Babe, gondola rides, and a dedicated museum that you can tour and learn about indigenous communities.
As we continued towards the Redwoods, there was a brief moment of confusion when our GPS brought us to Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park instead of what we thought was Redwood National Park. It turns out they overlap, which we learned in real time.
We continued on to Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail, which delivered exactly what you expect from the Redwoods. Towering trees, quiet trails, and that feeling of being completely dwarfed by nature. Dogs are not allowed on the trail so unfortunately Tilly had to sit this one out.
The drive to Gold Bluff Beach was an adventure in itself, full of potholes and questionable road conditions, but once we arrived, it was worth it. The marsh crossings, the water, and the freedom for Tilly to explore made it one of her favorite parts of the trip.
We ended the night in Eureka, which was fine for a quick stop but not a highlight.
The next day, we drove to Eugene to fly home. What should have been a straightforward drive turned into navigating black ice and snowy roads, which added a level of stress we were not expecting. At one point, we encountered elk again, and this time Tilly saw them. Her reaction carried through the rest of the day.
At the airport, we prepared for her first flight. Eugene turned out to be the perfect place to test it. Small, calm, and full of kind people who immediately connected with her. She handled the experience better than expected, and we left with a clear understanding of what to work on for future trips.
This trip was everything we wanted it to be. Beautiful, unpredictable, and full of moments we could not have planned.
And through all of it, Tilly remained the most competent one among us.
** Written by Emily **
